Luke Stover
Zoologist
Hickory
Summary
Seeking to advance science and biological conservation through non-invasive research, community-based conservation, and public outreach and education. Passionate about conservation strategies for endangered species and habitat modification and biological conservation effects in zoos, sanctuaries, and the wild.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Veterinary Technician
Cordova Animal Medical Center
03.2023 - 04.2024
- Prepared surgical instrument packs and drapes for use in sterile environments by processing in autoclave.
- Administered medications and vaccinations to animals under the supervision of a veterinarian, ensuring proper dosage and administration techniques.
- Assisted veterinarians with radiographs and ultrasounds.
- Provided thorough discharge instructions to clients following appointments or surgical procedures, ensuring clear understanding of medications, aftercare steps, and follow-up recommendations.
Substitute Teacher, K-5
Santa Rosa County Public Schools
03.2023 - 04.2024
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to develop interdisciplinary lessons that connected subject areas and reinforced key concepts.
- Supervised lunchroom and recess activities.
- Followed lesson plans designed by absent teachers.
Primate Field Scientist
Field Projects International (FPI) in partnership with British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)
10.2022 - 2 2023
- Habituated multiple Emperor Tamarin groups using telemetry, and GPS in preparation for BBC coming to record multiple wildlife documentaries
- Performed all day “follows” from the moment they awake and throughout their territorial-based foraging activities, until they retire in a sleep tree at night
- Gathered opportunistic data including spatial data, behavioral data, tree use data, and biological waste data during these habituation follows
- Organized and entered data sets and points into various programs, including Garmin BaseCamp, Animal Observer, GIS, Avenza Maps, and GIC collect.
Hoofstock Keeper
Gulf Breeze Zoo
05.2022 - 10.2022
- Managed the daily husbandry, care, diet preparation, and feeding of over 20 exotic animals
- The daily monitoring of animal health and well-being through close observation, routine weight, and dietary consumption charts
- Administered medication via oral, crop tube, catheter, and injectable subcutaneous or intramuscular
- Treated basic wellness issues such as superficial wounds and called in veterinarian assistance for more complex concerns
- Created appropriate enrichment and training plans using operant conditioning to stimulate and engage animals in a captive environment
- Helped lead behind-the-scenes tours to guests for our Nile Hippos
- Had regular keeper chats at animal exhibits to explain natural behaviors and enrichment projects.
Scientific Researcher
Field Projects International (FPI)
06.2021 - 08.2021
- Assisted the exotic veterinarians on the birds, bats, and mammals’ teams to conduct wildlife health surveys on animals, using morphometrics to identify species
- Executed behavioral follows with 11 species of native primates to look at microhabitats and diet using sight, sound, telemetry, and GPS devices
- Collected biological samples such as feces, urine, hair/feathers, nail clippings, etc
- From each animal
- Organized and projected spatial data in QGIS and Garmin BaseCamp
- Conducted environmental DNA screening and DNA barcoding with Tamarin monkeys.
AmeriCorps Member
Racine Zoo
09.2020 - 06.2021
- Assisted keepers with the daily husbandry care and diet preparation of different exotic animals
- Collaborated with the lead trainer in the training of the ambassador animals
- Handled a variety of reptiles and small mammals used for educational programs
- Designed and presented educational curricula for the local school districts and zoo guests
- Presented educational material and mentored younger children, some with behavioral issues, at on-site zoo programs
- Realigned virtual educational curriculum with government standards, and edited work blog posts and educational videos.
Volunteer
Duke Lemur Center
06.2019 - 03.2020
- Gave tours to the public to educate them on conservation strategies for rare and endangered Lemur species, the effects of habitat modification, and biological conservation
- I have also had other extensive volunteer experiences at various animal shelters and adoption centers.
Student
The School of Field Studies (SFS)
09.2019 - 12.2019
- Completed 18 credits with a directed research project on Macroinvertebrate Diversity
- Improved sampling techniques and conducted statistical tests (R) to evaluate the collected data
- Learned to develop, conduct, analyze, compile, and present research based on field methods.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Zoology
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC 08.2018 - 06.2020
Skills
Animal Condition Evaluations
Fieldwork Experience
Analytical and Critical Thinking
General Anesthesia Monitoring
Staff Management
Data Analysis
Animal Condition Evaluations
Timeline
Veterinary Technician
Cordova Animal Medical Center
03.2023 - 04.2024
Substitute Teacher, K-5
Santa Rosa County Public Schools
03.2023 - 04.2024
Primate Field Scientist
Field Projects International (FPI) in partnership with British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)
10.2022 - 2 2023
Hoofstock Keeper
Gulf Breeze Zoo
05.2022 - 10.2022
Scientific Researcher
Field Projects International (FPI)
06.2021 - 08.2021
AmeriCorps Member
Racine Zoo
09.2020 - 06.2021
Student
The School of Field Studies (SFS)
09.2019 - 12.2019
Volunteer
Duke Lemur Center
06.2019 - 03.2020
Bachelor of Science - Zoology
North Carolina State University
08.2018 - 06.2020