MEG SCUDDER
Berkeley,USA
Summary
Recent Cal graduate and NSF researcher with extensive experience in natural history museums and field ecological research. Specialized in herpetology and laboratory methods, with published work in New Phytologist and UC Natural Reserves. Committed to advancing conservation biology, data science, and museum education. Experience in laboratory procedures, specimen handling, and data analysis.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Lab Specimen Technician
California Health Department
12.2024 - Current
- Assisted Chris Conroy with specimen preparation of bats donated from California health department.
- Logged samples correctly into computerized tracking system.
- Maintained lab by calibrating equipment and cleaning surfaces and items used.
- Worked closely with lab staff on special projects.
Museum Technician
Museum of Vertebrate Zoology
05.2023 - Current
- Working on NSF-funded 'Ranges' project, utilizing advanced digitization techniques to support biodiversity research.
- Managed and digitized mammal collections for the NSF-funded 'Ranges' project, utilizing advanced digitization techniques to support biodiversity research.
- Developed and maintained databases of vertebrate specimens, ensuring accurate metadata entry and mobilization of trait and range data.
- Assist curation of one of the largest mammal collections in the US, containing over 238,000 skin, skull, skeleton, and fluid-preserved specimens.
- Assist in onboarding of new undergraduate research in data entry and curatorial practices
- Utilized programming languages such as Python or R extensively throughout the internship – applying relevant libraries and frameworks when appropriate.
- Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
Undergraduate Student Researcher
McGuire Lab: Museum of Vertebrate Zoology
08.2023 - 12.2025
- Conducted lab projects on Sulawesi herpetofauna and evolutionary genetics.
- Assisted in genetic sequencing efforts, manuscript reviews, and specimen preparation from fieldwork.
- Completed senior thesis on salamander coloration under supervision of Isaac Krone.
- Participated in lab meetings and project presentations.
Field Assistant
Tarvin Lab Newt Division
08.2023 - 03.2025
- Conducted pit tagging and entered morphological data for UC Botanical Gardens' newt restoration initiatives.
- Assisted with newt collections for PhD research across multiple California reserves during field season.
- Executed dip net collection, sampling, pit tagging, skin swabs, and data collection for species identification.
- Identified specimens as either California Taricha torosa or granulosa species during fieldwork.
- Supported field preparation and takedown activities alongside PhD student Kannon Pearson.
Herpetology Laboratory Research Assistant
Musuem of Vertebrate Zoology
05.2024 - 12.2024
- Supported Carol Spencer in herpetology collections through accessioning and specimen preparation. Facilitated specimen loans and subsampling for research purposes.
- Assisted visiting researchers in locating and accessing specimens effectively.
- Cleaned up biohazards and industrial waste by carefully following optimal safety protocols.
Field Researcher
California Ecology & Conservation Program
09.2024 - 11.2024
- Company Overview: UC Natural Reserve System
- Completed an intensive, seven-week field immersion through the UC Natural Reserve System, focused on ecological monitoring and research methods.
- Designed and executed three independent research projects based on site-specific ecological questions at UC reserves.
- Gained hands-on experience in field data collection, analysis, and scientific communication.
- UC Natural Reserve System
- Presented research findings at conferences and seminars, enhancing the visibility of the organization''s work within the industry.
Field Research Assistant
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
03.2024 - 03.2024
- Contributed to an 11-year ecological monitoring project near the U.S.-Mexico border with Isaac Krone
- Conducted daily vegetation, bug, and Verdin nest surveys, supporting habitat monitoring and species behavior studies.
- Participated in litter clean-up and land stewardship activities in a remote desert ecosystem.
- Implemented GPS technology for precise mapping of key animal habitats and movement corridors.
Field Assistant
The Nature Conservancy
03.2024 - 03.2024
- Supported skink coloration research on private rural lands with Ben Karin
- Facilitated collection, specimen preparation, and morphological measurements of skinks.
- Conducted tail clippings and documented field notes for thorough data analysis.
- Assisted biologists in capturing, tagging, and releasing diverse animal species.
- Gathered essential data to inform population management plans effectively.
Leaf Vein Analyst and Wet Lab Assistant
Macrosystems Ecology Lab
02.2022 - 08.2023
- Co-authored study titled 'Leaf venation architecture balances functional trade-offs across vein scales: evidence for multiple design alternatives', published in New Phytologist.
- Processed leaf vein images utilizing ImageJ and GIMP, enhancing data quality in Macrosystems ecology lab
- Assisted in specimen tracking and facilitated wet lab processes for a Venation project during Summer of 2023, doing tissue digestion, ligand staining, sample preservation, and acetate mounting for the same project.
- Improved with meticulous attention to detail in slide preparation and staining.
- Participated in lab meetings and project presentations.
Curatorial Assistant
Musuem of Vertebrate Zoology
01.2023 - 05.2023
- Assisted staff curator Chris Conroy in accessing, loaning, entering metadata, preparing specimens, and managing Mammal collections and Arctos database
- Enhanced laboratory productivity with timely accessioning of incoming specimens.
- Eventually promoted to work on a National Science Foundation grant for mammal trait data and biodiversity data-basing efforts.
- Assisted visiting researchers in finding specimens and using laboratory and curatorial work spaces.
Food and Beverage Attendant
Café Intermezzo
09.2021 - 05.2023
- Delivered exceptional service even under high-pressure situations, (lines that often went out the door) maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, ensuring accountability and proper financial reporting at the end of each shift.
- Adhered to food safety guidelines consistently, maintaining a safe and sanitary working environment at all times.
- Assisted wait staff with timely food delivery and guest requests.
Student Notetaker
Student disability services
01.2020 - 03.2020
- Provided academic support by preparing detailed notes and accessible materials, ensuring ADA-compliant educational content for students with disabilities.
- Collaborated with faculty to enhance learning accessibility and optimize the classroom environment for diverse student needs.
- Conveyed course information via direct readings or recorded audio.
- Helped students with library research by locating resources and specific details.
Education
B.S. - Conservation and Resource Studies, Wildlife Ecology & Natural history Concentration
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA08.2024
Skills
- SQL
- R programming
- Database management & Arctos
- Microsoft dynamics 365
- Museum Methods
- Field research techniques
- Laboratory techniques
- Animal handling
- Academic research
Timeline
Lab Specimen Technician
California Health Department
12.2024 - Current
Field Researcher
California Ecology & Conservation Program
09.2024 - 11.2024
Herpetology Laboratory Research Assistant
Musuem of Vertebrate Zoology
05.2024 - 12.2024
Field Research Assistant
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
03.2024 - 03.2024
Field Assistant
The Nature Conservancy
03.2024 - 03.2024
Undergraduate Student Researcher
McGuire Lab: Museum of Vertebrate Zoology
08.2023 - 12.2025
Field Assistant
Tarvin Lab Newt Division
08.2023 - 03.2025
Museum Technician
Museum of Vertebrate Zoology
05.2023 - Current
Curatorial Assistant
Musuem of Vertebrate Zoology
01.2023 - 05.2023
Leaf Vein Analyst and Wet Lab Assistant
Macrosystems Ecology Lab
02.2022 - 08.2023
Food and Beverage Attendant
Café Intermezzo
09.2021 - 05.2023
Student Notetaker
Student disability services
01.2020 - 03.2020
B.S. - Conservation and Resource Studies, Wildlife Ecology & Natural history Concentration
University of California, Berkeley
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