Laura M. Vargas
Biology
Medellin,ANT
Opportunities Don't happen.You create them.
Chris Grosser
Summary
Motivated Biology Research Associate successful at conducting notable independent research into animal ecology. Bringing 8 years of experience in field, lab and office environments and eagerness to advance knowledge through forward-thinking investigations. Detail-oriented and methodical professional successful in developing in-depth research projects. Reliable team player with excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
Overview
12
12
years of post-secondary education
12
12
years of professional experience
4
4
Languages
Work History
Senior Environmental Specialist
Consorcio Antioquia al Mar
Giraldo, Antioquia
07.2020 - Current
- Performed environmental site assessments and provided remediation recommendations.
- Formulated and implemented long-range plans for environmental programs.
- Provided system and component design reducing negative impact on area environment.
- Served as subject matter expert (SME) on environmental regulations and policies.
- Prepared detailed scientific reports or presentations based on findings.
- Interpreted test data to determine whether contamination existed in accordance with environmental laws.
- Gathered environmental data, including water, air and soil contaminations.
- Devoted special emphasis to punctuality and worked to maintain outstanding attendance record, consistently arriving to work ready to start immediately.
- Adhered to social distancing protocols and wore mask or face shield at all times.
- Used Microsoft Word and other software tools to create documents and other communications.
Research Associate
LABORATORIO DE ECOLOGÍA Y CONSERVACIÓN DE FAUNA Y FLORA SILVESTRE
Leticia, Amazonas
11.2015 - Current
- Associate researcher of the research project "Structure and diversity of a community of terrestrial vertebrates associated with tropical forests of the mainland in the Colombian Amazon" of the National University of Colombia, Amazonia headquarters.
- Among the activities carried out is to accompany the monitoring of the species present in the study area and the management of geographic information in the ARCGIS Software for the realization of spatial analyzes.
- Validated incoming data to check information accuracy and integrity while independently locating and correcting concerns.
- Set up equipment, organized inventory and maintained facilities.
- Produced actionable information that improved Jaguar Ecology knowledge.
- Gathered, arranged and corrected research data to create representative graphs and charts highlighting results for presentations.
- Completed exhaustive research into occupancy modeling using databases, physical records and digital resources.
- Performed research into study topics to increase knowledge and ability to provide valuable contributions.
- Gathered and organized information for research purposes.
- Led special projects through effective emergency resolution by diminishing obstacles and saving time.
- Designed and executed study approaches.
- Streamlined research processes to meet tight deadlines for multiple projects.
Research Scientist
CORPORACIÓN MASBOSQUES
Medellin, Antioquia
09.2019 - 12.2019
- Collaborated with leadership team to identify relevant questions and determine best methods of collection.
- Performed research into study topics to increase knowledge and ability to provide valuable contributions.
- Generated data models, performed ecology community analysis and helped produce reports outlining results.
Research Scientist Coordinator
FUNDACIÓN ORINQUIA BIODIVERSA, Corridor Tinije
Tame, Arauca
02.2019 - 05.2019
- Managed multiple (3) proyects simultaneously, increasing results in research for the company
- Identified rare, endangered and endemic species, and critical habitats.
- Identifying uses, threats and sociocultural importance of mammals
- Supported identification and description of conservation objectives, special emphasis on the establishment of biological corridors Identifying the main pressures for diversity of mammals in the study area
- Participated in field activities, meetings and technical committees that are required
- Supported realization of approaches, workshops and committees as required
- Evaluated connectivity and identify critical points for the passage of wildlife.
- Supported training and socialization activities with communities surrounding each study area
- Lead presentation of works in events such as symposia, congresses, etc.,
- Coordinated production of scientific texts such as Papers, articles in indexed journals, etc.,
High school teacher
Colegio Selvalegre
Leticia, Amazonas
02.2017 - 12.2017
- As Head of research department, reinforced reserch methods to be applied in most courses, and achieved full atendance in end of year symposium.
- Gave english for sixth and seventh grades.
- Taught research project from seventh to tenth graders, Statistics for tenth graders.
- Motivated students to participate in orchard and recycling activities
- Taught mathematical skills and principles to high school students using real-world, application-based examples to maximize learning opportunities.
- Helped students develop important learning skills and good study habits useful in trade school or college education.
- Built learning and citizenship skills to help with personal growth in addition to increasing academic knowledge.
- Worked with other teachers to support struggling students and provide thorough help to rectify comprehension issues.
- Selected and requisitioned appropriate books and instructional aids to complement lesson plans.
- Inspired academic success based on belief that all students can achieve excellence, regardless of background.
- Communicated with students and parents regarding academic progress, assignments and behavior.
- Demonstrated positive and effective classroom management skills.
- Planned, prepared and taught lesson plans, giving students individual support.
- Assessed student comprehension through regular quizzes, tests and assignments.
- Diversified teaching techniques and learning tools help students with differing ability levels and varied learning modalities.
- Encouraged student interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and participation in middle and high school national science competitions.
Junior Researcher
PLANES Y MANEJOS AMBIENTALES (PLYMA) S.A. NIT
Medellin, Antioquia
02.2015 - 01.2016
- Performed research into study topics to increase knowledge and ability to provide valuable contributions.
- Designed and executed study approaches.
- Collaborated with team members to initiate best practices to achieve organizational goals.
- Led special projects through effective emergency resolution by diminishing obstacles and saving time.
- Gathered and organized information for research purposes.
Research Scientist
SACYR CONSTRUCCIÓN
Cucuta, Norte de Santander
10.2018 - 12.2018
- Provided system and component design reducing negative impact on area environment.
- Formulated and implemented long-range plans for environmental programs.
- Interpreted test data to determine whether contamination existed in accordance with environmental laws.
- Prepared detailed scientific reports or presentations based on findings.
- Performed environmental site assessments and provided remediation recommendations.
- Served as technical consultant on environmental policies to maintain regulatory compliance.
- Completed permit applications and maintained environmental permits.
- Conducted research, gathered information from multiple sources and presented results.
- Served as subject matter expert (SME) on environmental regulations and policies.
Research Scientist
Servicios Ambientales y Geográficas
Medellin, Antioquia
06.2014 - 08.2018
- Performed research into study topics to increase knowledge and ability to provide valuable contributions.
- Collaborated with leadership team to identify relevant questions and determine best methods of collection.
- Completed testing projects by deadline and under budget for company-wide initiatives.
- Handled specimens according to laboratory protocols to maximize accuracy and precision of results.
- Streamlined research processes to meet tight deadlines for multiple projects.
- Generated data models, performed mammal community analysis and helped produce reports outlining results.
- Documented and reported test results after making graphical solutions and representations.
Education
Master of Science - Ecology
01.2016 - Current
- Member of Laboratorio de ecología y conservación de Fauna y Flora Silvestre
- Received Best GPA Scholarship
- Received Rufford Small Grant
- Thesis: "Jaguar occupancy in "Terra firme" forests in colombian amazon"
Bachelor of Science - Biology
08.2006 - 10.2013
- Professional development completed in biology
- Minored in ecology
- Dissertation: "Ocelot population density in a fragmented dry forest in the colombian caribbean"
- Awarded IdeaWild equipment for research purposes
Skills
Capture, preparation and preservation methods of small mammals (rodents, marsupials and bats)Collection and preservation of samples for parasitology in mammalsOperation of GIS platforms, for generation of models of animal distribution, based on geographic information systems
Database management
Workshop design
Research and analysis
Technical Writing
Experimental design
Safety and compliance
Project Management
Documentation skills
File management
Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
Data analysis
Research program planning
Lab Report Composition
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Affiliations
- Asociación colombiana de Mastozoología
- Bat Conservation International
- Asociación Colombiana de Zoología
- Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation
- Grupo Mastozoología, Universidad de Antioquia
Timeline
Senior Environmental Specialist - Consorcio Antioquia al Mar
07.2020 - Current
Research Scientist - CORPORACIÓN MASBOSQUES
09.2019 - 12.2019
Research Scientist Coordinator - FUNDACIÓN ORINQUIA BIODIVERSA, Corridor Tinije
02.2019 - 05.2019
Research Scientist - SACYR CONSTRUCCIÓN
10.2018 - 12.2018
High school teacher - Colegio Selvalegre
02.2017 - 12.2017
Universidad Nacional De Colombia - Master of Science, Ecology
01.2016 - Current
Research Associate - LABORATORIO DE ECOLOGÍA Y CONSERVACIÓN DE FAUNA Y FLORA SILVESTRE
11.2015 - Current
Junior Researcher - PLANES Y MANEJOS AMBIENTALES (PLYMA) S.A. NIT
02.2015 - 01.2016
Research Scientist - Servicios Ambientales y Geográficas
06.2014 - 08.2018
Universidad De Antioquia - Bachelor of Science, Biology
08.2006 - 10.2013