Andrew Kough's Resume


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Email: andrew.kough@gmail.com (personal) akough@rsmas.miami.edu (school)

Education:

Awarded the Alumni Fellowship by the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science 2009-2010
Graduated cum laude with a B.S. in Biology from Gettysburg College, Gettysburg PA. May 2008
Received the William C. and Helen H. Darrah Award from the Gettysburg Biology department May 2008
Awarded and upheld the Presidential Scholarship by Gettysburg College 2004-2008
Study abroad through Butler University at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, AU. Fall 2007

Scientific Contributions:

Caribbean Spiny Lobster Connectivity and the Role of Larval Dispersal in the Spread of an Emergent Disease. Kough AS, Paris CB, Butler MJ. 9th International Conference and Workshop on Lobsters, Bergen, NOR. 6/21/2011
The Role of Local Retention Versus Subsidies in the Connectivity of Caribbean Spiny Lobster Populations. Kough AS, Paris CB, Butler MJ. 141st American Fisheries Society, Seattle, USA. 9/6/2011.
Caribbean-wide patterns of lobster larval connectivity: the "holy grail" for international management of an iconic species. Butler MJ, Kough AS, Paris CB. 41st Benthic Ecology Meeting, Norfolk, USA. 3/22/2012.
Picking the perfect birthday: reproductive biology and connectivity in octocorals. Lasker HR, Paris CB, Kough AS, Porto I, Cherubin LM. 12th International Coral Reef Symposium, Cairns, AUS. 7/13/2012.

Biological Experiences:

International Research Experience Student, Zanzibar, TAN
Summer 2010
Zanzibar Project
Participated in the NSF funded Zanzibar Project focusing on the costal oceanographic modeling of Africa’s eastern coast. Learned and applied ROMS modeling techniques. Organized and undertook cruises collecting data to support a model using an ADCP and CTD onboard a local fishing vessel. Helped African researchers studying the local reef community.



Seasonal Biologist, Department of Natural Resources, MD
April to August 2009
Maryland DNR
Worked for the state entomologist on the Eastern shore of Maryland in the Wildlife and Heritage division. Set-up, maintained, and collected insect trap transects targeting bees and ants on unique dune habitat. Processed trap contents under high magnification for an entomological study surveying and determining rare species population connectivity.



Wildlife Biologist Intern, Patuxent Research Refuge, MD
Summer 2008
Patuxent Research Refuge
Helped to carry out a wide range of field duties for US Fish and Wildlife Service biologists. Located and mapped plant species throughout the 12,000-acre refuge using Trimble GPS and ArcGIS. Controlled invasive plant species using both chemical and mechanical means. Worked with teams of volunteers participating in surveys of bird and amphibian populations. Practiced good forestry techniques to ensure the health of the nation’s only wildlife refuge established for research.



Animal Care Aide, Bethesda, MD; Gettysburg, PA; and Fairfield, PA.
July 2002 to May 2008
Locust Grove
Strawberry Hill
East Coast Exotic Rescue
Aided four different institutions by caring for a diverse array of animals. Fed, observed, and cleaned up after snakes, turtles, primates, big cats, exotic birds, lizards, amphibians, and a variety of invertebrates. Educated families about reptiles by enabling groups to interact with the specimens, and by assisting with animal shows. Became aware that many local non-profit government institutions have a shortage of funding and staff and demand volunteers from the community to operate. Volunteered at Locust Grove Nature Center in Bethesda, at Strawberry Hill Nature Center in Fairfield, at East Coast Exotic Animal Rescue in Fairfield, and worked for Gettysburg College.



Undergraduate Thesis, Gettysburg College
Winter and Spring 2008
Dr. Urcuyo of Gettysburg College

Carried out a proposal, research, write-up, and presentations independently under the guidance of a professor. Examined differences between aquacultured and wild-harvested live rock for the marine ornamental trade. Devised an experiment using light and SEM microscopy. Found that the functional biodiversity was not significantly different and demonstrated that aquacultured rock cycles faster making it a superior option. Presented findings to an auditorium filled with peers and professors. Increased familiarity with independent research and applying scientific skills.



Research Field Assistant, Cranberry Lake Biological Station, NY
Summer 2007
The White Throated Sparrow Project
Participated in a long-term study linking the behavior and genetics of a population of white-throated sparrows. Observed targeted species from dawn until afternoon every day, recording all aspects of behavior in a detailed log. Located nests and helped to obtain and prepare blood samples from chicks and from mist netted adults. Gained practical field experience and learned how to conduct a professional scientific study.