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!)

In sum, that’s what I’ve done.

I’d love to hear from you!

Reach out:

EmailInstagram

Questions, comments, and ideas are welcome.