Resume
Elissa S. Ballman
eballman@gmail.com
24321 18th Ave
St. Augusta, MN 56301
320-253-8078
EDUCATION
M.S. Entomology, University of California-Riverside |
2007- 2009 |
B.S. Biology, St. Edward’s University, Summa Cum Laude |
2003 – 2006 |
RESEARCH
University of California-Riverside |
2007-2009 |
For my M.S. research, I evaluated whether blue-green sharpshooters, a common grape pest, is the same species across its entire California distribution. I examined molecular, behavioral, and reproductive aspects of sharpshooters across the state to determine speciation. I independently maintained multiple insect colonies and presented the research in a variety of venues in addition to winning multiple competitions and acquiring funding. |
St. Edward’s University |
2006 |
Observed native and invasive ant interactions with Bembecinus neglectus (ground nesting wasps) including nest disruption, prey stealing and ant attacks resulting in death of adult wasps. |
St. Edwards University |
2006 |
Collaborated on a research project measuring the vocal repertoire of northern mockingbirds and examined their vocal learning abilities. |
WORK EXPERIENCE
University of California-Riverside Entomology Outreach Program |
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Public Educator |
2007-2009 |
- Advised the public on pest control strategies for home and garden
- Participated in community-oriented functions such as: insect festivals, museum events, and educational conferences
- Educated local school children about insects and incorporated California teaching standards into lesson plans
- Maintained outreach insect colonies including butterflies, beetles, walkingsticks, roaches and other arthropods
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University of California-Riverside |
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Teaching Assistant: Field Entomology |
2009 |
- Independently led weekly undergraduate labs
- Taught pinning, point mounting and proper insect preservation techniques for both soft and hard bodied specimens
- Assisted students with insect identification using dichotomous keys
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University of California-Riverside |
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Research Assistant |
2007 |
- Worked in the applied biological control laboratory analyzing behavioral interactions between established and potential glassy-winged sharpshooter parasitoids: Gonatocerus ashmeadi and Gonatocerus tuberculifemur
- Maintained multiple insect colonies of sharpshooters and wasps
- Led weekly collections of sharpshooters from the field
- Supervised several undergraduate student workers in the lab
- Work required level two quarantine clearance
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St. Edward’s University |
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Teaching Assistant: Biology of Organisms and Populations lab |
2005 |
- Prepared lab materials
- Assisted undergraduates with dissections, procedures and identifying aquatic organisms
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Banfield Pet Hospital, Austin, TX |
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Veterinary Technician |
2005 – 2006 |
- Educated clients on procedures such as vaccines, x-rays, blood work and surgery
- Conducted initial exams including temperature, respiration and heart rate
- Performed and evaluated blood and fecal tests such as FIV/Leukemia, heartworms, internal parasites, blood cell counts
- Responsible for all medical notes
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Austin Zoo, Austin, TX |
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Animal Care Internship & Independent Trainer |
2004 – 2005 |
- Extensive interaction with primates, ungulates, birds, reptiles, large cats, small mammals
- Caretaking responsibilities included food preparation, feeding, and exhibit maintenance
- Prepared and distributed medications, as well as cleaning and treating wounds
- Solely responsible for the training of an adult African serval
- Training practices encouraged the serval to become more trusting of humans for purposes of crate shifting and medicating needs
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AWARDS
First Place: Poster Competition at Pacific Entomological Society of America |
2009 |
“Are Vibrational Mating Calls of Blue-green Sharpshooters (Graphocephala atropunctata) an Indication of Incipient Speciation between Populations in California?” |
First Place: Student Presentation at UCR Entomology Student Seminar Day |
2008 |
“Vibrational Communication in Blue-Green Sharpshooters” |
Temecula Valley Wine Society Nancy Johnson Memorial Scholarship |
2007 |
Awarded for entomological research contributing to `the success of southern California’s wine industry. |
University of California-Riverside Chancellor’s Distinguished Fellowship |
2007 |
PRESENTATIONS AND PAPERS
Ballman, E. S., M. S. Hoddle, and M. Zuk. Vibrational Mating Calls and Cross-Breeding Abilities of Blue-Green Sharpshooters (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) From Two Geographically Distant Populations in California. |
In Prep |
Ballman, E. S., P. F. Rugman-Jones, R. Stouthamer and M. S. Hoddle. Genetic structure of Graphocephala atropunctata (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) Populations Across its Natural Range in California Reveals Isolation by Distance. Journal of Economic Entomology |
In Press |
Presented Poster “Are Vibrational Mating Calls of Blue-green Sharpshooters (Graphocephala atropunctata) an Indication of Incipient Speciation between Populations in California?” at Pacific Branch Entomological Society of America |
2009 |
Wampler, Elissa S. and David E. Gammon. Aggressive Head-Up Displays in Great-Tailed Grackles (Quiscalus mexicanus). The Texas Journal of Science. 59(2):151-154 |
2007 |
Undergraduate Thesis: Classical Biological Control and the Fight against Exotic Species. Nominated for the St. Edward’s Capstone Award |
2006 |
Presented: “Vocalizations and Group Movement of Monk Parakeets” at St. Edward’s annual Senior Seminar |
2006 |
Presented: “Vocalizations and Group Movement of Monk Parakeets” at the Texas Academy of Science conference |
2006 |
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Entomological Society of America Member |
2006 – Present |
Entomological Graduate Student Association (EGSA) |
2007 – 2009 |
Graduate Student Representative for EGSA |
2008 – 2009 |
International Organization for Biocontrol-NRS Member |
2008 – 2009 |
UCR Graduate Student Association |
2007 – 2009 |
Texas Academy of Science Member |
2005 – 2007 |
St. Edward’s Academy of Science |
2004 – 2006 |
St. Edward’s Women in Science |
2004 – 2006 |