Erica Molnar

Experience

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  Detroit Zoological Society

  Apr 2023 - Aug 2023

  Education Aide

  Led tour groups consisting of children’s day camps, Scouts of America programs, general public and shelter group nighttime tours; educating on the purposes of environmental conservation and sustainability, animal welfare, wildlife rehabilitation, and humane education. Collaboration with AZA, NOAA, DNR, USFS, and the USDA.

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  Bird Center of Michigan

  May 2023 - Aug 2023

  Avian Rehabilitation Assistant

  Provided care to injured songbirds and waterfowl in the state of Michigan by preforming intake exams, fecal floatation parasite examinations, parasite microscopy, medication administration, physical therapy administration, maintaining feeding schedules, and ensuring general clinic cleanliness. Communicated with the public about avian health and ways to prevent wildlife injuries, and advised public on safety precautions regarding transport of animals to the center during emergency cases.

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  University of South Florida College of Arts and Sciences

  Aug 2023 - Dec 2023

  Cellular Processes Laboratory Learning Assistant

  Promoted student-centered learning, facilitated reflective learning and teaching methods, and effectively communicated in writing and speech in regards to biological processes. Communicated scientific methods and topics to students to develop learning skills, as well as demonstrated safe laboratory techniques and equipment usage.

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  Florida Institute of Oceanography

  Jun 2024 - now

  Provide assistance to the regional MATE ROV competition hosted by FIO and support the competition as a scientific diver and with ROV prop construction. Provide support to FIO staff and students in the Peerside Program for Deep Sea Sharks and Coral summer research cruise expeditions (Summer 2024), Wrecks and Reefs and Seeps and Mussels research cruise expeditions (Summer 2025). Additionally assisting in ROV visualization, research cruise planning, facilitating remote science at sea, and utilizing GIS to create bathymetric maps for study sites.

  • Student Assistant

    Jan 2025 - now

  • Peerside Program Coordinator

    Jun 2024 - now
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  University of South Florida College of Arts and Sciences

  Aug 2024 - now

  Undergraduate Researcher

  Working in the Gemmell Lab on reef fish biomechanics and fluid dynamics using Fiji Image J image processing software. Use lab and field based experiments to determine the correlation between tail beat amplitude, frequency, aspect ratio, and center of mass on fast-start acceleration. Currently also investigating the two/three tail hypothesis in various pelagic species and bamboo sharks.