Savannah Shelton

Assisted at multiple National Wildlife Refuges including Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge, National Key Deer Refuge, and David Wolkowsky Key (Ballast Key). Worked with telemetry tracking opossums and raccoons in the refuge. Collared GPS trackers and ear-tagging opossums were released and used for telemetry. Worked with crocodile nests and helped collect and mark hatchings. Aided in the necropsy of Burmese pythons and assisted in the dissection aspect, collection of samples, and scribing data. Helped with shorebird surveys recording any species seen, but specifically looking for Wilson’s plover to record population numbers. Also helped with recording water quality by looking at conductivity, pH, salinity, and temperature for water holes in the Big Pine area. Also assisted in checking 50 cover boards looking for the Florida Keys mole skink and recorded if the skink was spotted. Also assisted with the setting up of minnow traps and collecting fish and helped identify different species. Also conducted routine fire extinguisher checks. As well as creating chemical Safety Data Sheets. While at Ballast Key I am one of two interns living on the 14-acre remote island and responsible for making decisions about the management of the island. While on the island I made decisions for the propagation and outplanting of the nickerbean plant for the endangered Miami Blue Butterfly. General maintenance of the island, clearing pathways of overgrown grass, fallen palm fronds, and fallen coconuts. Conducted marine debris clean-ups of the island and collected hundreds of pounds of debris. In charge of checking solar panel batteries and adding more water if needed. Also responsible for general upkeep of diesel generator and run if solar batteries were to fail. Collected all water for the house using 13,000-gallon tanks filled with rainwater. Was responsible for transporting water from catchment tanks to draw tanks. Working to diminish the iguana population by setting traps and hunting iguanas at night using pellet guns. Also, used trail cameras to determine exact locations of iguana habitats. Also traveled to the neighboring island of Woman Key weekly for more marine debris collection, recording sea turtle nesting tracks, and invasive iguana removal. In addition wrote weekly updates and newsletters to send to supervisors of tasks conducted and completed and included images. Lastly, revised and rewrote SOPs for future individuals on the island. SOPs revised were general upkeep, water collection, solar batteries procedure and troubleshooting, generator procedure and troubleshooting , invasive plant species, and birds in the area.

• Performed statistical, qualitative, and quantitative analysis.
• Worked both independently and collaboratively in fast-paced laboratory environment.
• Reviewed documents and data to identify trends and patterns.
• Maintained up-to-date records of research activities and results for future reference.
• Worked with doctoral student to create graphs from collected data in R-studio and Excel.
• Used the BORIS program to study the behavior of the common coquí.
• Helped construct trials, trial structures, and assisted in testing them.
• Used Reolink cameras for observation of frog behavior to look in both past tense and real-time.

• Responsible for feeding animals to provide necessary nutrients and keep pets healthy.
• Cleaned animal enclosures maintain clean living spaces for pets and prevent spread of disease.
• Minimized animal injury risk by monitoring behaviors and eliminating safety hazards.
• Kept animals clean and free of contaminants to promote optimal health.
• Worked with seven different species of poison dart frogs
• Worked with counting eggs in new clutches frogs produced as well as monitoring progress.
• Relocatedtadpolese from tanks to individual homes
• Worked with frog from the tadpole stage, juvenile, and adult stage.
• Helped create fly cultures for frogs diet.
• Prepared special diets for animals to accommodate specific health conditions and species-specific needs.
• Monitored animal health to quickly recognize signs of illness and injury, seeking necessary medical attention.

• Served meals to residents in accordance with established schedules and dietary procedures.
• Kept all kitchen areas clean, tidy and free of hazards.
• Washed plates, cups, serving, and eating utensils and kitchen equipment in commercial dishwasher.
• Followed all food safety regulations while preparing meals for patients.
• Arranged tray and or table settings with proper tableware, condiments, and tray card.
• Maintained strict levels of cleanliness for tables, floors, and prep areas.
• Added food items, beverages, and utensils to trays and immediately delivered to correct rooms.
• Assisted in maintaining dry storage areas and handling unpacking, dating, and rotating of food and non-food supplies as directed.
• Delivered nourishment and supplements to the nurse station for distribution to specific residents.
• Was responsible for understanding all possible diets and common food allergies.
• Worked with a team of employees and well as responsible for training new hires.