ERIC D.

TABER
The Pennsylvania State University, 221 Walker Building, State College, PA 16803

EDUCATION
M.S., The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Department of Geography
B.A., Colgate University, Hamilton, NY
Double Major: Biology & Geography

Expected Graduation May 2015

GPA: 4.00/4.00
May 2013
GPA: 3.75/4.00

TECHNICAL RESEARCH SKILLS

R Data manipulation, graphics and analysis including parametric and machine learning modeling
approaches such as artificial neural networks, classification and regression trees and mixed effect
models

ArcGIS Software Suite Automation, batch processing, cartographic production, change detection,
density analysis, digital image processing and image classification

Python scripting and tool development for ArcGIS

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
M.S. Thesis Research, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania
Fall 2013 Present
Determined dengue fever transmission potential using a combination of biological
modeling and spatial analysis and quantified an invasive mosquito species spread
throughout Pennsylvania
Fit and evaluated generalized linear models and random forest models to determine the
extent to which protected areas (e.g. national parks) control malaria prevalence throughout
Sub-Saharan Africa
Developed expertise in GIS, spatial analyses, biological modeling and Python and R
scripting
Research Assistant, California Dept. of Public Health STD Control, Richmond, California
Summer 2014
Compiled socioeconomic and disease incidence data and created maps of disease burdens for
the state of California using a geographic information system (GIS) and R
Developed protocols to improve partner notification for patients diagnosed with STDs
Produced figures detailing STD risk factors for major California cities using CDC data and R
Research Student, The Polaris Project, Northeast Science Station, Siberia, Russia Summer 2012 Fall 2012
Member of NSF-funded, international research team focused on climate change in the
Arctic
Quantified vegetation controls on soil CO2 respiration and permafrost characteristics
utilizing mixed methods including the operation of a gas flux chamber and electrical
resistivity imaging hardware
Presented results at American Geophysical Union Conference

Principal Investigator, Annapurna Region, Nepal

Summer 2012

Independently developed, proposed and conducted research on the relationship between

development, the trekking industry, and conservation practices in the Annapurna Conservation
Area of Nepal
Analyzed survey data collected from locals and trekkers while trekking 200 km through the
Himalayas at altitudes >18,000 and in monsoon conditions at tropical elevations
Funded through Alumni Memorial Scholar Research Fellowship

Principal Investigator, La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica

Summer 2011
Designed, conducted, and presented independent research project under the mentorship of a
doctoral student
Measured interspecific variation in drought tolerance and avoidance parameters of high and low
light tropical fern species
Created pressure-volume curves and measured the morphological traits of sun and shade fern
species
Study published in the 2011 REU coursebook
Undergraduate Honors Research, Colgate University, Hamilton, NY
Fall 2012
Analyzed effects of liming on nutrient uptake in chronically and episodically acidic streams in the
Adirondacks to preserve a heritage strain of brook trout as part of collaborative, interdisciplinary
team
Measured nutrient uptake in streams following phosphorous and ammonia addition
Analyzed soluble phosphorous and ammonia concentrations with spectrophotometer
Field Technician, Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association, Susitna River Valley, AK
Fall 2010 Spring 2011
Operated weir trap and enumerated juvenile salmon to evaluate and rehabilitate salmon
stocks; collected data on weather conditions and species, number, length, weight, and
age of migrating salmon
Maintained primitive field camp in remote Alaskan wilderness for two months
Funded through the Student Conservation Association
FELLOWSHIPS AND AWARDS
NASA-MSU Professional Enhancement Award
Penn State University Graduate Fellowship
Arnulf I. Muan Graduate Fellowship
Magna Cum Laude with University Honors in Biology
Christopher Oberheim Memorial Award for Excellence in Biological Research
Alumni Memorial Scholar Research Fellowship
Goldwater Scholarship Honorable Mention

Spring 2014
2013/2014
2013/2014
Spring 2013
Spring 2013
Summer 2012
Spring 2012

PRESENTATIONS
Invited speaker for the Pennsylvania Vector Control Association Annual Meeting;
Fall 2014
presented The Spread of the Asian Tiger Mosquito and the Risk of Dengue Fever in Pennsylvania
Oral presentation Invasion of Aedes albopictus in Pennsylvania and Potential Risk of Dengue Spring 2014
given at the 29th Annual Symposium of the U.S. Chapter of the International Association
of Landscape Ecologists (U.S.-IALE)
Poster presentation Understory vegetation controls on terrestrial carbon flux in an Arctic boreal Fall 2012
forest underlain by continuous permafrost at the American Geophysical Union Conference