Natalie Richardson
Mascoutah,IL
Summary
Recent biology graduate with experience in a multitude of areas, including horticulture and animal biology. Goal-oriented, hard worker, who is seeking further experience and education. Well versed in animal care, record keeping, and research.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
St Louis Zoo Herpetarium Internship
01.2024 - 04.2024
- Handled and cared for reptiles and amphibians
- Prepared diets for various animals
- Upkeep of prey items
- Cleaned enclosures
- Assisted zookeepers with various projects
- Learned general husbandry for multiple types of animals
- Observed animals for wellness checks and assisted in medical treatments
- Attended zoo employee seminars
World Bird Sanctuary Internship and Volunteer
06.2023 - 04.2024
- Handled and cared for birds of prey such as bald eagles, owls, hawks and vultures
- Prepared raw meat food for birds
- Worked in the nature center
- Learned to hold and fly birds using jesses and a gloved arm
- Worked in the rehab hospital with injured birds and prepared and administered medications
- Cleaned cages and enclosures
- Participated in releasing and catching birds
- Worked in the public viewing display line and the education training center with volunteers, other interns and staff
- Worked in the public admission booth as a cashier
SWIC Greenhouse Internship
SWIC
01.2020 - 08.2020
- Planted seeds and took cuttings
- Repotted and divided plants
- Identified and treated for pests
- Worked the annual plant sale with volunteers and other students
Creative Landscapes Internship
03.2019 - 06.2019
- Unloaded new stock and pulled old stock
- Organized shelves
- Provided customer service and performed cash register transactions
Plant Partners – O’Fallon, IL Home Depot Garden Center
03.2018 - 07.2018
- Unloaded carts and stocked shelves
- Created signing and pricing for shelves
- Watered, pruned and organized plants
- Assisted customers
Education
Bachelor of Science in Biology -
McKendree University
12.2023
Associate in Applied Science – Horticulture -
Southwestern Illinois College
05.2020
Horticulture Certification
Southwestern Illinois College
12.2019
O’Fallon Township High School
05.2017
Skills
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Fast Learner
- Problem-Solving
- Goal-oriented mindset
- Public Speaking
- Research and analysis
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Communication skills
- Attention to Detail
- Multitasking and Organization
Accomplishments
- Graduated Cum laude – Mckendree University 2023
- Sigma Zeta Honor Society member- McKendree University 2023
- Tau Sigma Honor Society member – McKendree University 2022
- Dean’s List 2021-2023 McKendree University
- McKendree University Academic Scholarship 2021-2024
- Cougar Pride Scholarship SIUE
- Metro East Herb Club Scholarship –SWIC 2019
- Collinsville Garden Club Scholarship – SWIC 2020
- Dean’s List 2017-20, Southwestern Illinois College, Belleville, IL
Wildlife And Lab Skills
- Handling and Caring for Reptiles and Amphibians
- Handling and Caring for Birds of Prey
- Identifying Plants and Invasive Species
- Preparing food for birds and reptiles
- Collecting Data in the field
- Recording Data in lab
- Basic Lab skills and safety
- Catch and release of wild animals
- Data Collection pertaining to wild animals
- Observation of animal behavior
- Formatting data into scientific research papers
- Documentation of animal diets
Pertinent Coursework
- Principles of Biology
- Scientific Communications
- Genetics
- Fish Biology and Conservation
- Organic Chemistry
- Fundamental Botany
- Horticultural Diagnostics
- Research and Writing
- General Chemistry
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Ecology
- Biostatistics
References
- Tyler Ryan, Keeper, Charles H. Hoessle Herpetarium, Saint Louis Zoo, One Government Drive, St Louis, MO, 63110, (314) 646-4655, tryan@stlzoo.org
- Tess Rogers, Exhibit Manager, Intern Coordinator, Field Studies Coordinator, World Bird Sanctuary, 125 Bald Eagle Ridge Rd., Valley Park, MO, 63088, (636)225-4390, trogers@worldbirdsanctuary.org
- Kendahl Chergosky, Nature Center Manager and Educator, World Bird Sanctuary, 125 Bald Eagle Ridge Rd., Valley Park, MO, 63088, (636)-225-4390, kchergosky@worldbirdsanctuary.org
- Michael Louison, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, McKendree University, Voigt Science Hall 223A, Lebanon, IL, (618) 537-6096, mjlouison@mckendree.edu
Timeline
St Louis Zoo Herpetarium Internship
01.2024 - 04.2024
World Bird Sanctuary Internship and Volunteer
06.2023 - 04.2024
SWIC Greenhouse Internship
SWIC
01.2020 - 08.2020
Creative Landscapes Internship
03.2019 - 06.2019
Plant Partners – O’Fallon, IL Home Depot Garden Center
03.2018 - 07.2018
Bachelor of Science in Biology -
McKendree University
Associate in Applied Science – Horticulture -
Southwestern Illinois College
Horticulture Certification
Southwestern Illinois College
O’Fallon Township High School
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