Rey Everard
Hilliard,Ohio
Summary
Passionate environmental educator and conservation professional with a dual bachelor’s degree in Zoo and Conservation Science and Biology, with a concentration in aquarium science, and hands-on experience in conservation education, animal care, field research, and public engagement. Currently serving as a Conservation Education Presenter at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom, where I engage hundreds of guests from diverse backgrounds through interactive science and conservation programming. Experienced in leading educational activities, communicating complex scientific concepts to a wide range of audiences, working outdoors in physically demanding environments, and collaborating as part of a team. Additional experience includes aquarium husbandry, marine and terrestrial field research, and conservation work in South Africa. Enthusiastic about connecting students with nature through hands-on learning, environmental stewardship, and meaningful outdoor experiences.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Conservation Education Presenter
Walt Disney World
Orlando, Florida
06.2026 - Current
- Engaged hundreds of guests daily in interactive conservation education, interpreting wildlife and ecosystems to foster environmental stewardship through Wilderness Explorers Program
- Presented science-based educational experiences to diverse audiences, creating meaningful connections between guests and wildlife conservation..
- Delivered instruction using varied teaching methods for different learning styles.
- Attended professional development workshops and seminars to stay abreast of new trends in education.
Teachers Assistant
Otterbein University
Westerville, Ohio
01.2026 - 04.2026
- Instructed students in proper laboratory techniques, including microscopy, dissection, and ecological fieldwork.
- Provided one-on-one assistance to students needing support with lab protocols and core concepts.
- Evaluated lab work with consistent 48-72-hour turnaround, providing timely feedback to support student learning.
- Facilitated lab operations and guided students through intro to ecology lab procedures to enhance understanding.
Eco- Intern
Otterbein University
Westerville, Ohio
05.2025 - 08.2025
- Cultivated and maintained diverse crops and flowers in campus gardens to enhance aesthetic and ecological value.
- Engaged in community outreach through gardening activities and resources at student-led center to promote sustainability and environmental awareness.
- Supported campus office operations and student services at Otterbein University.
- Organized student records, forms, and administrative files.
Spring Education Intern
Ohio Wildlife Center
Powell, Ohio
01.2024 - 06.2024
- Provided husbandry care for native wildlife species including small mammals, raptors, songbirds, reptiles, and amphibians, ensuring their health through effective animal handling, enclosure maintenance, and feeding preparation.
- Led conservation education initiatives and live-animal presentations, enhancing community awareness and appreciation for wildlife.
- Supported wildlife education programs and outreach events for community audiences.
- Assisted staff with animal ambassador care and habitat preparation.
Fall Rehabilitation Intern
Ohio Wildlife Center
Powell, Ohio
09.2023 - 12.2023
- Assisted with rehabilitation care for multiple species of diurnal and nocturnal mammals and raptors.
- Prepared daily species-specific diets and provided routine husbandry care to support animal health and recovery.
- Implemented enrichment activities tailored to the behavioral and physical needs of various wildlife species.
Assisted with animal handling, enclosure maintenance, and daily rehabilitation operation - Monitored animal behavior and reported concerns to rehabilitation supervisors.
Aquarium Technician
Otterbein University
Westerville, Ohio
06.2023 - 06.2024
- Delivered daily husbandry care for multiple salt & freshwater tank systems, ensuring optimal health for fish, invertebrates, and amphibians.
- Executed routine system maintenance, including cleaning and administering species-specific diets, while monitoring and managing water quality parameters such as salinity, pH, and system stability.
- Troubleshot equipment issues across Otterbein University facilities and classrooms.
- Maintained tools, devices, and work areas using university safety procedures.
Education
Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts - Zoo and Conservation Science & Aquarium, Biology
Otterbein University
Westerville05-2026
Skills
- Conservation and Wildlife education
- Interactive education techniques
- Public speaking
- Youth engagement strategies
- Ecological fieldwork
- Animal care
- Wildlife handling
- Enclosure maintenance
- Species identification
- Animal behavior
FIELD EXPERIENCE
- Otterbein, Westerville, Ohio, Research Thesis Assistant, Westerville, Ohio, 2023-06, 2023-07, Volunteer position to aid seniors with ecological thesis projects., Collected field specimens of amphibians and freshwater invertebrates as well as collecting specimens after experimentation for data collection.
- Oceans Research, Mossel Bay, South Africa, Intern, Mossel Bay, South Africa, 2024-07, 2024-08, Worked in a research team collecting various data in the field, entering data, and analyzing trends in shark ecology., Field work included tagging sharks and rays, beach surveys of shark eggs, trash, and invertebrates.
Affiliations
- Member| Botanical Society of America, Westerville, OH 2024-11/2026
- Member| Aquarium Club, Westerville, OH 2022-11/2026
- Member| Emotional Support Dog Event Group (Otter Paws), Westerville, OH 2023-11/2026
Timeline
Conservation Education Presenter
Walt Disney World
06.2026 - Current
Teachers Assistant
Otterbein University
01.2026 - 04.2026
Eco- Intern
Otterbein University
05.2025 - 08.2025
Spring Education Intern
Ohio Wildlife Center
01.2024 - 06.2024
Fall Rehabilitation Intern
Ohio Wildlife Center
09.2023 - 12.2023
Aquarium Technician
Otterbein University
06.2023 - 06.2024
Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts - Zoo and Conservation Science & Aquarium, Biology
Otterbein University