Curriculum Vitae
Isabella Grace Szarko
Education
Wingate University - Wingate, NC August 2024 – Present
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology
Minors in Spanish and Art
South Piedmont Community College - Monroe, NC August 2021 – May 2024
Associate in Arts, 4.0 GPA (Full Honors)
Research Experience
University of North Carolina Wilmington - Wilmington, NC May 2024 – July 2024
Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF-REU)
“Seagrass and marine flowering plant responses to climate change and disturbance”
• Evaluated the effects of dredge spoil and dredge spoil mixtures on the viability of Zostera marina seeds for potential seagrass restoration efforts.
• Assisted with field sampling at multiple seagrass meadow sites, collecting samples for projects ranging from genetic testing to evaluation of Halodule uninervis' impacts on Zostera marina seed germination.
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South Piedmont Community College - Monroe, NC January 2024 – May 2024
In collaboration with the University of North Carolina, Wilmington
HON-190 (CCURE)
“Sponging Tradition in Dolphin Populations in Shark Bay, Australia”
• Compared and analyzed documentation of the location-specific sponge foraging behavior, highlighting variations in female sociality driven by prey distribution, habitat heterogeneity, and foraging tactics.
• Presented a research poster at Wilmington’s showcase of student research and creativity on April 27th.
South Piedmont Community College - Monroe, NC January 2023 – May 2023
In collaboration with the University of North Carolina Wilmington
HON-190 (CCURE)
“Impacts of Hive Establishment Methods on Bee Behavior and Honey Production”
• Took Beekeeping classes through NCSBA for beekeeping certification.
• Conducted research on how methods used to establish hives affect bee population health and honey production through weekly hive comparisons, stressor observation, and frame weight measurement.
South Piedmont Community College - Monroe, NC August 2022 – December 2022
Undergraduate Herpetology Research
“Effects of Water Drainage and Pipe Construction on Blue Ridge Two-Lined Salamander Populations”
• Surveyed amphibian populations in Matthews, North Carolina, and analyzed the effects of pipe construction near inhabited streams.
• Collected water quality data from multiple unaffected and affected sites, compared and documented data outcomes, and analyzed results.
Discovery Place Science Museum - Charlotte, NC May 2019 – November 2019
Research Assistant
“Axolotl Limb Regeneration/Axolotl Reproduction”
• Observed and documented axolotl behavior, gill health, skin condition, limb growth, and egg development on a weekly basis.
• Managed axolotl husbandry, including feeding, tea baths, water temperature and pH regulation, and aquarium cleaning.
Volunteer and Internship Experience
University of North Carolina Wilmington - Wilmington, NC May 2024 – July 2024
Transition Works - School-Based Enterprise Garden Curriculum Designing
• Created engaging gardening curricula using task analysis to address the unique learning needs of special needs students, ensuring clear step-by-step instructions that promoted hands-on learning and skill development.
• Facilitated a positive learning environment, assisted in managing and diffusing challenging situations with special needs students, and employed calm communication strategies to maintain a supportive atmosphere.
• Partnered with team members to design innovative gardening projects, integrating fun and educational elements to capture students’ interest while fostering teamwork and creativity within the classroom.
Old Frankfort Farm and Stables - Waxhaw, NC June 2020 – Present
Equine Care Volunteer
• Provided daily care for resident horses, which included pasture rotations, feeding, grooming, blanketing, turnouts, checking for injuries, and exercise sessions.
• Carried out general farm maintenance tasks such as mucking stalls, replacing bedding, organizing the tack room and storage areas, and cleaning barn equipment.
• Prepped and tacked horses for rides, removed tack after rides, and cleaned and conditioned all riding equipment when needed.
Carmel Baptist Church - Matthews, NC August 2018 – Present
Preschool and Elementary Teachers Assistant
• Prepared lesson materials and presented subject matter to students under the direction and guidance of teachers, using lectures, discussions, games, or reading aloud.
• Tutored and assisted children individually or in small groups to help them master assignments and reinforce learning concepts presented by teachers.
Discovery Place Science Museum - Charlotte, NC August 2018 – March 2020
Explore More Life Volunteer & Tier 2 STEM Intern
• Engaged with visitors and large audiences about animal husbandry and conservation through exotic animal shows, presentations, and unscripted keeper talks.
• Cared for over 40 species and demonstrated husbandry tasks for new volunteers, including food preparation, habitat and aquarium maintenance, and animal enrichment.
• Assisted staff in teaching classes such as Biology, Ethology, Zoology, Marine Biology, Entomology, Environmental Science, and more.
Work Experience
University of North Carolina Wilmington - Wilmington, NC May 2024 – July 2024
Marine Biology Research
• Contributed to professional research specific to seagrass and marine flowering plant responses to climate change and disturbance and learned techniques in seagrass and water quality sample processing.
• Worked in the lab and field to evaluate the effects of dredge spoil and dredge spoil mixtures on the viability of Zostera marina seeds for potential seagrass restoration efforts.
• Assisted with field sampling at multiple seagrass meadow sites, collecting samples for projects ranging from genetic testing to evaluation of Halodule uninervis' impacts on Zostera marina seed germination.
Animal Care Hospital of Matthews - Matthews, NC July 2022 – August 2023
Veterinary & Kennel Assistant
• Assisted with animal husbandry and medical tasks, including feeding, grooming, taking vitals, drawing blood, preparing fecal and ear cytology, administering medications, and recording medical information.
• Supported medical staff through surgical and non-surgical procedures, soothed frightened animals during examinations and blood draws, and restrained animals when necessary.
• Handled administrative and cleaning duties such as answering phone calls, keeping appointments running smoothly, accompanying owners and pets to exam rooms, and sterilizing rooms and veterinary equipment.
Extracurricular Activities
South Piedmont Community College - Monroe, NC January 2024 – May 2024
Book Club
• Read selected books on a weekly basis.
• Discussed and analyzed literary works with other readers during club meetings.
South Piedmont Community College - Monroe, NC August 2022 – May 2024
Beekeeping
• Helped maintain and manage the SPCC bee colonies, including constructing hives, applying pest treatment, identifying hive concerns, harvesting hive products, and feeding the bees.
• Applied skills learned in NCSBA classes to improve hive health and management.
Old Frankfort Farm and Stables - Waxhaw, NC July 2020 – Present
Equestrianism
• Learned to effectively communicate and work as a team with horses through positive reinforcement, weight distribution, leg movement, and rein positioning in dressage and jumping.
• Formed strong bonds with multiple horses and developed an understanding of horse behavior and body language.
Montreat College - Montreat, NC June 2021 & June 2022
Herpetology Studies
• Surveyed amphibian populations in Montreat, the Great Smoky Mountains, Congaree National Park, and the Carolina Sandhills over a span of several weeks.
• Observed and photographed over fifty species of reptiles and amphibians.
Gavel Club - Mint Hill, NC July 2020 – May 2022
Public Speaking
• Developed strong public speaking and communication skills by completing over ten formal speeches and fifteen improvisations and evaluations.
• Received multiple awards, including best speaker, advisors award, and most improved speaker of the year.
Lynchpin Piano Studio - Charlotte, NC January 2019 – May 2022
Piano Performance and Theory
• Refined piano technique, improved music theory knowledge, and expanded piano repertoire through selections of classical works played daily.
• Performed pieces at piano auditions, National Federation Junior Festivals, Convalescent Homes, master classes, and recitals with superior ratings.
Presentations
University of North Carolina Wilmington - Wilmington, NC July 2024
National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates Poster Showcase
“Does Dredge Spoil Reduce the Viability of Zostera marina Seeds?”
University of North Carolina Wilmington - Wilmington, NC May 2024
Research and Creativity Symposium Poster Presentation
“Sponging Tradition in Dolphin Populations in Shark Bay, Australia.”
Wingate University - Wingate, NC November 2023
SNCURCS Poster Presentation
“Natura Exenterata, Floriography, and the Impact and Symbology of Flowers Embedded into Early British Culture and Literature.”
Exhibitions
South Piedmont Community College - Monroe, NC Spring 2024
Spring Art Exhibition
Downtown Monroe Art Walk - Monroe, NC Spring 2024
Spring Art Exhibition
South Piedmont Community College - Monroe, NC Fall 2024
Fall Art Exhibition
Awards
ePortfolio of Excellence
• South Piedmont Community College, 2024
Graduate of Excellence
• South Piedmont Community College, 2024
Certifications and Memberships
Beekeeping Certification
• NC State Beekeepers Association, 2023 (in progress)
SCUBA PADI Certification
• Scuba Charlotte, 2023
Competent Communicator Certification
• Toastmasters, 2020-2022
CPR & First Aid Certification
• American Heart Training, 2016, 2022
NSLS Certification
• National Student Leadership Society, 2022
NCHS Membership
• North Carolina Herpetological Society, 2024
PTK Honors Society Membership
• Phi Theta Kappa, 2024
IMATA Student Membership
• International Marine Animal Trainer’s Association, 2022-Present
AZA Student Membership
• Association of Zoos and Aquariums, 2022-Present
NCSBA Membership
• NC State Beekeepers Association, 2022-Present