Kristin N. Fratella
Lakeview
Summary
Natural Resource Specialist with extensive experience at ODFW, specializing in data collection and wildlife management. Demonstrated success in population analysis and project coordination, leading impactful research initiatives. Proficient in capture techniques and public engagement, effectively communicating complex findings to diverse audiences while maintaining data integrity and operational efficiency.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Natural Resource Specialist 2, Mule Deer Research Program Biologist
ODFW
Lakeview
05.2025 - Current
- Coordinated data collection and management for mule deer research projects in eastern Oregon.
- Led capture efforts for bobcat, coyote, cougar, and black bear.
- Supervised survival monitoring and capture of neonate mule deer to assess population health.
- Managed field schedules for three seasonal staff, volunteers, and contractors to optimize operations.
- Executed mortality investigations on collared animals to identify causes of death and trends.
- Analyzed capture data, survival rates, and mortality causes to inform wildlife management strategies.
Natural Resource Specialist 1, Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Biologist
ODFW
Bend
10.2024 - 05.2025
- Conduct CWD sampling from hunter harvest, roadkill salvage, and euthanized cervid heads. Maintained sample integrity and storage for all necropsies.
- Conduct CWD database entry and data management.
- Provide information to the public, tribal partners, and other agencies on ODFW, CWD objectives, surveillance, prevention, and management.
- Assist with wildlife conflict calls involving deer, bears, cougars, and wolves, with WCOs and ODFW agents with hounds.
- Assist with aerial surveys for deer, elk, and sage grouse lek counts.
- Compiled and summarized roadkill salvage permit use for a media request.
Biological Science Assistant-Western Pond Turtle Technician
ODFW
Klamath Falls
12.2023 - 10.2024
- Primary duties include monitoring of northwestern pond turtles and their associated habitat alongside the Klamath Dam Removal Project.
- Rescue and relocation of wildlife that are directly impacted by the construction and demolition work.
- Collaborate with project partners, including tribes, construction crews, consultants, and other agencies regarding safety, project management, and best practices to mitigate wildlife disturbance.
- Design and implement a comprehensive life history study of northwestern pond turtle through use of transmitter attachment and monitoring via telemetry.
- Maintained data base for all acquired project data on turtles, bats, and incidental observations.
- Analyze, and process all collected data to develop reports for a variety of collaborative partners on the project.
- Other duties include, assist in PIT tagging of fish and bats, and construct solar powered PIT tag array for monitoring.
Fish and Wildlife Technician
ODFW
Hines
09.2023 - 11.2023
- Conducted habitat improvement projects on department owned land.
- Maintained and repaired guzzlers, buildings, and equipment.
- Assisted in conducting biological inventories and herd composition of deer and bighorn sheep.
- Maintained trail cameras and collected data on wolf monitoring.
- Assisted biologist in response to public calls regarding sick or injured wildlife.
Biological Science Technician-Pygmy Rabbit Project
ODFW
Hines
03.2023 - 09.2023
- Conducted independent meander surveys for population estimates of Pygmy Rabbits and habitat assessment across Northern Great Basin.
- Deployed and maintained trail cameras to verify rabbit presence at burrow locations.
- Operated 4WD trucks and ATVs to navigate remote sites, overcoming challenging terrain and weather conditions.
- Hiked over eight miles daily in various weather while camping in isolated areas.
- Maintained regular correspondence with collaborating agencies and landowners to ensure project alignment.
- Compiled comprehensive end-of-season report based on survey results and relevant literature.
Field Technician, Remote Data Manager and Media Designer
Oregon State University
Corvallis
01.2021 - 03.2023
- Conducted sign surveys for desert bighorn sheep across Mojave Desert using 4WD vehicles and GPS navigation.
- Collected data and specimens while hiking up to 15 miles daily in rugged terrain.
- Filmed, edited, and published training videos on field survey protocols to enhance communication with partner agencies.
- Received extension and expanded responsibilities due to reliability and high performance, including remote data management tasks.
- Consistently achieved progress goals with minimal oversight, producing high-quality data outputs for research objectives.
Biological Science Technician (Wildlife, GS5)
US Forest Service
La Grande
05.2022 - 10.2022
- Worked as a lead technician on a collaborative project monitoring white-headed woodpeckers in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon.
- Assisted in banding, capturing, and radio tagging of 19 birds, and conducted regular nest checks and radio telemetry.
- Deployed audio recording units and game cameras across multiple forests with the use of topographic maps and software such as Avenza, Field Maps, Survey 123, and OnX.
- Managed large data sets and all field equipment throughout the field season, compiled, and provided quality assurance for acquired data from various sources to be used in a centralized database.
- Additionally, I oversaw the schedule, training, and safety of four ODFW interns to accomplish tasks and meet project deadlines.
Lab Technician
Epps Population Genetics Lab
Corvallis
04.2021 - 09.2021
- Executed protocols for DNA extractions from fecal, tissue, and blood samples across multiple species.
- Monitored project progress to meet deadlines while organizing and managing various samples.
- Exhibited strong independence and attention to detail, adapting to changing project demands.
Insect Survey Technician-Seasonal/full time
Oregon Department of Agriculture
Portland
04.2020 - 11.2020
- Performed comprehensive ground surveys assessing invasive insects throughout Oregon.
Molecular Biologist-Full Time
Gene Dynamics
Tigard
02.2016 - 09.2019
- Utilized various methods for gene editing, sequencing, PCR, cloning, gel electrophoresis, plasmid purification, and mutagenesis on a large scale in a fast-paced production environment.
- Assisted and led project and primer design used to create desired sequences or primers used for quality assurance.
- Operated and maintained a mass spectrometer for sequencing alongside a variety of software from SeqMan, and GenBank for mass data analysis and confirmational testing.
Kendell Planetarium Space Science Educator-Full time
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Portland
08.2011 - 03.2016
- Specialized in scientific communication for diverse audiences.
- Maintained equipment to ensure optimal functionality.
- Aided in customer service to enhance user experience.
Education
Graduate Certificate - Wildlife Management
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR01.2021
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Portland State University
Portland, OR01.2015
Associates of Arts - Psychology
Copper Mountain College
Joshua Tree, California01.2011
Skills
- Data collection
- Wildlife management
- Capture techniques
- Population analysis
- Disease surveillance
- Habitat assessment
- Field research
- Technical writing
- Project coordination
- Public engagement
- Environmental assessment
References
- Andrew Walch, Deschutes Supervisory District Wildlife Biologist, (541)-388-6229, andrew.j.walch@odfw.oregon.gov, Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Ontario Field Office
- Philip Milburn, Malheur Watershed District Manager, (541)-889-6975, philip.j.milburn@odfw.oregon.gov, Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Ontario Field Office
- Kalysta Adkins, Regional Diversity Biologist, (541)-388-6363, kalysta.i.adkins@odfw.oregon.gov, Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Deschutes Watershed District Office
Certification
- ODFW Wildlife Capture and Chemical Immobilization training
- ODFW Aviation Safety training
- First Aid and CPR
- Wilderness First Aid
- Oregon ATV Safety Education Card
- Oregon Boater Education
- PADI Scuba Diver
- Oregon Conceal Carry Handgun License
Publications
Aiello, C. M., N. L. Galloway, K. Fratella, P. R. Prentice, N. W. Darby, D. L. Hughson, and C. W. Epps, Highway underpasses offer little fragmentation relief for desert bighorn sheep near Mojave National Preserve, CA, California Fish and Wildlife Journal, 110, e5, 2024
Timeline
Natural Resource Specialist 2, Mule Deer Research Program Biologist
ODFW
05.2025 - Current
Natural Resource Specialist 1, Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Biologist
ODFW
10.2024 - 05.2025
Biological Science Assistant-Western Pond Turtle Technician
ODFW
12.2023 - 10.2024
Fish and Wildlife Technician
ODFW
09.2023 - 11.2023
Biological Science Technician-Pygmy Rabbit Project
ODFW
03.2023 - 09.2023
Biological Science Technician (Wildlife, GS5)
US Forest Service
05.2022 - 10.2022
Lab Technician
Epps Population Genetics Lab
04.2021 - 09.2021
Field Technician, Remote Data Manager and Media Designer
Oregon State University
01.2021 - 03.2023
Insect Survey Technician-Seasonal/full time
Oregon Department of Agriculture
04.2020 - 11.2020
Molecular Biologist-Full Time
Gene Dynamics
02.2016 - 09.2019
Kendell Planetarium Space Science Educator-Full time
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
08.2011 - 03.2016
Graduate Certificate - Wildlife Management
Oregon State University
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Portland State University
Associates of Arts - Psychology
Copper Mountain College