ERICA CHARNOCK

1400 Martin St., Apt. 1074 University Park, PA 16803 | (412) 508-5274 | ejc5251@psu.edu
EDUCATION
The Pennsylvania State University, University Park
Bachelor of Science, Biology, Ecology option
Cumulative GPA: 3.42
RELATED EXPERIENCE
Behavioral Ecology Research Fellow
San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research
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Conducted an individual research project on the behavior and endocrinology of

Sumatran tigers. Research culminated in presentation, management advice to
keepers, and intent to publish.

Collected behavioral data on 6 tigers through instantaneous scan sampling and

additionally monitored aggression of brother tigers using all occurrences.

Ran statistical tests and analyzed previous behavior data to show change in all
tigers behavior over a span of one year in a new enclosure.

Analyzed the glucocorticoids and testosterone from 120 fecal samples of two
male tigers using a raidoimmuno assay to determine stress levels and sexual
maturity.

Undergraduate Researcher
Pennsylvania State University
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Observed various complex techniques and helped three graduate students

prepare for experiments by making buffer solutions, recording results,
centrifuging, and pipetting.

Conduct and present individual research about the role of nocturnin in white
throated sparrows. Title: Circadian Expression of Nocturnin in Avian Liver.

Personal research project requires: specimen collection, online science literature

searches, western blot, and protein extraction and purification.

Research Assistant
Los Amigos Biological Field Station, Peru
o

Accumulated over 300 hours of behavioral observations of bald-faced saki

monkeys for two months in the Peruvian Amazon.
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This consisted of full day follows of habituated saki groups collecting

behavioral data including: scent marks, canopy location, activity, group
spread, vocalizations, and habitat type.

Collected and entered ecological habitat data using Microsoft Excel consisting of:
tree height, canopy continuity, canopy coverage, understory visibility, and tree
diameter.

Recorded geographic data using GPS units to take waypoints and record tracks
while following sakis and using GIS software to map home ranges.

Expected May 2016

Summer 2015

Fall 2013 Present

Summer 2014

ERICA CHARNOCK

Undergraduate Researcher/Study Abroad

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Summer 2013

Worked with Smithsonian scientists on research about antibiotic resistance of

plants in the field on Barro Colorado Island.

Executed and presented a research project about environment preferences of

tropical birds under the direction of Dr. Ioanna Chiver.

Worked with the WIDECAST Program to protect endangered sea turtles by

Performing nightly beach patrols and hatchery upkeep including hatchling
release.

Undergraduate Researcher
The Pennsylvania State University
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Assisted with DNA extractions, upkeep of maize and sorghum plants,

and helped prepare presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint.

WISER scholarship

LABORATORY SKILLS
Gel Electrophoresis
Radioimmuno assays

Spring 2013

PCR
Centrifugation

Microbiology assays

Staining and Culture of Microorganisms

PH Meter

Spectrophotometer

Plasmid DNA Isolation and Purification

Microsoft Office proficiency

Protein Purification

Western and Native Blot

FIELD SKILLS
Bird mist netting, some identification
Sea turtle patrols and hatchery upkeep

Record primate vocalizations

Set up and operate remote camera traps

GPS navigation and data entry

Identify animals and manage camera trap database

Behavioral group scan data

Map primate home ranges using GIS software

Phenological transects

Compass and map navigation

Collect ecological data using: densitometer,

understory visibility board, range finder

Catalogue trees through detailed photographs of

specific plant features

Notable Presentations
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Behavior and Endocrinology of Sumatran Tigers

- Individual project presented to staff scientists as well as visitors
Temperature dependent habitat preferences in Panamanian bird species.
- Research project presented to STRI scientists using PowerPoint
Panama, Peru, Penn State
- Interactive poster presentation of my experiences for freshmen students
Observations of a daytime birthing event in wild titi monkeys implications of the male parental role
- Powerpoint presentation of scientific paper to peers with Q&A