| Zapata Courage - Research Biologist |
[Resume ]
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Zapata Courage joined WEST in May of 2009 as a Research Biologist. She will monitor bats and the nocturnal migration patterns of birds. She will also coordinate seasonal field technicians and assume a variety of administrative responsibilities within the Vermont based office. Zapata received her B.S. in Conservation Biology from the University of Vermont in 1998. As an undergraduate, she was involved with research projects focused on sensitive species, habitat restoration and/or sustainable development. Since graduation, Zapata has had years of experience in fieldwork, environmental education, and administration. She accepted an education intern position in Kenya with the School for Field Studies, a college study abroad program focusing on wildlife management and habitat assessment. While in Kenya, she also volunteered her time with the Lammegier (White-Bearded Vulture) reintroduction project. Since her return to the States, Zapata has worked with the Minnesota Wolf Research Project and the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department's Green Mountain Conservation Camps. Also, with VT F&W she became an Education Specialist. She was responsible for developing and implementing the tri-state marketing campaign for the Let's Get the Lead Out program, stemming from the change in law regarding lead sinker use. Zapata's most current fieldwork (summer 2008) was spent in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California working for the USDA Forest Service continuing a long-term non-invasive monitoring program for mid-sized carnivores. Between fieldwork opportunities, Zapata served as Office Manager and Patient Care Coordinator with local businesses in Vermont, providing her with a variety of administrative skills.
Of course, the most exciting things she has done aren't part of her professional resume, such as; whitewater rafting the Nile River, climbing and getting engaged on Mt. Kenya and being her mother's midwife. She has made her home in Vermont, living completely off the grid, and is trying to establish good homesteading practices with her husband Tim Johnston and four cats. During her free time, she loves to read, play games, be outside and/or listening to music.
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