Download Research Experience - Eco-physlab

Conner Philson
[email protected]
(571) 490 5300
Curriculum vitae
Permanent Address
Current Address
215 Alpine Drive
Jefferson Hall P.O. Box 5293
Leesburg, VA 20175
Radford, Virginia 24142-7618
Education
2015 – Present
Radford University (Radford, Virginia)
Major: Biology, Environmental concentration
Minor: Geospatial Science
Major GPA: 3.7
Graduation: May 2019; Biology B.S.
Research Experience
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The PASSER (Programmable Automatous System for Songbird Ecological Research)
Project: Development of micro-computer enabled feeders and nest boxes for songbird
ecobehavioral research - (January 2016 – Present) – An attempt to use computerized
fabrication practices to develop low cost, field-ready, micro-computer enabled units capable of
conducting many of the observational and environmental tasks of a field researcher. Our overall
goal in this work is to develop equipment that can reliably and independently collect
environmental and behavioral data for long periods of time without direct control or monitoring
by the researcher. When fully emplaced the network will produce multi-modality data sets. I led
the development, design and production of this equipment. (Research mentor: Dr. Jason Davis
[Biology])
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Conservation & Sustainable Management of Appalachian Non-Timber Forest Products
with the USDA Forest Service and Radford University - (June 2016) - Studying Black
Cohosh and its ability to recover after harvesting on a weeklong camping trip in the George
Washington national Forrest. We also created an equation comparing above ground Biomass to
below ground Biomass of harvested plants. (Research mentor: Dr. Christine Small [Biology] and
Dr. Jim Chamberlin [USDA Forest Service])
Academic Awards

Foundation Faculty Award Scholarship awarded by Dr. Jason Davis - (Fall 2016)
Presentations
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Friends of Selu – Donors and Board Meeting - (October 2016)
Accepted Abstract for Poster at SICB National Meeting in New Orleans – (January
2017)
Teaching Experience
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Biology 160 (Introductory Seminar to Biology) Teaching Assistant - (Spring 2016, Fall
2016) – I attended every lecture, taught lessons on evolution, graded papers and tests,
assisted students in and out of class, and held study sessions. (Professor: Dr. Christine
Small)
Prospective Student Biology Representative - (Spring 2016) – Presented my experience
and views on what Radford University has to offer to prospective students. (Presented
with: Dr. Christine Small)
Major Coursework

Ecology and Adaptation (BIOL 131), Cells and Microorganisms (BIOL 132), Genetics
(BIOL231), Forrest and Wetland Ecology (BIOL 476), General Chemistry (CHEM 101 &
102), Environmental Studies (GEOS 140), Biology Mathematics (MATH 119)
Skills/Proficiencies
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Equipment
o CNC machines (Laser and Spindle Bit), 3D Printers (Stratus Mojo and MakerBot
Replicator), Diameter at breast height tape, compass, GPS, Field ID guide, pH
probe, Spectrophometer, centrifuge, titration
Software
o Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, ESRI ArcGIS, ESRI ArcScene, TinkerCAD, JMP, Google
Maps
Techniques
o Point-Centered for forest diversity, Wetland Delineation
Extracurricular Activities
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Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society National Member - (Fall 2016 – Present)
The Wildlife Society Radford University Student Chapter Member - (Fall 2015 –
Present)
Radford University Science Alliance, K-12 Greenhouse Tour Guide - (Fall 2015)
Biology Connections Living Learning Community - (Fall 2015 – Spring 2016)
Job Experience
 Belmont Country Club - (June 2012 – Present) - Lead the outside operations for three of
my four years at the club located in Ashburn, Virginia.
References
Dr. Jason Davis
Department of Biology
172 Center for the Sciences
Radford University
Radford, Virginia 24142
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Christine Small
Department of Biology
179 Center for the Sciences
Radford University
Radford, Virginia 24142
Email: [email protected]