Jenna Watson

I am graduating from Carleton University with a Master's degree in Biology as early as April 2023 with the ability to begin work before this date. My thesis was conducted in entomology on gryllus pennsylvanicus. I have gained immense knowledge on how to run an entomology laboratory from rearing colonies, individuals, creating diets, behavioural trials, specimen imaging, editing, measurements and genitalic dissections. I have been responsible for the curation and management of large data sets for my multi-faceted project with a sample size of >350. I have also gained experience in managing students as I have mentored 2 undergraduate students conducting their own research projects. I have been responsible for stocking and ordering laboratory equipment as well as maintaining a clean laboratory environment. I am extremely driven, hard working, organized and passionate and believe I would be an excellent asset to this team.

Undergraduate Mentor (05/2022 - Present): Carleton University (Ottawa, ON)
• Responsible for mentoring 2 undergraduate students: 1 ICUREUS student (independent study), and an undergraduate honours student conducting their thesis
• Responsible for training students on proper lab protocols, scheduling their time in the lab, aiding the creation and editing of scientific reports and presentations, and ensuring all supplies are ordered and available for their research projects needs

Teaching Assistant (09/2021 - Present): Carleton University (Ottawa, ON)
• Teaching assistant for 4 university courses, 1 each fall and winter semester including: BIOL 1103 (lab), BIOL 3804, BIOL 2005 and BIOL 3609
• Actively facilitated student learning by answering questions on course material, being responsive over email and in-person, and grading various course materials including exams, scientific reports, presentations, assignments, etc.
• Acquired the ability to communicate key biological information to an audience to facilitate student learning and critique scientific writing and presentations

Presenter (07/2022): Animal Behaviour Society Conference (San Jose, Costa Rica)
• Presented preliminary research at the Animal Behaviour Society conference 
• Furthered the ability to confidently and concisely present and communicate research and answer questions by other experts
• Gained knowledge on grant applications and organization, planning and fulfilment of various administrative responsibilities

Lecture Content Creator - BIOL 1105 (06/2020 - 08/2020): Carleton University (Ottawa, ON)
• Responsible for creating a series of short explainer videos including clear labeling and meta-data to teach key concepts in BIOL 1105 to first year biology students
• Acquired excellent independent work skills while working from home and having regular check-ins with my supervisor
• Acquired the ability to teach key statistical and biological concepts to an audience using visual aids and verbal description

Lead Hand - Landscape, Garden Crew Division (Summer 2021 & 2022): Thunderbolt Contracting (Ottawa, ON)
• Maintained various properties including residential and commercial buildings
• Duties included: identifying and classify various flora and fauna to ensure safety of myself and the rest of the crew, driving large commercial vehicles, maintenance and use of various heavy equipment
• In the absence of the foreman, I was responsible for the direction and safety of the crew including, but not limited to: transporting multiple co-workers, equipment, supplies, coordinating with my supervisor, training co-workers on safe use of equipment, and communicating with home and business owners
• Acquired the ability to think quickly for the safety and well-being of my crew in various unpredictable situations

Barista (07/2020 - 06/2021): Starbucks Coffee Company (Carleton Place, ON)
• Assist with setup, cleanup, stock work and handling of food items
• Provided assistance by responding to customer questions in an effective and efficient manner
• Exposure to potential hazards exists with respect to cutting equipment, coffee makers, mixers and other work aids necessary to perform job duties
• Oversee and assist in maintaining a clean work station (including floors, work areas, equipment, walls, and refrigerators)

Veterinary Program Student (08/2017): Loop Abroad (Chiang Mai Thailand)
• Spent two weeks alongside veterinarians at Animal Rescue Kingdom (ARK), and Elephant Nature Park (ENP), to provide physical and mental health services to various animals including: elephants, dogs, cats, horses, and goats
• Duties included, but not limited to: attending lectures, learning veterinary techniques such as blood withdrawals, standard check-ups, nutrition logging, and participating in various surgeries

Volunteer (01/2015 - 06/2018): Ottawa Dog Rescue (Ottawa, ON):
• Volunteered alongside a foster family to provide care for rescued dogs and puppies in the Ottawa region
 

Carleton University (Ottawa, ON):
Master's of Science Biology (Fall 2021-2023)
• Thesis research conducted on the fall field cricket (Gryllus pennsylvanicus)
• Study consisted of a sample size of >350 individuals
• Required to conduct colony care and individual rearing of study participants
• Formulated macronutrient ratio specific diets and quantified overall food consumption
• Conducted two different behavioural trials requiring intimate handling of individuals including tethering and weighing
• Photographed all individuals and dissected females for egg analysis
• Responsible for replenishing our colony with wild-caught individuals yearly to ensure genetic diversity acquiring knowledge in the identification of species
• Responsible for the procurement and maintenance of lab supplies, equipment maintenance and usage
• Acquired experience in the analysis, curation and preservation of large biological data sets as well as the completion of scientific manuscripts and presentations
• Expected graduation date: as early as April 2023 (early graduation)
• Departmental scholarship x4

Bachelor of Science (Honours) Biology: Evolution, Ecology, and Behaviour (2017-2021)
• Graduation date: April 2021
• Dean Malcolm Butler Award in Science (2020)
• Deans’ Honour List (2020)