Curriculum Vitae

Education

Park University (2018-2022)

B.Sc. Biology

Minor(s): Chemistry & Natural Science

Certificate: Geographic Information Systems

Research Experience

Park University Undergraduate Research

Summer 2021

Assisting and learning under Dr. Jeff Kimmon we launched a capture and release project to examine the population of semi-aquatic turtles inhabiting Rush Creek, located in Parkville Missouri.

University Of Toledo Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program Summer 2022

Under the supervision of Dr. Jeanine Refsnider I conducted research on the spatial ecology of northern map turtles in Lake Erie. We captured turtles and applied satellite transmitters to them to monitor their movements via satellite telemetry. The study of this species hopes to bring more knowledge of habitat utilization by turtle species to aid in conservation efforts for other semi-aquatic turtle species.

Field Technician at Shenandoah National Park, VA

Summer 2023

As a field research assistant in Shenandoah National Park, I participated in studying the endangered Shenandoah Salamander (Plethodon shenandoah). This role entailed navigating challenging mountain terrain over multiple days, braving various weather conditions, and reaching checkpoints to locate the Shenandoah salamander. Additionally, I collected and analyzed data related to their physical characteristics and gender.

M.S. Graduate Student Research - Currently

I am currently immersed in researching the life history evolution of five reptile species on the Channel Islands of California. My focus involves investigating differences in key traits such as clutch size, egg size, and the proportion of gravid individuals between mainland and island populations, shedding light on the life-history consequences associated with island dwarfism. I am an active member of the Shared Molecular mechanisms Across Life history traits (SMAL) project, a collaborative effort exploring shared molecular mechanisms influencing various life history traits. Specifically, I am examining the utilization of field ultrasounds to observe and analyze reproductive variables in insular dwarf reptiles on the Channel Islands, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of evolutionary dynamics in island ecosystems.

Research - Papers and Posters

Jackson Jr., DiCarlo and Jeanine Refsnider. ‘First description of the spatial ecology of northern map turtles in Lake Erie using satellite telemetry.’ 83rd Annual Midwest Fisheries and Wildlife Conference, Overland Park, Kansas - February 2023. (Poster Presentation)

Jackson Jr., DiCarlo, David A.W. Miller and Amanda Sparkman. ‘Divergent Reproductive phenotypes and Life History Trade-offs in California reptiles.’ 2025 Ecological Society of America Conference, Baltimore, Maryland - August 2025. (Poster Presentation)

Organizations & Outreach

Penn State University’s Ecosystem Science and Management Department 2025

Access and Equity Chair

Assisted the department’s IDEA subcommittee in developing and organizing initiatives to foster an inclusive academic environment. Collaborated with faculty, staff, and students to plan events, implement strategies, and support underrepresented students. Served as a resource and advocate, promoting equitable opportunities for student engagement and professional development.

Penn State University’s Ecology Program 2025

Access, Belonging and Community Committee Representative

Served as a liaison between students and the Ecology Access, Belonging, and Community Committee, attending meetings and actively contributing to graduate student well-being initiatives. Collaborated with the committee to plan workshops and events that promote diversity and inclusion. Worked closely with the Program Committee Representative to facilitate communication and coordination between organizations within the Ecology program.

Park Student Activities Board 2022

Vice President of Student Engagement

Collaborate with other student organizations and departments to provide programming that focuses on student leadership and engagement

Park University Biology Club 2018-2023

Vice President (2022)

Responsible for hosting club meetings as well as other things.

Park University Chemistry Club 2022-2023

Member

Park University Men’s Basketball 2018-2022

Athlete

2x AMC Academic All-Conference

National Society of Leadership and Success 2021-2022

Member

Work Experience

North Kansas City YMCA 2020-2023

Building Monitor

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Building Monitor is expected to ensure safety, quality, and emphasize member service, character development, and mission statement and to work with membership retention and promotion.

Exxon Mobil (Mobil Lube) Regional Distribution Center 2019-2020

Seasonal Private Contractor

Work consisted of a number of miscellaneous maintenance assignments involving repainting walls and pipes, as well as window installations and clean up.

Community Work

REU Poster Gala 2022

Part of the NSF REU program at the Lake Erie Center: Undergraduate Research and Mentoring – Addressing Environmental Challenges and proposing Sustainable Solutions at the Lake Erie Land-Lake Interface

Mondays with McDaniels LLC 2022

A community-based instruction to help adults with intellectual/developmental delays improve independent living skills.

Parkville Nature Sanctuary Ghost Stories 2022

A 20+ year community halloween event hosted in Parkville’s Nature Sanctuary. The event includes the passing out of candy, smores, live music, and a spooky trail for visitors to enjoy.

Wilken’s STEAM Academy at Hillcrest 2023

A public magnet school located in Belton, MO. I spoke with students about my research experience and the different aspects of science included in the research process.

Software Skills

ArcGIS Pro - Advanced
ArcMap - Intermediate
Microsoft Excel - Advanced
R Programming - Intermediate

Relevant Coursework

Zoology 2018
Organic Chemistry I & II - 2020 & 2021
Concepts of Physics I & II - 2020 & 2021
Introductory Ecology and Evolution - 2020
GIS I & 2 - 2020 & 2021
Cartography - 2020
Genetics - 2021
Animal Physiology - 2021
Cell Biology - 2022
Remote Sensing - 2022
Physical Geology - 2022
Biochemistry - 2022
Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing - 2023
Advances in Ecology - 2023
Design of Ecological Studies - 2023
Linear Regression Methods - 2024