Kayla Kennicker
Field Biology
Delmar,IA
Summary
Well-qualified Conservation Biologist knowledgeable about both coastal and terrestrial ecosystems. Successful at developing and conducting field and laboratory tests to investigate diverse topics. Over 6 years of field and lab experience.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Lead Aquatics Field Technician
National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON)
2024.01 - Current
- 80% field oriented, 20% Lab and Office work
- Boat handling skills
- Performed standardized surface water chemistry protocols over multiple sites
- Collected MET station data
- Calibrated and troubleshot SUNA
- Used various water quality sampling and monitor meters
- Performed fish and benthic algae species ID
- Used various lab instrumentation and performed titrations regularly
- QA/QC data
- Prepared and submitted reports to document work performed and provide progress updates to management.
- Read and interpreted technical manuals and schematics to understand systems design and operations.
Biological Field Technician- Short Term Intern
National Park Service
2023.08 - 2023.09
- Performed nightly foot patrols for nesting sea turtles on Buck Island
- Flipper and PIT tagged individuals
- Took biometric measurements
- Took biopsy samples from individuals
- Collected field data
- Performed plant identification
Sea Turtle Nighttime Tagging Intern
Bald Head Island Conservancy
2023.04 - 2023.08
- Patrol beaches for nesting turtles
- Collect biological samples and biometric data
- Relocate imperiled nests
- Excavate nests for success rate
- Maintain field equipment
- Perform public outreach and education
- (PIT) tag nesting turtles
Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Intern
Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital
2023.01 - 2023.03
- Responded to sea turtle strandings
- Performed patient intake
- Performed all animal husbandry duties
- Prepared diet and nutrition for all patients
- Collected bio-metrics
- Assisted with medical
- Assisted with patient releases
Stranding Response and Rescue/Field Intern
New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance
2022.11 - 2022.12
- 100% field orientated
- Responded to marine life strandings
- Rescued ocean sunfish
- Necropsied ocean sunfish, torpedo rays, and trigger fish
- Scouted beaches for injured or dead marine life
Whale Research Intern
Blue Ocean Society
2022.06 - 2022.10
- Collected observational data on marine mammals within the Gulf of Maine
- Collected environmental data
- Worked 11 hour days on whale research boat, in varying weather conditions
- Assisted with whale identification
- Performed conservation outreach
- Organized beach cleanups
- Performed observational research on Basking Sharks
- Presented research at annual symposium
Seasonal Naturalist
Hurstville Interpretive Center
2021.06 - 2021.08
- Worked side by side with Jackson County Conservation naturalists and park rangers
- Performed husbandry tasks for ambassador animals
- Performed diet preparation
- Designed and lead educational camps and public programming
- Performed plant and animal surveys
- Performed invasive species removal
- Attended various learning seminars
Education
Masters of Professional Science (P.S.M.) - Marine Science
UNITY COLLEGE
Unity, ME 2021.10 - 2023.06
Bachelor of Science - Conservation Science
FRIENDS UNIVERSITY
Wichita, KS 2019.08 - 2021.05
High School Diploma -
NORTHEAST HIGH SCHOOL
Goose Lake, IA 2014.08 - 2018.05
Skills
Microsoft
References:
Allison Polinski: Coastal Ecologist at Bald Head Island Conservancy
- Contact Info: allison@bhic.org
- Affiliation: Sea Turtle Internship Teammate
Montana Stone: Medical Lead at Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital
- Contact Info: Montana_stone@brown.Edu
- Affiliation: Intern Supervisor
Nicole Abate: Naturalist at Blue Ocean Society
- Contact Info: nicoleabate1987@gmail.com
- Affiliation: Intern Supervisor
Timeline
Lead Aquatics Field Technician
National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON)
2024.01 - Current
Biological Field Technician- Short Term Intern
National Park Service
2023.08 - 2023.09
Sea Turtle Nighttime Tagging Intern
Bald Head Island Conservancy
2023.04 - 2023.08
Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Intern
Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital
2023.01 - 2023.03
Stranding Response and Rescue/Field Intern
New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance
2022.11 - 2022.12
Whale Research Intern
Blue Ocean Society
2022.06 - 2022.10
Masters of Professional Science (P.S.M.) - Marine Science
UNITY COLLEGE
2021.10 - 2023.06
Seasonal Naturalist
Hurstville Interpretive Center
2021.06 - 2021.08
Bachelor of Science - Conservation Science
FRIENDS UNIVERSITY
2019.08 - 2021.05
High School Diploma -
NORTHEAST HIGH SCHOOL
2014.08 - 2018.05
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