Hello, I’m Ari!
Disclaimer: This is not your average list of life skills
Education
Currently working on a
PhD in the Biological Sciences
University of Plymouth, 2022 - Present
MRES Marine Biology, Distinction
University of Plymouth, 2021-2022
Project
Out of the box: Awareness and sentience in a marine hermit crab, Pagurus bernhardus
Master of Research, Distinction
University College London, 2017-2018
Project
Spectacled Flying-Fox (Pteropus conspicillatus) daytime behaviour and roost structure in Far North Queensland, Australia
Bachelor of Arts
Dickinson College, 2005-2009
With Honours!
As an Engage the World Fellowship Scholar
And all these: Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, Dean’s List
Projects
Medicalisation and public health in the People’s Republic of China
Dengue Virus and transnational public health in China and Southeast Asia
Field & Lab
Marine Ecology Lab Assistant
San Francisco State University, 2019-2020
Projects
Pedicellariae and the morphology of six-armed sea stars (Leptasterias spp.)
Evolutionary ecology of six-armed sea stars (Leptasterias spp.)
Roles
Field collector
Photographer
Microscopist
And teaching assistant extraordinaire!
Research Assistant
University of Queensland, 2019
Project
Rat predation impacts on native bird reproduction and nesting success
Roles
Transect and trap layer
Data collector
Plant identifier
Immaculate record-keeper
Research Assistant
University of Western Sydney, 2019
Project
Ecology and biology of the endangered Christmas Island Flying-Fox (Pteropus melanotus)
Roles
Bat catcher
Tagger
Identifier
Biological sample collector
Ethogram creator
Ecological data assessor
Photographer and videographer
Acoustic interpreter
Gear carrier
All-around problem solver
Bat and Tropical Habitat Advocate
Bats and Trees Society of Cairns, 2017-2018
Projects
Finding suitable habitat for the release of the endangered Spectacled Flying-Fox (Pteropus conspicillatus) in the Cairns region
Improving rehabilitation and bat care in the Spectacled Flying-Fox (Pteropus conspicillatus)
Analysis of diet and nutritional requirements of the Spectacled Flying-Fox (Pteropus conspicillatus)
Role of nectar and pollen in the protein acquisition of Spectacled Flying-Fox (Pteropus conspicillatus), and the use of bee pollen and honey as dietary supplements
Roles
Community engagement officer
Educator
Rainforest and flying-fox promotor
Materials and course designer
Fair and market vendor
Bat rescuer and nurse
Surrogate bat mother
Dead bat collector
Author
Bat-carer “shoulder-to-cry-on”
The all-around, most reliable and helpful volunteer!
Work Highlights
Citizen science project manager
The Rock Pool Project, 2022
The Rock Pool Project is a local community organisation devoted to community and conservation. I helped lead the Plymouth branch of the organisation during a time of transition to keep things running until the next phase of the Project’s mission came into focus.
Helping to spread love and learning on the rocky shore.
Wildlife Rescuer
Penninsula Humane Society and SPCA, 2019-2020
Saw a video of a blonde chick wrangling an unhappy Brown Pelican with a broken wing on one of the Bay Area’s many beautiful beaches? That was probably me!
Saving the planet one baby squirrel at a time.
Environmental Chemist
ESL Analytical, 2016-2017
Curtis and Tompkins, LTD., 2014-2015
Wondering if your whitening face product has lead? Curious about the methyl-mercury content of your cod? I can help with that!
Terrifying consumers and thrilling lawyers with comprehensive chemical analyses
Teacher
Many companies, institutions, and schools, starting in 1998
All students deserve access to quality and creativity-oriented education, especially in STEM!
Making sure they get it, forever my passion.
Medical Translator and Interpreter
Self-employed, 2010-2012
Doctor
病人
医生
Patient
Dive Guide
BlueWilderness Dive Centre, 2021
Helping more people fall in love with the sea.
Inspiring them to stewardship of the ocean and beyond.
Play
Photographer
Focusing on what is overlooked
Microscopist
Getting up close and personal with the minute marvels all around us
ASA Sailor (Ahoy!)
Pursuing that Captain’s License
(given rising sea levels… it’s job security)
Kayaker
Paddling my way across bays, up estuaries and along rivers
PADI Dive Master
Leading dive adventures.
Gardener
Growing greener thumbs
Traveler
Voyaging whenever and wherever I can
Connecting with other cultures
Listening to and learning from people all over the world
(Did I mention I’ve lived in 7 countries!)
