Gavin Leighton
Curriculum Vitae

EDUCATION
  University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL.    
Doctoral Student in Biology
Fall 2009
  Colgate University, B.A. Hamilton, NY.                                                                      
Concentration: Environmental Biology
G.P.A.: 3.36/4.0
 May 2009
  Notre Dame University, South Bend, IA.                                                                
Summer coursework in general ecology.
Summer 2007
  North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC.                                                       
Summer study abroad in Namibia on desert ecology and wildlife management.
Summer 2008
       LaSalle College High School, Wyndmoor, PA.   June 2005
     
HONORS
  Dean’s Award:  Awarded for a G.P.A. higher than 3.33.    Spring 2007 – Spring 2009
  Beta Beta Beta: Activity and community oriented honors biology organization. Fall 2008 – Spring 2009
     
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
  Field Biology Research Fellow, Land O Lakes, WI                                          
▪ Conducted independent research in the field studying bat behavior and feeding.
▪ Other acquired skills include animal identification by sight or sound, benthic sampling, vegetation survey and cover class techniques, orienteering, and animal trapping and handling.
May 2007 – July 2007
  Environmental Research Fellow, Hamilton, NY                                             
▪ Collected soil samples during field site visits and surveyed the above ground plant community as well as light levels. 
▪ Used soil samples to cultivate a seed bank study and maintained the setup while transplanting and identifying individuals. 
▪ Prepared soil samples for pH, C:N and texture analysis in lab.
May 2008 – July 2008
  Senior Independent Research, Hamilton, NY                                                 
▪ Studied the developmental genetics of a poecilogonous marine worm (Streblospio benedicti).
▪ Sequenced several genes and conducted In situ hybridization to determine differential expression of genes.
▪ Collaborated with scientist in California to obtain samples and run complimentary tests. 
January 2009 – Present
     
PUBLICATIONS
  Leighton, G. Lee, J. Francl, K. (2009) “Influence of Structural Complexity on Bat Activity at Palustrine Habitats in the Northern Great Lakes Region”. Michigan Academician. In Press  
     
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
  Taught two general biology laboratory sections. Fall 2009
     
ACTIVITIES
  Co-President of Students for Environmental Action May 2007 – May 2009
  Member of Environmental Council August 2007 – May 2009
     
SKILLS
  Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word and Powerpoint. SYSTAT 9.0 and SPSS 14.0