Kyle Kolda

Experience

• 

  Pinniped Cognition and Sensory Systems Laboratory, UCSC

  Oct 2021 - Jun 2023

  Research team leader for the Physiology and Health of Cooperating Arctic Seals (PHOCAS) project at the Alaska SeaLife Center and responsible for all data collection in Alaska. Further developed skills in animal care and training using applied operant conditioning. Presented Lab findings on stationary diving metabolics in Alaskan ice seals at the Alaska Marine Science Symposium. Completed an advanced research internship which emphasized data collection, analysis, and management across multiple Pinniped Lab data streams including the Physiology and Health of Cooperating Arctic Seals Project, cardiorespiratory projects, and acoustic projects. Took an active role in mentoring newer lab volunteers on procedures and program goals. Completed an immersive apprenticeship in marine mammalogy while assisting in the cooperative research of both phocids and otariids. Tasked as an acoustic assistant, I was focused on projects regarding underwater hearing in Erignathus barbatus and auditory masking in Zalophus californianus.

  • Animal and Research Technician

    Sept 2022 - Jun 2023

  • Laboratory Technician

    May 2022 - Sept 2022

  • Acoustics Assistant, Volunteer

    Oct 2021 - May 2022
• 

  University of Alaska Anchorage

  Oct 2023 - now

  Currently studying the diving physiology and foraging behavior of Alaskan phocids and otariids in Dr. Amy Bishop's Laboratory. Project in collaboration with the Marine Mammal Laboratory at NOAA, Dr. Jenn Burns at Texas Tech University, and Dr. Markus Horning at Wildlife Technology Frontiers. Assisting in marine and terrestrial mammal necropsies with Dr. Kathy Burek-Huntington. Responsible for cataloging biological samples, shipping specimens, and maintaining laboratory supplies. Continued assisting pathologists in necropsies at the Alaska Veterinary Pathology Services.

  • Graduate Student Researcher

    Aug 2023 - now

  • Necropsy Volunteer

    Aug 2023 - now

  • Necropsy Technician

    Oct 2023 - Apr 2024