Megan Mech

Assisted the Division of Sea Turtle Science and Recovery at Padre Island National Seashore with a variety of sea turtle science and recovery projects, including a collection of sea turtle nests, sea turtle tagging and sampling, and contributing to stranded sea turtle data, and contributing to ongoing research efforts. Worked on the offshore nest site to ensure nests are tended to and in optimal conditions to achieve high hatch percentages of the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle. Assist in hatchling releases to help contribute to the ongoing conservation efforts of the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle. Performed other tasks pertaining to the job, including but not limited to, recordkeeping of sea turtle information, vehicle inspections, and daily patrolling for sea turtle tracks, nests, and stranded turtles.

Oversaw daily logistics and operations for a large-scale sea turtle recovery program, supporting over 100 volunteers and 40 seasonal staff while managing emergency communications, vehicle coordination, and safety protocols. Conducted daily safety briefings, equipment inspections, and minor vehicle/radio repairs; trained and supported volunteers and seasonal employees on safety procedures, UTV operation, and field protocols. Led and assisted in the training and education of new hires, including delivering presentations, creating training schedules, and conducting hands-on training of various technical skills. Participated in field operations, including patrolling for nesting and stranded turtles, relocating eggs, assisting with hatchling releases, and documenting turtle activity in challenging beach conditions.

Cared for animals in a research laboratory setting and ensured all lab and health protocols were followed to ensure the success of various research projects. Tasks include, but are not limited to, cage sanitation, diet preparation, and colony breeding supervision. Checked animals for various health issues and documented health observations to be collaborated on by the veterinary staff, and performed small-scale procedures such as teeth and nail trimming. Performed various cleaning tasks in and around animal housing rooms to ensure safe working environments for animals and humans that are at USDA, IACUC, and AAALAC standards.

Supervised a team of 10 crew leaders and assistants, assigning work and overseeing project execution to meet program objectives relating to environmental restoration of Cook County Forest Preserves sites. Created and delivered educational programming on various topics within the environmental science subjects. Created multiple lesson plans and interactive exercises for high-school-aged students. Assisted in the preparation, management, implementation, and reporting of the Forest Preserve Experience Program under the supervision of the Program Manager. Oversaw four Cook County Forest Preserve sites and collaborated with 6 Crew Leaders and 4 Assistant Crew Leaders to ensure the safety of the programs. Completed annual reports at the end of each program cycle containing summaries of the restoration data, before and after graphics, and a thank-you to our sponsors. Annual reports would be sent out to program stakeholders and donors.

Oversee all husbandry tasks for hatchlings of the endangered Blanding’s turtles and wood frogs, including feeding and diet preparation, cleaning tasks, and all assignments relating to the overall well-being of the hatchlings that will be future wild releases. ● Independently oversaw the health and welfare of 129 Blanding’s turtle hatchlings, 1 adult, and 13 yearlings by observing feeding and social behaviors and documenting all relevant behaviors. ● Collaborated with fellow animal care specialists to ensure the future health of Blanding’s turtle to ensure the conservation of the species post-release.

Worked with full-time keepers to perform daily husbandry care tasks and positive reinforcement-based training for small carnivores, including Meerkats, Porcupines, Naked & Damarland, Mole Rats, Bush Babies, Black Footed Cat, Bat Eared Foxes, Clouded Leopards, Caracals, Rock Hyrax, Binturongs, Fishing Cats, and Pangolins. Care tasks included but were not limited to exhibit cleaning and diet preparation. ● Learned family planning for the young of Pangolins, Bat Eared Foxes, Binturongs, and Rock Hyrax. Observed the first 48 hours of a Rock Hyrax calf and assisted in care for mother and baby. Assisted in the training of three Bat Eared Fox kits during feedings. ● Organized and conducted a research project focused on how visitors learn about conservation efforts of the Chicago Zoological Society, and how CZS can improve efforts to increase visitor education. Assisted in a pangolin enrichment research project by observing and documenting pangolin interactions with various enrichment items.