MADISON DRUSHAL

Currently serve as one of two Research Technicians within the Systems Genetics Core Facility (SGCF) at UNC—providing Collaborative Cross (CC) mice to investigators within UNC-Chapel Hill and other institutions. The CC is a mouse genetic reference population that is widely used in systems biology research and is only available through the SGCF at UNC. In FY 2026, over $15 million in external grant funds received by the state of North Carolina depended on the use of the Collaborative Cross. In FY 2026, the SGCF completed more than 80 orders to investigators at UNC, and more than 40 shipments to external investigators. Duties as a research technician include:

• Responsible for the breeding, maintenance, and distribution of the CC mouse colony
• Assist with various special projects requested by investigators, including the creation of F2 hybrid mice
• Perform tissue collections through tail clipping for the annual QC of all CC strains to confirm genetic purity.
• Maintain accurate record-keeping within multiple databases, predominantly Excel and the SGCF's proprietary colony maintenance software
• Point of contact for all mice shipments within the UNC Chapel-Hill system. Responsible for checking/tagging/creating the manifests sent to investigators

• Implemented plover nest monitoring and habitat management projects on TNC's John E. Williams Preserve and USFWS Audubon National Wildlife Refuge.
• Collected data on breeding piping plover populations, locating nests and recording nest and fledgling successes and failures
• Conducted resightings of banded birds to track plover movement and determine renesting locations
• Managed plover habitat through herbicide applications, raking, and hand-pulling to ensure optimal conditions
• Assist in the creation of new plover habitats through the application of herbicides, brush-cutting, hand-pulling, and prescribed burning

• Collected, planted, and maintained beach vitex (Vitex rotundifolia) cuttings for experiments during the Spring 2020 semester.
• Researched previous literature on coastal dune plant experimentation to find best practices for exposing plants to the stressors of changing soil salinities and drought

• Worked as part of a small team to remove invasive plant species from parks, greenways, and other natural areas through chemical and mechanical means
• Mixed herbicide chemicals in compliance with EPA procedures and protocols
• Utilized backpack sprayers and ATV-mounted spray rigs to apply herbicides
• Used chainsaws and brush cutters to remove larger trees/shrubs/vines
• Created informational brochures for the company to be used in employee education

• Prepared avian study skins to be added into UNCW's ornithology collection
• Performed standard protocols and procedures and recorded data on skins before housing in the collection
• Cleaned and maintained laboratory equipment and assisted with the receipt and inspection of specimens

• Captured and fitted radio collars on greater sage-grouse hens
• Used telemetry to locate radio-collared birds
• Installed and maintained videography equipment to catch predations of nesting hens and eggs
• Surveyed and recorded raptor and raven presence within 2 km radius of designated points to assess local predator activity
• Conducted vegetation surveys of depredated and successful nests alongside randomized points to evaluate habitat conditions
• Collected data on feeding behavior, diet, nesting, breeding, and brood rearing to inform conservation strategies

• Rehabilitated passerines, raptors, and waterfowl through daily feeding, medication administration, and medical care, enhancing their recovery and readiness for release
• Managed and trained volunteer staff, ensuring adherence to rehabilitation protocols and fostering a collaborative environment
• Captured and transported injured birds to the rehabilitation facility, retrieving them from the general public, animal clinics or from their natural habitats
• Educated citizens on local wildlife via public outreach programs and informational events, increasing community awareness and engagement