Taylor M. Switzer
Natural Resources Communications Student
West Lafayette,IN
Skills
Animal Care and Handling
Animal Diet Preparation
Mammal, Bird, Fish, & Herp Identification
Dendrology / Tree Identification
Public Speaking
Archery
Van Driving
Aseptic Lab Technique
Curriculum Based Teaching
ArcGIS Pro
MS Office
Canva Design
Google Docs
Video Production
DSLR Camera Usage
Intermediate Spanish
Work History
Show Staff
Silly Safaris Inc
01.2023 - 08.2024
- Showcased expertise in animal care and handling.
- Engaged audiences by presenting educational shows featuring diverse species like owls, snakes, and spiders.
- Conducted safe and efficient animal transport across venues utilizing company-own vans (Ford Transit or Honda Element)
- Maintained equipment and facility to keep animal care environment and tools in good working order.
Party Coordinator
Goldfish Swim School
01.2022 - 03.2023
- Taylor was able to become a Party Coordinator at Goldfish due to experience in taking birthday party lifeguard shifts
- Supervised lifeguards on duty and ensured compliance with safety protocols.
- Facilitate event set-up and tear-down, including decorations, equipment set up, and check-ins.
- Ensure participants are informed on safety protocols and waivers are signed.
- Adapted party tasks dynamically to meet family-specific needs.
Deck Supervisor
Goldfish Swim School
01.2022 - 05.2023
- Transitioned into Deck Supervisor role after gaining teaching and lifeguard experience.
- Utilized techniques, regulations, teamwork, and social confidence to evaluate student progress and match skills with appropriate classes.
- Led pre- and post-shift huddles informing a staff of daily updates to enrich customer experience.
- Assessed chemical levels to ensure pool safety.
- Ensure up-to-date certifications of staff such as Lifeguard Training, CPR, and First Aid.
- Documented and reported safety-related concerns or incidents.
Deck Teacher/ Lifeguard
Goldfish Swim School
01.2021 - 05.2023
- Certified through Ellis & Associates in First Aid, CPR/AED, and Shallow Water Lifeguarding.
- Enforced safety regulations and provided assistance in emergencies.
- Maintained alertness and adaptability for various responsibilities.
- Efficient problem-solve in stressful situations.
- Facilitate parent-teacher communication regarding student progress.
Swim Teacher
Goldfish Swim School
01.2021 - 05.2023
- Underwent training to master curriculum for swim instruction targeting children aged 9 months to 12 years.
- Delivered age-appropriate communication during 30-minute sessions to maintain effective pacing.
- Assist in set-up, tear-down, and maintenance of daily equipment.
- Provided progress updates to parents after sessions.
- Supervise students to guarantee a safe swimming environment.
Producer
Olio Road Productions - Hamilton Southeastern Highschool
08.2022 - 05.2023
- Directed operations of a student-led group specializing in the production of feature-length films.
- Facilitated weekly meetings, department planning sessions, and on-set activities to ensure efficient workflows.
- Managed problem-solving initiatives to address challenges and streamline production operations.
- Created cohesive team schedule to ensure task completion within deadlines.
Actor
Olio Road Productions - Hamilton Southeastern Highschool
09.2022 - 05.2023
- Developed confidence performing in front of the camera while handling technical tasks.
- Worked on set for 3 to 10 hours each day.
- Collaborated with cast and crew to create an engaging story on-screen.
- Memorized and enhanced dialogue from a script using creative thinking.
- Worked closely and effectively with a small team.
ZooTeen Volunteer- Camp Assistant
Indianapolis Zoo
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Dedicated over 85 hours to volunteering as a ZooTeen throughout the 2022 season.
- Assisted counselors in supervising camps accommodating up to 50 children.
- Guided tours while teaching animal facts and habitats using artifacts such as bones, pelts.
- Led interactive games and craft activities.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Agriculture
08.2024 - Current
- Major: Agriculture and Natural Resources
- Minor: Wildlife
- Honor Roll, Fall 2024
- Dean's List, Fall 2024
- Professional Development: The Wildlife Society, Chapter Member
- Extracurriculars: Purdue Performance Collaborative, Archery Club Member, Purdue USA Archery Team Member
- Relevant Coursework: Soil Science, Natural Resource Information Management, Wildlife Identification Dendrology, Speech, Video Production, ArcGIS Pro
- Study Abroad: Costa Rica - Natural History
Bachelor of Science - Biology
08.2023 - 05.2024
- Minor: Digital Media
- Relevant Coursework: Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Statistics, Calculus Spanish (Intermediate II)
- Professional Development: Women in Stem Professions Member, Project Success Member
- Extracurriculars: Student Improv Troupe Member
- Transferred in May 2024 to attend Purdue University, no degree earned
High School Diploma -
08.2019 - 05.2023
- Relevant Coursework: Microbiology, Zoology, Genetic
- Completed AP courses in Biology, Microeconomics, & Literature and Composition
- Extracurricular Activities: Olio Road Productions, Drama Club
Timeline
Purdue University - Bachelor of Science, Agriculture
08.2024 - Current
Indiana State University - Bachelor of Science, Biology
08.2023 - 05.2024
Show Staff - Silly Safaris Inc
01.2023 - 08.2024
Actor - Olio Road Productions - Hamilton Southeastern Highschool
09.2022 - 05.2023
Producer - Olio Road Productions - Hamilton Southeastern Highschool
08.2022 - 05.2023
Party Coordinator - Goldfish Swim School
01.2022 - 03.2023
Deck Supervisor - Goldfish Swim School
01.2022 - 05.2023
ZooTeen Volunteer- Camp Assistant - Indianapolis Zoo
01.2022 - 12.2022
Deck Teacher/ Lifeguard - Goldfish Swim School
01.2021 - 05.2023
Swim Teacher - Goldfish Swim School
01.2021 - 05.2023
Hamilton Southeastern High School - High School Diploma,
08.2019 - 05.2023