Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Kathryn McGowan

Vancouver,WA

Summary

Experienced and adaptable professional excelling in wildlife handling, biological research, and animal disease management. Demonstrated expertise in both research and veterinary settings, with a proven ability to thrive as a team member in fast-paced environments. Exceptional people skills and a passion for both animals and human interactions. Comprehensive understanding of animal care, medical procedures, and client communication from previous veterinary medicine experience. Dedicated to contributing to animal health and welfare through both research and practical application in veterinary settings.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Urban Goose Research Data Manager

Franklin College
07.2023 - Current

● Analyzed multi-year data to assess demographics and recolonization behaviors of urban Canada geese; handled and reorganized large datasets; accurately maintained records of updates to datasets.

● Track migratory movements of Canada geese using geolocation data and R-studio.

● Write grant reports and keep project on schedule.

Mallard Ecology Research Technician

Franklin College
05.2023 - 07.2023

1) Expertly handled and banded populations of mallard ducks in urban Indianapolis.

2) Assisted in blood sampling and biological assessments of female Mallard ducks.

2) Conducted population counts and nest surveys across four counties.

Skills: avian handling, sexing, banding, biologcal sampling.

Wildlife Lab Research Assistant

Ball State University
05.2021 - 05.2023
  • Collected fungal swaps, tissue punches, and biological sampling from wild bats infected with white-nose syndrome.
  • Sampled deceased white-tailed deer for chronic-wasting disease and COVID.
  • Expertly and carefully handled hundreds of bats (nine species), small mammals, song birds, and reptiles during wildlife surveys and biological sampling events.
  • Primary investigator for urban wildlife research using bioacoustics and population modeling to assess urban bat behavior.
  • Taught and developed college-level courses and labs on ecology and zoology for upperclassmen.
  • Hired and trained student technicians in research methodology and handling of wildlife.

Urban Goose Research Technician

Ball State University
05.2021 - 08.2022
  • Handled, sexed, and banded populations of Canada geese during molt phase in 2021 and 2022.
  • Conducted pre-season population counts and nest surveys.
  • Worked enthusiastically and effectively with a large group of avian biologists during goose collection season.


Veterinary Assistant (in-training Patient Care)

VCA Animal Hospital (EMPAH)
04.2020 - 04.2021
  • Administered medications, vaccines, and treatments under the direction of the veterinarian and vet techs.
  • Performed basic laboratory tests and assisted in the collection of samples for diagnostic testing.
  • Monitored and recorded animal vital signs, behavior, and progress during recovery and treatment.
  • Provided compassionate Fear-Free care and support to patients before, during, and after medical procedures.

Fish and Invertebrate Intern

Oregon Coast Aquarium
09.2019 - 01.2020
  • Exhibited knowledge of basic care and natural history of aquarium animals.
  • Performed daily diet and cleaning preparations of animal exhibits, assisted with water quality testing and medication administration.
  • Assist veterinarians and staff with medical treatments, assessments, and necropsies for fish and invertebrate species.
  • Accurately maintained all data and written computer records, demonstrated flexibility in a fast-paced environment, and served according to the goals and mission statement of the aquarium.

Bat Monitoring and Wildlife Technician

Indiana Dunes National Park
05.2019 - 08.2019
  • Deployed, collected, and catalogued acoustic data of bats in the National Parks of the upper Midwest to assess health of bat populations due to habitat loss and White-Nose Syndrome.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive wildlife management plans.
  • Conducted extensive field surveys, gathering valuable information on target species abundance, distribution, and behavior patterns.

Lab and Teaching Assistant

Saint Mary's College
07.2018 - 05.2019
  • Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain positive learning environment.
  • Provided care and maintenance for laboratory organisms and equipment and assisted in laboratory set ups and experiments.
  • Provided individual and group tutoring for biology students, and graded student papers and quizzes.

Bat and Hawk Research Technician

Saint Mary's College
05.2018 - 07.2018
  • Conducted group research with visiting scientists on predator-prey behavior for hawks and bats and independent research on echolocation behavior.
  • Organized and analyzed data using various software, and demonstrated correct handling of field equipment and wildlife.
  • Developed unique research questions and protocols for research methodologies.
  • Published first-author and co-author research in several academic journals.

Education

Master of Science - Biology

Ball State University
Muncie, IN
12.2023

Bachelor of Science - Biology, Global Studies

Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, IN
05.2019

Skills

  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Patient Monitoring
  • Vaccine Administration
  • Fear-Free Trained
  • Wildlife Handling/Restraint
  • Biological/Disease Sampling
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Adaptability and Flexibility
  • Team Collaboration
  • Friendly, Positive Attitude

Affiliations

  • The Wildlife Society
  • Midwest Bat Working Professionals
  • American Society of Mammalogosts

Certification

  • Fear-Free Certification (Levels 1, 2, and 3) - VCA Animal Hospitals - 2021

Timeline

Urban Goose Research Data Manager

Franklin College
07.2023 - Current

Mallard Ecology Research Technician

Franklin College
05.2023 - 07.2023

Wildlife Lab Research Assistant

Ball State University
05.2021 - 05.2023

Urban Goose Research Technician

Ball State University
05.2021 - 08.2022

Veterinary Assistant (in-training Patient Care)

VCA Animal Hospital (EMPAH)
04.2020 - 04.2021

Fish and Invertebrate Intern

Oregon Coast Aquarium
09.2019 - 01.2020

Bat Monitoring and Wildlife Technician

Indiana Dunes National Park
05.2019 - 08.2019

Lab and Teaching Assistant

Saint Mary's College
07.2018 - 05.2019

Bat and Hawk Research Technician

Saint Mary's College
05.2018 - 07.2018

Master of Science - Biology

Ball State University

Bachelor of Science - Biology, Global Studies

Saint Mary's College
Kathryn McGowan