Jill Azzolini

jillazzolini11@gmail.com

Education
 Arizona State University Aug. 2017 – Dec. 2023
o Doctor of Philosophy – Evolutionary Biology
 School of Life Sciences
 Supervisor: Dale DeNardo
 GPA: 4.0

 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Sept. 2012 – Dec. 2015
o Bachelor of Science – Cum Laude
 School of Environmental and Biological Sciences
 Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources Major
 GPA: 3.66

Work Experience
 Graduate Service Assistant (GSA) and Teaching Assistant (TA) Aug. 2017 – Dec. 2023
o Received new teaching and/or service assignments each semester, detailed below
(“Teaching Experience”)
o 50% FTE (20 hours per week maximum)
o Most frequently taught Animal Physiology Lab
o Most frequently performed service as an ASU alumni ambassador tasked with contacting
ASU alumni to foster connection between the school and the alumna

 Project Manager - Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden Aug. 2016 – June 2017
o Now known as California Botanic Garden
o Full-time management position as part of a National Science Foundation-funded project
to curate and digitize over 30,000 specimens of great historical value
o Georeferenced specimens using GoogleEarth and GeoLocate
o Databased and imaged all specimens
o Broaden participation in STEM by recruiting underrepresented and underserved youth as
volunteers and interns
o Trained and supervised undergraduate and junior interns, as well as volunteers

 Wildlife Field Technician - Red Knot Strike Team May 2, 2016 – June 5, 2016
o Investigated the effects of oyster aquaculture on Red Knots and other threatened
shorebird species’ foraging behaviors in Cape May, NJ
o Short-term position that required 10+ hour workdays, 7 days per week for the duration of
employment and relied heavily on team cooperation
o Surveyed shorebird species daily along a three-mile stretch of beach
o Conducted accurate flock counts often greater than 1500 birds from distances ranging
100 – 2000 meters (using a telescope when necessary)
o Recorded data quickly, precisely, and legibly throughout adverse weather conditions

Azzolini CV
 Jill Azzolini
jillazzolini11@gmail.com

 Wildlife Field Assistant, Professor Henry John-Alder, Ph.D May 2015 - July 2016
o Seasonal, part-time employment (May – September; 20 hours per week) through
University payroll
o Captured Eastern fence lizards (Sceloporus undulatus) both by hand and by hand-held
noose
o Flagged locations where lizards were caught and measured relevant habitat parameters
o Recorded data in various inclement weather conditions
o Identified unique paint markings on lizards from far distances

 Collections Manager - Rutgers University Chrysler Herbarium Sept. 2012 – May 2016
o Previously herbarium technician, and promoted to Collections Manager in October 2014
o Part-time employment (20 hours per week) through University payroll
o Managed fourteen other work study and volunteer students, train said employees in all
herbarium responsibilities
o Oversaw re-organization of entire herbarium collection to new APG III system
o Curated new specimens and repaired damaged specimens
o Maintained collections in a clean, orderly and pest-free state
o Addressed any issues or problems in the herbarium daily
o Led herbarium tours to visiting classes

 Intern - Day’s Edge Productions June 1, 2014 – Sept.1, 2014

o Full-time internship (30-40 hours per week)
o Culminated in the production of a five-minute film on the research of Rutgers professor
Dr. Maslo
o Transcribed interviews and made script editing contributions on projects for World
Wildlife Fund, Nature Conservancy, and others
o Maintained a personal blog updated daily with photographs taken and edited myself
o Worked on film and photography editing with Adobe programs such as Premiere Pro and
Lightroom

Research Experience (Graduate level)

 Effect of water restriction at different timepoints during reproduction on thermal
preference, clutch quality, and physiological metrics Feb 2021 – Jul 2021
o Implanted iButtons to track body temperature of female Antaresia childreni throughout
one reproductive cycle
o Three treatment groups, all provided a thermogradient throughout the study (47 females
approximately equally divided among the groups):
 Females provided water throughout reproduction
 Females deprived of water during vitellogenesis
 Females deprived of water during gravidity
o Compared using R statistical analyses across groups:
 Selected body temperature

Azzolini CV
 Jill Azzolini
jillazzolini11@gmail.com

 Body mass, SVL

 Blood based: CORT concentration, osmolality, uric acid, triglycerides, and total
proteins
 Clutch size, mass, and viability
o Manuscript in preparation

 Effect of water restriction during gravidity on thermal preference and clutch quality in the
Children’s python Antaresia childreni Feb 2020 – Jul 2020
o Implanted iButtons to track body temperature of Antaresia childreni at throughout the
reproductive cycle
o Females divided into constant heat (CH, 31C) or thermal gradient (TG, 25-45C) groups
o Post peri-ovulatory shed, alternatingly assigned water (W) or no water (NW) within both
groups
o Compared using R statistical analyses
 Selected body temperature, body mass, osmolality
 Clutch size, mass, and viability
 Offspring mass, total length, contraction strength, bite frequency
o Manuscript submitted and is currently being revised (see “Publications” below)

 Effect of hydration state on thermal preference during feeding and digestion in an

ectotherm Nov 2019 – Feb 2020
o Objective: Compare body temperature preferences of hydrated vs dehydrated during
digestion
o Implanted iButtons to track body temperature of Antaresia childreni at all stages of
digestion: pre-feeding, post-prandial, and post absorptive
o Mentorship over LEAP scholar project
o Manuscript accepted for publication in Aug. 2023 (see “Publications” below)
o Presented virtually at the Arizona Physiological Society and Society for Integrative and
Comparative Biology

 Effect of elevated glucose intake on oxidative state Feb 2019 – Apr 2019
o Performed caudal vein bleeding on juvenile Iguana iguana to collect samples for assay
analysis
o Orally gavaged iguanas daily
o Trained and mentored team of 4 undergraduates
o Used Diacron International assay kits (d-ROMs and OXY) to measure oxidative stress
o Oral presentation of results at ASU’s Fall 2019 Evolutionary Biology Symposium and
2019 Comparative Physiology journal club

 Effect of dehydration on levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) Aug 2018 – Sept 2018
o Cardiocentesis on adult Antaresia childreni to collect samples for assay analysis
o Trained and mentored team of two undergraduates
o Used Diacron International assay kits (d-ROMs and OXY) to measure oxidative stress
o Poster presentation of results at the annual Society of Integrative and Comparative
Biology meeting (2019)

Azzolini CV
 Jill Azzolini
jillazzolini11@gmail.com

 Oxidative cost of reproduction, & potential vertical transfer to offspring Feb 2018 –Jul 2018
o Performed cardiocentesis on adult Antaresia childreni
o Collected yolk and embryonic fluid
o Trained and mentored team of two undergraduates
o Used Diacron International assay kits (d-ROMs and OXY) to measure oxidative stress in
all sample types
o Oral presentation of results at the annual Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology
meeting (2019)

Research Experience (Undergraduate level)

 Field Assistant, Professor Henry John-Alder, Ph.D May 2015 - July 2016
o Rutgers University (described above under “Work Experience”)

 Lab and Field Assistant, Professor Peter Morin, Ph.D June 2015 – July 2016
o Rutgers University
o Accompanied Ph.D candidate Ariel Kruger on field expeditions to identify frog species
present and take skin swabs
o Captured Northern green frogs (Rana clamitans melanota) and spring peepers
(Pseudacris crucifer) by hand and net
o Fed and cared for recently metamorphosed poison dart frogs (E. anthonyii, D. auratus, D.
tinctorius) in a laboratory setting
o Prepared and maintained fly cultures intended for feeding to lab frogs
o Isolated bacteria subcultures and ran inhibition tests against chytrid fungus
o Practiced strict sterile techniques when handling bacteria and chytrid in lab
o Responsible for Pine Barren Tree Frog and dragonfly larvae husbandry

Publications
 Dehydrated snakes reduce postprandial thermophily Aug. 2023
o Journal of Experimental Biology
o https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.245925

 Hydration state does not affect selected body temperature during gravidity or gravidity duration
in pythons (Antaresia childreni)
o Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, Part A
o Originally submitted in August 2023
o Currently in revision stage to be resubmitted Jan. 2024

 Effects of dehydration on body temperature and physiological biomarkers during distinct phases
of reproduction in an ectotherm
o Currently in manuscript stage

Azzolini CV
 Jill Azzolini
jillazzolini11@gmail.com

o Expected to be ready for submission by early 2024

Talks, Posters, and Films

 2023
o The Effects of Water Imbalance on Body Temperature Dynamics During Critical
Physiological Processes in an Ectothermic Squamate Reptile, Antaresia childreni

 Oral dissertation defense

o Getting to know nope ropes

 15-minute presentation for Science on Tap to a general audience

 2021
o Dehydration suppresses digestion-induced thermophily in Children’s pythons, Antaresia
children
 15-minute oral presentation at the weekly Brown Bag meeting

o Dehydration suppresses digestion-induced thermophily in Children’s pythons, Antaresia

childreni
 10-minute oral presentation for the annual meeting for the Society of Integrative
and Comparative Biology (virtual meeting)

 2020
o The intertwined relationship between hydration state and thermoregulation
 5-minute talk for the Arizona Physiological Society (virtual meeting)
 Won third place for best poster presentation

o Effect of hydration state on temperature preference during digestion

 5-minute talk for the ASU Evolutionary Biology Symposium

 2019
o Effect of increased glucose intake on physiological biomarkers
 15-minute talk for the Comparative Physiology Journal Club at ASU

o Effect of elevated glucose intake on oxidative stress

 5-minute talk for the ASU Evolutionary Biology Symposium

o The influence of life stage and environmental factors on oxidative state

 12-minute talk at the annual meeting for the Society of Integrative &
Comparative Biology (SICB)

o Chronic water restriction does not influence plasma levels of reactive oxygen species in
a drought-tolerant snake
 Poster presentation at the annual meeting for the Society of Integrative &
Comparative Biology

Azzolini CV
 Jill Azzolini
jillazzolini11@gmail.com

 2018
o The influence of life stage and environmental factors on oxidative state
 10-minute talk at the Evolutionary Biology Student Symposium

o Geographic vs. Physiological Species Boundaries

 10-minute lighting talk for the Brown Bag seminar at ASU

 2014 – 2017

o From Backlogged Beasts to Botanic Beauties: The CSBR Project

 45-minute talk about my project at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, as part
of the RSABG Volunteer Appreciation program

o Tiktaalik: The Tetrapods’ Transition from Sea to Land

 A poster directed towards a general audience explaining the significance of the
fossil Tiktaalik roseae in understanding the evolution of tetrapods

o Fight for Flight: The Battle Against White Nose Syndrome

 A five-minute film highlighting the research of Dr. Brooke Maslo and her
research concerning the deadly fungal disease, White Nose Syndrome

Honors, Grants, and Awards

 2020-2021 Graduate College Fellowship Award - $10,000
 2020 Arizona Physiological Society 3rd place award for Best Poster Presentation - $50
 2019-2020 CLAS Graduate Excellence Award - $100
 2019-2020 Graduate College Fellowship Award - $10,000
 2018-2019 CLAS Graduate Excellence Award - $100
 2018 Charlotte Magnum Student Support Program - $109
 2018 SOLS Travel Award - $400
 2018 Graduate College Travel Award - $400
 2017-2018 CLAS Graduate Excellence Award - $100
 2017 Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Mentorship Program Award - $100
 2017 GPSA Travel Grant - $780
 2017 ASU Graduate Recruitment Award - $2,000
 2016 “Outstanding Student in Ecology” Senior Award from the Rutgers Department of Ecology,
Evolution and Natural Resources - $250
 2015 Murray and Helen Buell Scholarship
 2015 - Featured on Rutgers Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources homepage
for producing film Flight for Flight: The Battle Against White-Nose Syndrome
o Featured on Facebook page “White-Nose Syndrome in Bats” for the same film
 2015 “Best Work Ethic” award at Crossfit Stealth Awards Banquet
 2015-2014 Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA)
o Regional Novice Flat Champion 2014

Azzolini CV
 Jill Azzolini
jillazzolini11@gmail.com

o Regional Novice Fences Reserve Champion 2014

o Zone finalist 2014
o Regional finalist 2015
 Fall 2015, Spring 2015, Fall 2014, Fall 2013, Spring 2013, Fall 2012 Dean’s List at Rutgers
University

Mentorship

 Co-lead in DeNardo lab weekly reading group

 Developed and executed research project with ASU LEAP scholar Travis Roderick
 Mentored first year ASU graduate student
 Trained and mentored approximately a dozen ASU undergraduates in reptile husbandry and as
lab assistants
 Guided and directed ASU Assistant Teaching Assistants in BIO 202
 Broaden participation in STEM by recruiting underrepresented and underserved youth as
volunteers and interns at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden (Now California Botanic Garden)
o Supervised undergraduate and junior interns, as well as volunteers
 Team leader of fourteen Rutgers Herbarium work study and volunteer students

Teaching (College level)

 In-Person
o BIO 361: Animal Physiology Lab
o BIO 202: Human Anatomy & Physiology II Lab
o BIO 320 (Ecology) and BIO 432 (Human Nature)
 Online Course Development

 Online/Virtual Classes
o BIO 370: Vertebrate Zoology
o BIO 361: Animal Physiology Lab Online TA
o BIO 320: Fundamentals of Ecology

Professional Service
 February 2023 – Panelist for ASU’s Graduate Recruitment Weekend
 February 2023 – Judge for the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium
 January 2019 – Co-chair for session 74 at the annual Society of Integrative and Comparative
Biology (SICB) meeting
 August 2017 – August 2020 Volunteer reviewer for GPSA
 October 2018 Chair for Comparative Physiology session at the annual Arizona Physiological
Society meeting

Azzolini CV
 Jill Azzolini
jillazzolini11@gmail.com

Public Service and Outreach

 January 2024 Currently gathering donations for the Tap Cancer Out fundraiser (ends Jan. 28)
 March 2023 Science on Tap! weekly biology outreach program
 March 2023 Science on Tap! weekly biology outreach program
 January 2022 Gathered over $2000 in donations for the Tap Cancer Out fundraiser
 April 2019 – June 2020 Foster shelter dogs; registered through Maricopa County Animal Care
and Control (MCACC)
 February 2020 Science Day at the Capitol
 October 2019 ASU Homecoming Block Party, Department of Animal Care and Technologies
booth
 September 2019 – Kid’s Festival – DeNardo lab reptile booth
 June 2019 Desert Botanical Garden Flashlight Tours – DeNardo lab reptile booth
 February 2019 Open Door at ASU – DeNardo lab reptile booth
 February 2019 Phoenix Zoo’s Teen Career Conference – SOLS booth
 January 2019 Odyssey Aquarium Conservation Expo – DeNardo lab reptile booth
 October 2018 ASU Homecoming Block Party, Department of Animal Care and Technologies
booth
 April 2018 Science Day (through the ASU Initiative for Science Literacy) with the Center for
Educational Excellence
 March 2018 ASU Sun Devil Giving Day: School of Life Sciences - reptile booth
 February 2018 Open Door at ASU – DeNardo lab reptile booth
 February 2018 ASU SOLSmate Open House Event – Conservation and physiological ecology
booth
 January 2018 Odyssey Aquarium Conservation Expo – DeNardo lab reptile booth
 October 2017 ASU Homecoming Block Party, Department of Animal Care and Technologies
booth
 October 2017 Enchanted Trail at the Rio Salado Audubon Center, ASU desert reptile booth
 2013, 2014, 2015 Rutgers Day volunteer at Rutgers University Equestrian Team booth
 May 2-4, 2013 IHSA Nationals volunteer, Harrisburg, PA

Relevant Classes & Experience

 Creative Tools for Saving Biodiversity Spring 2021

 Intermediate Statistics - PSY 530 Summer 2019
 History of Science - BIO 317 Summer 2019
 Comparative Animal Physiology (audit) Fall 2018
 Principles of Evolution - EVO 601 Fall 2018
 Effective Writing and Presentations – BIO 591 Spring 2018
 Scientific Teaching – BIO 530 Fall 2017
 Biometry – BIO 614 Fall 2017
 Conservation Management Project Fall 2015
o For Diamondback Terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin)

Azzolini CV
 Jill Azzolini
jillazzolini11@gmail.com

o Met with wildlife professionals John Wnek and Stephanie Egger of Conserve Wildlife NJ
and Project Terrapin
o Searched nests and removed viable hatchlings and eggs
o Measured carapace width and length, as well as plastron length, of captured hatchlings
o Used Excel to create population viability analyses, population matrices, and sensitivity
and elasticity analyses
o Created a conservation management plan for diamondback terrapins in NJ and presented
plan to class

 Publicist for Rutgers Naturalist Club Fall 2014-Fall 2015

o Managed the Facebook account by making weekly updates and sharing photographs from
trips
o Communicated to members about important upcoming events
o Contributed ideas for potential trips and possible improvements to the club

 Natural Resource Management Project Fall 2014

o Conducted a survey of macroinvertebrate populations in Buell Brook of the Rutgers
EcoPreserve to assess health of the brook
o Marked six sites throughout the length of the brook using GIS technology
o Surveyed each site for macroinvertebrates and documented all results
o Worked as part of a group to make the project successful

Skills and Interests

 Computer skills include:
o Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
o R coding
o Zoom
o Photography and film editing software from Adobe Cloud
o Geo-referencing using Google Maps
 YouTube creator and editor
 Make-up artist
 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
 Equestrian
 Photography

References

• Dale DeNardo, Ph.D. and D.V.M.

o Arizona State University
o Professor, School of Life Sciences
o Program Director and Associate Professor, Department of Animal Care and Technologies
o denardo@asu.edu

Azzolini CV
 Jill Azzolini
jillazzolini11@gmail.com

• Michael Angilletta, Ph.D.

o Arizona State University
o President’s Professor and Associate Dean, School of Life Sciences
o angilletta@asu.edu

• Stephen Pratt, Ph.D.

o Arizona State University
o Professor and Director of Grad Programs, School of Life Sciences
o stephen.pratt@asu.edu

• Henry John-Alder, Ph.D.

o Rutgers University
o Professor and Chair of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources department
o henry@aesop.rutgers.edu

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Azzolini CV