Marcelo Jorge

Experience

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  Miami University

  Jan 2009 - Jan 2012

  Laboratory Assistant to Researcher

  Research: Development of Agonistic Behavior in Male Crickets: Does the immune system play a role?Research: Chemical Cues that Trigger Courtship Behavior Lead to Elevated Aggression of Male Crickets

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  The Home Depot

  May 2010 - Aug 2010

  Associate

  moved displays, stocked shelves and helped costomers with anything they might have needed

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  Naples Zoo

  Sept 2012 - Dec 2012

  Volunteer

  Commissary Aid and Giraffe Interpreter • Preparation of animal specific diets, assisting in receiving food orders, and inspecting supplier’s deliveries.• Designed a spreadsheet tabulating and recording food selection per animal and mixed amount for a balanced nutrition per nutritionist recommendation• Work on the Giraffe’s exhibit, assisting guests in the feeding station, answering questions, and conveying messages of conservation.

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  The National Aviary

  Jan 2013 - Mar 2013

  Animal Programs Intern

  • Animal husbandry and assisting in training with a variety of birds • Experienced with bird capture and restraint , as well as how to watch for stress indicators• Had daily interactive feedings and talks about the birds• Prepared and experienced a focused USDA inspection

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  Topeka Zoo

  Apr 2013 - Oct 2013

  Animal Care Assistant

  • Animal husbandry in all the ranges of the zoo, alligator handling, keeper chats and interactions and guest impacting.• Observed animal trainings including elephants and large mammals.• Working as a team with the keeper staff, and worked independently• Scale training, desensitization training, by use of operant conditioning • Allocating daily tasks to interns and volunteers • Safely working around large mammals including elephants, hippos, giraffes and big cats, and shifting smaller primates.• Accustomed with USDA and AZA guidelines, experienced USDA inspection, and received training on Animal Welfare Act.• Trusted to train birds and one small mammal using operant conditioning techniques. Show less

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  Valley of kings

  Nov 2013 - Dec 2013

  Valley of the Kings Sanctuary and Retreat

  Animal husbandry for Big Cats and Bears.

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  PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc.

  Nov 2013 - Dec 2013

  Dog Trainer
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  Fort Worth Zoo

  Jan 2014 - Jun 2016

  Mammal Keeper

  Daily animal care and medication as well as taking notes on the animals behaviors, body, and health. Construct and rebuild exhibits as well as build objects for training or the enclosure to ease animal keeper interactions.• Responsible for maintaining wellbeing of African rhinos (Diceros bicornis), cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis), red river hogs (Potamochoerus porcus), bongos (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci), waterbucks (Kobus ellipsiprymnus), tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas), and ostriches (Struthio camelus)• Maintain animals and enclosures within guidelines of the U.S Department of Agriculture and Association of Zoos and Aquariums• Assisted in multiple immobilizations and veterinary procedures across different taxa• Applied breeding protocols to animals recommended under the species survival plan• Developed and implemented training protocol for medical exams for cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)• Developed and implemented training protocol for nutritional evaluations and wellbeing for eastern mountain bongo ( Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci)• Presented cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)radiograph and blood draw training at 2016 Training and Enrichment Excellence Luncheon . • Attended 2016 The Art & Science of Animal Training conference by the University of North Texas• Wrote articles for zoo-wide behavioral publication Behavior Buzz• Operating remote camera to monitor animal behavior. Show less

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  University of Georgia

  Jul 2016 - Jan 2017

  Field Technician

  Work in an interagency predator-prey study in SW Florida monitoring deer and the animals that prey on them. Manage remote cameras in the field. Collect and manage data. Assist in radio telemetry to retrieve radio collars and to get a visual on individuals. Maintain vehicles and equipment in working order. Collaborate with Florida Fish and Wildlife, and the Florida Wildlife Commision to complete our goals.

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  Virginia Tech

  Jan 2017 - Aug 2020

  • Research Assistant

    Jan 2020 - Aug 2020

  • Masters Student

    Jan 2017 - Jan 2020
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  The University of Georgia

  Aug 2020 - Jul 2024

  PHD Candidate

  Studying the impact and spread of Chronic Wasting Disease on White-tailed deer demographics, behavior and movement in NW Arkansas.

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  Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study

  Jul 2024 - now

  Postdoctoral Researcher