Margot Buchbinder

Experience

• 

  University of Maryland

  Jan 2011 - Jan 2012

  -Studied the ecological genetics of host race specialization in the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum.-Performed reactions to study the genome of the pea aphid including DNA extraction, DNA quantification, and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-Assessed DNA sequencer results using Applied Biosystems GeneMapper software-Created and maintained datasets using Microsoft Office Excel-Analyzed data using the programs fdist2 and STRUCTURE -Conducted field research studying the decline of Plethodon salamanders in the southern Appalachian mountains.-Ran surveys and measured salamanders for body weight, snout-vent length, tail length, resting temperature, substrate temperature, and swabbed salamanders to test for chytrid fungus-Hiked and backpacked extensively to field sites in all weather conditions while carrying scientific equipment

  • Lab Technician

    Jan 2009 - Jan 2012

  • Field Assistant

    Jan 2011 - Jan 2011
• 

  City of Rockville

  Oct 2012 - Jun 2015

  Naturalist

  As a naturalist at Croydon Creek Nature Center, I led interpretive programs on local ecology and environmental issues for children ages 3 - 16. Programs were geared towards school, public and private groups, as well as camps and mixed family programs. I developed new programs using national and regional curriculum standards, and developed exhibits for nature center visitors. I performed care for resident animals including amphibians, turtles, snakes, fish and owls, and engaged with visitors on a one-on-one basis to answer questions and facilitate interactions with the center and nature preserve. Show less

• 

  Global Island Partnership

  Jan 2013 - Apr 2015

  GLISPA Fellow

  As a GLISPA Fellow, I worked closely with staff to support organizational as well as programmatic needs. I developed an administrative and financial accountability system to streamline internal processes, and coordinated annual meeting logistics, documented meeting outcomes, and maintained meeting records. I produced internal documents to support collaboration and coordination with other islands promoting island biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods issues, and contributed to a GLISPA publication. Show less

• 

  NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration

  Feb 2015 - Mar 2015

  Intern, Okeanos Explorer

  As an intern on the NOAA ship Okeanos Explorer, I conducted seafloor mapping in the North Atlantic and Caribbean using multibeam sonar. I collected, processed and cleaned data using the programs Caris, and launched XBT probes to collect baseline data for ship systems to accurately process incoming signals. Additionally, I monitored single-beam sonar feeds and assisted in the set-up and performance of a single-beam sonar calibration.

• 

  National Park Service

  Jun 2018 - Sept 2018

  Future Park Leader of Emerging Change Intern

  I worked at the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area to develop and implement monitoring protocols for the park's rocky intertidal and nearshore subtidal areas. Surveys included point-intercept and quadrat surverys of intertidal areas, as well as snorkel surveys in the shallow subtidal. I designed protocols that could be implemented by mixed-level groups, allowing for engagement in the park at all levels from high schoolers and citizen scientists to park employees and partner organizations. The results from these preliminary surveys were reported internally, and are being used to support the implementation of regular, systematic surveys of these areas into the future for monitoring of changes to the park's shorelines as well as to provide a baseline for potential impacts of planned shoreline protection projects in Boston Harbor. Show less

• 

  San Francisco State University

  Oct 2018 - now

  Research Technician

  I conduct research on the ecology of coastal habitats in the Boyer lab at the Estuary & Ocean Science Center at San Francisco State University. We are focused primarily on understanding the ecology and restoration of San Francisco Bay marshes and eelgrass beds. I plan and lead fieldwork including vegetation surveys, invertebrate surveys and sample collection across habitats. I complete fieldwork on foot, by wading and by SCUBA, and utilize small boars to access field sites and conduct work. I complete laboratory processing of vegetation, soil and invertebrate samples, and complete general lab maintenance. I analyze data using the R language, write reports and papers, and I lead R trainings for lab members and SFSU students. Show less