Kaitlyn Okrusch

• Created lesson plans with innovative approaches to science education.
• Conducted laboratory experiments to demonstrate scientific principles and concepts.
• Encouraged critical thinking skills by posing questions that challenge traditional perspectives on science topics.
• Established positive relationships with students, parents, administrators, and other faculty members.
• Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
• Encouraged a culture of respect, curiosity, and enthusiasm for learning within the classroom.

• Observed educators teaching, interacting with students, and managing classrooms to gain insight and understanding of duties and responsibilities.
• Created lesson plans to incorporate mandated topics and include immersive activities for student engagement.
• Observed teachers in classrooms to improve skills and communication.
• Introduced and encouraged a debate-style classroom setting to increase student active participation and critical thinking.
• Implemented question and discussion techniques to encourage student participation and knowledge acquisition.

Science Teaching Methods, Teaching Assistant with Professor Gopal Krishnamurthy, Ph.D.

• Delivered personalized guidance and support to students through one-on-one sessions and facilitated discussions in group settings.
• Worked closely with teacher to strategize and accomplish instructional goals and objectives.
• Tailored teaching methods and resources to accommodate the unique needs and interests of each student.
• Collaborated on designing the course syllabus to include relevant readings, establish organization, and facilitate flexibility.
• Achieved efficiency by organizing and distributing weekly emails pertaining to preparation, questions, etc.

Ornithology Teaching Assistant with Professor Mike Akresh, Ph.D.

• Offered personalized and group guidance sessions to address student inquiries related to assignments, grant proposals, and general concerns.
• Collaborated with teacher to strategize and accomplish instructional goals.
• Enhanced teaching strategies to promote student learning and assumed increased responsibility.
• Facilitated interactive birding outings emphasizing personal engagement, song recognition, and strengthening bonds with fellow participants.

Ornithology Research Assistant with Professor Mike Akresh, Ph.D.

• Played a key role in collecting and organizing data for a groundbreaking pilot study on the Whistling Warbler in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
• Cultivated relationships with individuals in St. Vincent to promote knowledge-sharing and engagement in the Whistling Warbler initiative.
• Qualified and quantified anthropogenic materials used by avian species through dissection of bird nests.
• Led informative sessions on dissecting and bird-banding techniques, promoting awareness within the AUNE community regarding the presence of plastics in avian habitats.
• Proficiently managed extensive data collections through utilization of both Excel and Google Spreadsheets.

• Worked in a dual position for the Missoula chapter of the Clark Fork Watershed Education Program (CFWEP) and the University of Montana Bird Ecology Lab (UMBEL).
• Developed 7th grade intensive, interactive science curricula following NGSS guidelines for MCPS utilizing Osprey as the main model in studying bioindicators, evolution and ecosystems through a place-based learning approach.
• Engaged with visiting students and the general public, educating them on the research being conducted at UMBEL's MAPS Bird Banding Program field sites.

• Provided education to both school groups and the general public on topics such as passerines, raptors, and fall migration through course instruction; contributed to the development of enhanced curriculum materials; facilitated bird demonstrations highlighting various raptor species.
• Crafted instructional materials for at-risk youth residing in the inner city of Duluth.
• Practiced bird handling techniques, conducted banding observations, and proficiently identified various types of birds.

• Supported CFWEP Missoula Director in the development and update of content; contributed to teaching a college level course at University of Montana for the Spring semester.
• Assessed the effects of Superfund cleanup on bird populations at various stages of remedy and restoration by conducting fieldwork, including banding passerines and searching for nests along the Clark Fork River.
• Succeeded in developing strong expertise in various aspects of bird research including data management, mist nets, and bird handling.
• Developed and shared educational content for K-12 learners.
• Developed and presented a comprehensive 4-week unit (Winter Wings) to educate 3rd graders on migration, winter birds, and biodiversity at Lewis & Clark Elementary.

• Planned, designed and executed neuroscience curricula for children and adults from rural Montana towns in collaboration with local 4-H programs.
• Delivered approximately 15 science education sessions and fostered continuous student interaction utilizing remote learning approaches.
• Supported students in the planning and presentation of their science projects.
• Presented at the NIH-SEPA conference in Washington, DC in May 2015.

• Recipient of HHMI year-long grant for research and education in Dr. Seth Walk's Microbiology & Immunology Lab.
• Developed research projects examining the link between Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the Hygiene Hypothesis through helminth experimentation.
• Created and distributed month-long microbiology science curriculum to underserved, rural middle school students in Gardiner, MT.
• Contributed as a presenter to WCBSURC in San Diego, CA.
• Participated in the Montana State Undergrad Research Conference, presenting both a poster and a presentation.