Clifton Keith Ray Curriculum Vitae 7300 Reinhardt Circle Waleska, GA 30183 770-720-9206 [email protected] Education 2006-2010 Master of Science, Biology- Ichthyology Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849 Thesis Title: Redescription and Morphometric Analysis of Isorineloricaria (Siluriformes: Loricariidae)— advised by Dr. Jonathan W. Armbruster 2002-2006 Bachelor of Science, Biology Minor, Spanish Reinhardt College, Waleska, GA 30183 Teaching Experience and Associated Responsibilities 2016- Lecturer of Biology and Lab Coordinator Teach Introductory Biology labs, teach Organismal Biology lecture and lab, and teach Teaching Assistant Development course. Maintain safe working environment, supervise student workers, develop lab protocols, maintain inventory and supplies for lab prep areas. Perform equipment maintenance and repair in all lab and common areas. Develop relationships with suppliers and account reps. Perform duties required as member of faculty, including committee work and community outreach. 2015- 2016 Adjunct Instructor Reinhardt University, Waleska, GA Teach Organismal Biology lecture and labs. Topics include evolution, diversity of life, basic human anatomy and physiology, and ecology and conservation. 2012-2014 Adjunct Instructor Auburn University Montgomery, Montgomery, AL Teach General Biology and Organismal Biology labs as part of the AUM Seamless Program. Teach general lab techniques and biological concepts to freshmen biology students. 2006-2014 Graduate Teaching Assistant Auburn University, Auburn, AL Teach laboratory classes: Organismal Biology (2 semesters) Vertebrate Biodiversity (volunteer, multiple summers) General Biology (4 semesters) Comparative Anatomy (10 semesters) Ecology (1 semester) Anatomy and Physiology (1 semester) Assist with lectures in Comparative Anatomy; develop lab instructional goals and substitute lecture classes with 150+ students. 1 Research Experience and Associated Responsibilities 2015 Bog Turtle- Hellbender Wildlife Technician Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources, Non-game Division, Forsyth, GA Survey wetlands and bogs for Bog Turtles, and snorkel survey streams for hellbenders. PIT tag individuals, take tissue samples, radio tag turtles, collect significant data individual health and measurements, and collect GIS, weather, and habitat data. Compile data and track radio tagged individuals. 2012-2014 Summer Camp Consultant Auburn University, Auburn, AL Conduct summer camp fieldtrips to local streams to illustrate aquatic biodiversity of Alabama, develop an understanding of conservation, and instill enthusiasm for the outdoors to diverse camp attendees. Developed through the Truman-Pierce Institute in the College of Education at Auburn University. 2011 Research Consultant Environmental Resource Management (ERM) Conduct literature surveys pertaining to sediment and turbidity tolerances of headwater stream fishes in eastern North America as they relate to mining operations in Suriname, South America. 2011- 2014 Researcher- Volunteer Auburn University, Auburn, AL Researcher for the Eco – Geo Morphology Survey of Piedmont Streams in Alabama. Perform fish and crayfish surveys. Generate and analyze GIS and LandSat data for site selection based on reference conditions. Coordinate landowner contacts and involvement. 2010- Graduate Research Assistant Auburn University, Auburn, AL Part of the All Cypriniformes Species Inventory. Assist in collection of museum specimens. Curate and maintain fish collection, including alcohol and skeletal collections. Identify and curate backlog fish specimens. Maintain beetle colony for skeletal preps. Direct undergraduate research assistants. Maintain scientific collecting permits and landowner contacts in 15 states. Lead and coordinate multiple collecting expeditions and operate within budget parameters. Guide private tours of museum and lab facilities 2010 Researcher- Volunteer Mountain Conservation Trust of Georgia, Jasper, GA Lead survey of Long Swamp Creek (Pickens Co., GA) for the Etowah Darter (Etheostoma etowahae) and other fish species. Teach volunteers aquatic organism collecting techniques and demonstrate key ideas about stream biodiversity and stream ecology/ health. 2 2009 Graduate Research Assistant Auburn University, Auburn, AL Auburn Museum of Natural History and Biodiversity Learning Center. Assist in collection of museum specimens- including plants and animals. Curate and maintain collection, including wet and skeletal collections. Create and maintain new beetle colony for skeletal preps while operating with project budget. Direct volunteers and recruit undergraduate researchers. Guide private tours of museum and lab facilities. 2008 Assistant Researcher- Volunteer Auburn University, Auburn, AL Survey streams around Wolf Bay, AL for effects of urbanization. Consult on collection protocols and methodology. Sample fish and benthic invertebrates. 2008 Assistant Researcher- Volunteer Auburn University, Auburn, AL Survey headwater streams in Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee for an endangered species, the Tennessee Dace, Phoxinus tennesseensis, to determine effects of drought on isolated populations. 2008- Graduate Research Assistant- Volunteer Auburn University, Auburn, AL Guide undergraduates in research opportunities in both Dr. Jonathan Armbruster’s lab and in the Auburn University Museum of Natural History and Biodiversity Learning Center. Develop techniques for skeleton preparation of specimens, perform outreach through research initiative with other departments within the university, and provide support to visiting researchers. Perform analysis of GIS and LandSat data and create maps for expedition and fieldwork logistics. Maintain contacts with both public officials and private landowners for land access to conduct research. Perform research permitting process with federal, state, and local governments. Conduct expedition travel, equipment upkeep, and budget expenses. 2007-2009 Research Assistant Auburn University, Auburn, AL Fish specialist for Alabama Mill Dam Inventory. Investigate effects of low head dams on streams. Collect and identify fish from Alabama streams. Collect mussels, crayfish, and other invertebrates. Collect and analyze long-term environmental data. Obtain and maintain collecting permits, including listed species. Coordinate landowner contact and involvement for property access and maintain relationships for future work. Conduct outreach with public and private partners. Assess impacts of small dams on organisms and environment. 2007 Endangered Species Survey Consultant Reinhardt College, Waleska, GA Survey Conasauga River drainage for populations of Blue Shiners (Cyprinella caerulea) and Goldline Darters (Percina aurolineata) for US Fish and Wildlife Service. Perform land use and distribution data analysis based on collection data and historical GIS and LandSat data. 3 2007 Graduate Research Assistant Auburn University, Auburn, AL Population survey of the Crystal Darter (Crystallaria asprella) in Uphapee Creek, Tallapoosa River, AL. Consultant on Alabama Mill Dam Project, including mussel, crayfish, and fish surveys. Assist in collection, identification, and curation of specimens in the Auburn University Museum Fish Collection. 2006 Endangered Species Survey- Volunteer Mountain Conservation Trust of Georgia, Jasper, GA Survey Long Swamp Creek (Pickens Co., GA) for the Etowah Darter (Etheostoma etowahae) and the Cherokee Darter (Etheostoma scotti). Teach collecting techniques and aquatic organism identification to volunteers. 2005 Endangered Species Survey- Volunteer Mountain Conservation Trust of Georgia, Jasper, GA Survey Long Swamp Creek (Pickens Co., GA) for the Etowah Darter (Etheostoma etowahae). Teach collecting techniques and aquatic organism identification to volunteers. 2004-2006 Undergraduate Assistant Department of Biology Reinhardt College, Waleska, GA Collection and curation of regional zoological specimens for teaching and museum collections. Genetic analysis of regional fishes. Professional Service 2017- Emergency Operations Planning Committee Reinahrdt University, Waleska, GA 2017- Title IX Committee, Faculty Representative Reinahrdt University, Waleska, GA 2014- 2016 Development and Community Outreach Committee Mountain Conservation Trust of Georgia, Jasper, GA 2011-2014 Auburn University Department of Biological Sciences- Museum Committee Graduate Committee Member Auburn University Museum of Natural History and Biodiversity Learning Center International Field Experience 2010 Upper Congo Fishes Project/ ACSI II Upper Congo River, Kisangani, Orientale, Democratic Republic of the Congo Technical Skills and Abilities Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, including Powerpoint, Word, and Excel Proficient with Microsoft Windows XP/ Vista/ 7, Mac OS X, and Ubuntu (Linux) Understanding of Free Open Source Software (FOSS) tools and sources GIS/GPS operations: ESRI ARCGIS Desktop Certified, ERDAS Imagine, QGIS 4 Photographic editing software experience- Photoshop, Illustrator, GIMP Webpage development and design Database development using File Maker Pro, Microsoft Access Proficient with social network communications, advertising, and outreach Non-Academic Employment Experience 2002-2006 Senior Range Assistant River Bend Gun Club, Dawsonville, GA Oversee safety on shooting ranges. Maintenance of ranges and equipment. Supervise and train other range assistants. Assistant to Shotgun Manager and General Manager. Coach new and intermediate shooters. Shoot coordinator and referee.