Rachel Saul

Research Technician

• Experienced in the process of developing research strategies and projects independently and with a team.
• Trained in using equipment necessary for the production and processing of venom samples for proteomic study including Reversed-phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography, Lyophilizer, Qubit, and SpeedVac.
• Proficient in basic laboratory tasks such as pipetting and aliquoting
• Collaborated with academic colleagues on areas of shared research interest.
• Assessed data using scientific methods while following all important specifications.
• Interpreted and analyzed research data to draw conclusions on out.
• Have designed, prepared, and presented several research presentations.

Data Analysis

• Performed routine data analysis to correct and verify data entry.
• Competent at assessing a data set to observe trends and determine an appropriate method of analysis.
• Well versed in the performance of basic biostastical analyses, including Chi-square and ANOVA, on a collection of data.
• Prepared and manipulate extensive databases.
• Perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of data.
• Performed assays to support research studies.
• Conducted routine and standardized experiments in controlled settings and obtained useful, valid results.

Laboratory Animal Use and Maintenance

• Care and maintenance of project related animals, such as venomous snakes, centipedes, scorpions, and spiders, including daily/weekly checks, cage cleaning, diet preparation, and feeding.
• Dissections of project species involving the collection of various tissues for genomic analysis and preparation of museum specimens.
• Performed invertebrate venom extraction by electro-stimulation of various species of scorpions, spiders, and centipedes.
• Assisted in the extraction of venom from various viper and colubrid species. – Trained in the sexing of scorpions, centipedes, and spiders.
• Familiar with preserving museum quality snake specimens using formalin and ethanol.

Field Work

• Extensive fieldwork experience collecting various species of venomous snakes, scorpions, centipedes, and spiders across Florida and in Southern Texas.
• Well seasoned in hiking and camping in various ecosystems and under extreme conditions for several hours at a time.

Public and Outreach

• Interacted with the public multiple times a day leading zoo tours and animal talks, both individually and with a team.
• Led tours of the facility to groups of up to 12 customers at a time while answering questions and sharing information about the facility, what we do specifically, and our mission overall.
• Daily gave 10-minute self-prepared presentations to to public with an animal ambassador.
• Assisted in educational outreach programs with head keeper to groups of 20+ children (4-8).
• Collaborated with teammates to develop and practice new presentations.

Care and Maintenance

• Individually responsible for the husbandry of American alligators, colubrid snakes, large boids and pythons, snapping turtles, and most notably, threatened species such as the Florida Pine Snake and Gopher tortoise.
• Prepared and administered food to individual animals based on unique dietary needs.
• Tasks involving the management of rodent colonies.
• Carefully monitored the care and progress of unwell animals and administered topical and oral medication as directed.

Animal Interaction

• Performed animal talks using live animal ambassadors, such as adolescent American alligators, various testudines, and non-venomous snakes species such as corn snakes and boas.
• Habituating defensive non-venomous collection snakes to acclimate them for use as animal ambassadors.

Individual Projects

• Redesigned the manual organizational system for non-venomous snake collection to make a user-friendly and easily modified feeding schedule, which included behavioral assessments and observations, in order to simplify the training of new interns and employees.
• Organized, developed, and led construction of American Alligator outdoor exhibit pond filtration system.
• Improved enclosures and enrichment for various collection animals including American Alligators and pythons.
• Performed various construction projects and repairs to the facility such as re-tiling floors and repairing doors.
• Presented compiled lists of various ideas for the improvement of the facility to supervisors
• Directed various initiatives to provide specific animals with optimal exercise, behavioral support and daily care.