Summer Ahlman
Melbourne,Florida
Summary
An adaptable, inquisitive, and resourceful individual with a proven ability to excel in diverse environments and roles. Eager to tackle new challenges and is particularly passionate about animals and ecological issues. Driven to make a positive impact in Florida by assisting in conservation efforts for threatened and endangered species.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Herpetology Internship
Independent, 20 Hrs/week
06.2024 - 09.2024
- Carried out visual herpetofauna surveys in isolated areas in collaboration with other herpetologists to assess the diversity of areas
- Identified, processed, and collected morphological data from captured snakes
- Endured strenuous physical activity and environmental conditions, navigated steep terrain both during night and day in unsurveyed habitats
- Discovered the first records of 1 snake and 1 caecilian species in Thailand, publications pending
- Used knowledge of snake behavior and microhabitat utilization to locate rare species
Animal Cognitive Research Center
Florida Institute of Technology, 10 Hrs/week
01.2022 - 05.2024
- Investigated vocalizations of the black-handed spider monkey at the Brevard Zoo to understand behavior
- Recorded each vocalization in situ and categorized according to social context
- Developed a more robust protocol to fit project needs better, overcoming challenges in developing methodology
- Managed comprehensive databases, ensuring that all data were up-to-date and easily accessible for analysis purposes
- Maintained compliance with relevant ethical guidelines and regulations through careful adherence to protocols
Recreational Aide
Erna Nixon Park, 20 Hours/week
10.2019 - 04.2023
- Assisted in natural resource monitoring efforts to convey status to park managers, county agencies, and the public to improve park management
- Performed wildlife monitoring using scientific supplies such as camera traps and seine netting, recording all occurrences of threatened and endangered species
- Facilitated park operations by maintaining educational program equipment and park maintenance equipment
- Coordinated with local organizations to ensure a working relationship with public and private schools
- Employed invasive plant species management tactics to help mitigate the effect on the environment
- Promoted ecological education through leading tours and developing educational programs for children and adults
- Prepared ecological reports for management regarding status and progress of recreational activities in an office setting
Education
Bachelor of Science - General Biology
Florida Institute of Technology
05.2024
Freshwater Systems Module -
Florida Master Naturalist Program
Skills
- Experimental design and methodology (Opportunistic and Instantaneous scan sampling)
- Biological survey methods (Targeted opportunistic active survey, road cruising, camera trapping)
- Can safely lift 50 lbs
- Crowd management ability
- Protocol and report writing
- Diplomatic nature
- Flexible to changing weather conditions and travel needs
- Collaboration skills
- Knowledgeable on fauna and flora of Florida
- Knowledgeable of Florida’s ecological issues
- Naturalist Interpretation and Wildlife Tracking
- High Emotional Intelligence
- Crowd management
Certification
- Valid U.S. Driver’s License
- Motorboat Operator Certification pending
- PADI Open Water
- CITI Program Courses: Wildlife Research (Curriculum Group and Course Learner Group), Lab Animal Research Stage 1
Hobbies and Interests
- Avid herper
- Enjoys finding and identifying Florida’s native plants and animals
- Enjoys caring for exotic animals
- Enjoys traditional Celtic Music
- Enjoys water activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling
Honorsandawards
- Florida Institute of Technology - Dean’s List Fall 2020 - Spring 2024
- Eastern Florida State College - Dean’s List Fall 2017 - Fall 2019
- Certificate of Excellence from Brevard County Board of Commissioners - 2020
Additional Information
Certifications
- Valid U.S. Driver’s License
- Motorboat Operator Certification pending
- PADI Open Water SCUBA Certification
- CITI Wildlife Research (Curriculum Group and Course Learner Group)
Activities and Volunteering
Expeditions to Andes and Amazonian Rainforest
- Andes, May 2022: Absolute wildlife and plant inventory survey at La Matilde Research Center
- Amazon, June 2023: Ecological and wildlife monitoring
Turkey Creek Nature Center, Palm Bay FL
- Assisted in park maintenance duties such as fixing boardwalks and removing invasive plants
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Cocoa FL
- Performed field assistant duties in the Indian River Lagoon for the Diamondback Terrapin Biological Status Assessment project by checking crab traps, marking and identifying recaptured animals, taking web clippings, wading in the lagoon, riding in a small boat
Timeline
Herpetology Internship
Independent, 20 Hrs/week
06.2024 - 09.2024
Animal Cognitive Research Center
Florida Institute of Technology, 10 Hrs/week
01.2022 - 05.2024
Recreational Aide
Erna Nixon Park, 20 Hours/week
10.2019 - 04.2023
- Valid U.S. Driver’s License
- Motorboat Operator Certification pending
- PADI Open Water
- CITI Program Courses: Wildlife Research (Curriculum Group and Course Learner Group), Lab Animal Research Stage 1
Bachelor of Science - General Biology
Florida Institute of Technology
Freshwater Systems Module -
Florida Master Naturalist Program
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