JESSICA PARKER

Karper537@gmail.com

Hard-working Entomology major currently attending University of Idaho with over 2 years work
experience. Seeking to enhance my education and professional skills by acquiring a Masters in
entomology from the University of Idaho.

EXPERIENCE
MAY 2017 – CURRENT
BARR ENTOMOLOGY MUSEUM ASSITANT, UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO
I maintain two colonies of walking sticks by providing fresh leaves for their food, collecting and
hatching their eggs, and keeping the cages clean. Digitized the Nelson Curtis butterfly collection
which included capturing label data and entering it into online data base. Organized the museum
alcohol collection and categorized the specimens into an Excel spreadsheet. Helped with the
curation of the Orthoptera specimens by organizing them into new boxes with header labels.
Added labels to unlabeled insects in the collection. Build and repaired insect drawers. Prepared
traps for fruit fly research which involves making lures for attraction and hooks to hang them in
trees.

JANUARY 2019 – CURRENT

LAB ASSITANT, UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO
I perform DNA and RNA extraction from collected plant or insect specimens. For RNA samples I
further perform cDNA extraction. I analysis samples by running qPCR. I maintain a clean and neat
working environment to prevent cross contamination. Use Excel to construct spreadsheets and
construct graphs of insect data information. I am responsible for growing plants to feed the aphid
and psyllid colonies used in research.

EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO
B.S. SUSTAINABLE CROP AND LANDSCAPE SYSTEM EMPHSIS ON INSECTS AND
SOCIETY, EXPECTED GRADUATION MAY 2019
GPA: 3.22
Relevant Courses: Insect Identification, Insect Ecology, Introduction to Forest Insects

COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN IDAHO

A.S. HORTICULTURE, MAY 2015
 GPA: 3.24
SKILLS
 Proficient in Microsoft word and Excel  Adaptable
 Detail oriented  Fast learner
 Problem Solver

ACTIVITIES
I previously held the position of Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer for the College of Southern
Idaho Horticulture Organization. This was a very active organization which held multiple fundraisers
throughout the year. I worked at most of the fundraisers which included plant sales and corn mazes. The
money that we raised was used to support struggling community members during the holidays. I enjoy
being an active community member so during my time in southern Idaho I worked at two fruit tree
pruning clinics where I demonstrated good pruning techniques. At the University of Idaho, I often lead
tours of the Barr Entomology Museum to school age children and adults. I have volunteered at the UI
College of Agriculture Saturday Academy for three summers helping children collect insects in the
Arboretum or lead them through the museum.