Curriculum vitae

Marnesha Nicole Jones

mjones301@radford.edu | A: 317 2 nd street, Radford, VA 24141| C: (540) 922-5611

Summary
I am a detail-oriented biology researcher with environmental biology and forest ecology experience, excited to contribute
to field research in forest ecology, wildlife biology, conservation, and related fields . I work well collaboratively and
thoroughly enjoy field research in forest ecology and wildlife biology. I am willing to go above and beyond requirements
to support the assigned work or to problem-solve. I am highly motivated and eager to gain new skills and experience in the
field.

Educational Background

George Wythe High School | Richmond, VA, United States

High School Diploma
2015

Radford University | Radford, VA, United States

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology
2019
• Currently in good standing with the University
• 9 credits away from a Bachelor's in Environmental Biology

Relevant Experience

Forest Health Assessment

Radford University | Radford, VA
• Conducted a forest health assessment of Wildwood Park in Radford,
Forest and Wetland Ecology
Virginia; a 50-acre natural habitat area with wetlands, mixed-mesophytic,
08/2018-12/2018
dry-mesic oak, and dry calcareous forests and woodlands
• Identified both native and invasive plant species including amur and
morrow’s honeysuckle, tulip poplar, sycamore, spicebush, multiflora rose,
and garlic mustard
• Collected data on forest structure, species composition, and sit e
environment (e.g., topography, light, soils, disturbance indicators)
• Collected and processed (dried and burned) soil samples to help identify
forest type
• Entered and error-checked plant data for our class website,
https://ruwildwood.weebly.com/ and presented this website at a Student
Engagement Research Forum.

Wetland Delineation
• Conducted a wetland delineation at the Selu Conservancy in Radford,
Virginia; a 380-acre forested area along the Little River

Radford University | Radford, VA
Phenology & Field Biology
01/2019-Current
Radford University | Radford, VA
Student Research
08/2015 - 01/2016
Radford University | Radford, VA
Las Piedras Biodiversity station, Peru
Student Researcher
01/2018-06/2018
Other Experience
Radford University | Radford, VA
Museum Work Study Student
07/2018 – Current
Radford University | Radford, VA
REALISE Peer Role Model
01/2017 - Current
Radford University | Radford, VA
Small Mammal Trapping
01/2015 – Current
Radford University | Radford, VA
Environmental Toxicology
08/2018 – 12/2018
Radford University | Radford, VA
Student Research
01/2017 – 05/2018
• Surveyed for wetland indicator species using the USACE – VA Wetlands
Plant List and the USDA National Plants Database to determine which
areas were considered wetlands
• Measured, recorded, and analyzed belt transects at two selected sites
• Monitored the effects of seasonal change (Phenology) in plant and animal
activities from winter to spring.
• Implemented cover boards for salamander surveys, wildlife cameras, and
plant surveys
• My research website (unfinished): https://savenaturally.weebly.com/
• Examined the presence and relative density of violets in grasslands at the
Radford Army Ammunition Plant
• Surveyed for Regal Fritillary larvae and their host plants; revisited known
violet sites from a Chazal 2006 article, photographed and documented GPS
coordinates of these plants to construct a map of their presence
• During each of these surveys we used belt transects across grassland tracts,
walking linear patterns of 100m or more while documenting violets within
1m on either side of our walking path
• Presented my research at the Student Engagement Forum at Radford
University
• Monitored the ethological relationships amongst the Glasswing butterfly,
(Greta oto) and their host plant, genus Cestrum
• Captured, identified, handled, and reared butterflies
• Collected and processed vegetation samples to examine alkaloid properties
found in Nightshade plants
• Photograph and document over 60 invertebrate and vertebrate natural
history museum (Herbarium) specimens
• Provide valuable resources and assistance to students at Radford
University majoring in the STEM curriculum
• Assisted with capturing, identifying, and processing small mammal species
through the deployment of Sherman and tomahawk traps to conduct
species surveys and assist with educational outreach in Southwest Virginia.
• Monitored the effects of urbanization on Peak creek’s water quality by
collecting macroinvertebrate assemblage, physical habitat, and water
chemistry data
• Identified all macroinvertebrates by family using the Virginia Stream
Condition Index (VSCI)
• Surveyed bird-window collisions relative to food sources on Radford
University’s campus
 • Collected and identified over 10 bird species found around buildings that
had highly reflective glass windows

Radford University | Radford, VA
Assistant Student Research
08/2018 – 12/2018
• Assisted in a study with another research student monitoring the effects of
Royal Jelly, a substance produced by bees, and the juvenile hormone on
Arachnids (Tarantulas and Scorpions)
• Conducted prod and spray tests on these species to monitor and document
their behavior

• Developed a management plan for Jefferson salamanders (Ambystoma

Radford University | Radford, VA
jeffersonianum) in Wildwood park, Radford, VA
Conservation Biology
• Conducted several surveys on leaf litter, water/air quality, and soil
01/2018-05/2018
moisture to inform maintenance and improvement plans for Wildwood
Park’s habitat preservation for Jefferson salamanders

Relevant Coursework (RU)

• Forest and Wetland Ecology

• Phenology and Field Biology
• Conservation Biology
• Directed Study and Research
• Directed Field Research: RARE
(Study Abroad)
• Intro to GIS
• Ecology and Adaptation

Skills

• Field Biology; collection and identification of many tree, herb, and shrub species

• Data collection: Experience in recording tree data, collecting and processing soil samples, collecting data on forest

structure and species composition, and entering and error-checking plant data

• Comfortable working with, identifying and handling plants

• Software: office/website related- Microsoft Office and Weebly website design; Geographic Information Software

(GIS) – ESRI ArcGIS

• Physical fitness: experience with long day hikes and excursions in both deciduous forests and tropical rainforests

Activities and Honors

High School
• Graduated top ten in my class with a 3.6 GPA
• National Honor Society President
• Family Career and Community Leaders of America Secretary
• Future Business Leaders of America Treasurer
• Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Program participant
• Lady-like program member
• Mayors Youth Academy participant
• GReat Aspirations Scholarship Program (GRASP) Award Recipient
• Ernst and Young College Map Program member
• Ernst and Young College Map Program award recipient

College
• Accelerated Research Opportunities Program participant (2015 -present)
• Member of The Wildlife Society (2015-present)
• GReat Aspirations Scholarship Program(GRASP) Award Recipient (2015 -present)
• Ernst and Young Collegian Program president (2015 -present)
• Ernst and Young Collegian Program member (2015-present)
• Dean's List Honoree (2016-2018)
• The Wildlife Society Secretary (2017-2018)
• Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society Member (2017 -present)
• REALISE Peer Role Model (2017-present)
• The Wildlife Society Co-President (2018-present)
• Summer Undergraduate Research and Fellowship Award Recipient (2018)
• McGlothlin International Education Abroad Award Recipient (2018)
• Radford Amazonian Research Expedition participant (2018)

Professional References
Dr. Jason Davis
Biology Professor
Radford University
(540) 831-5353
jdavis319@radford.edu
Research Advisor

Dr. Stockton Maxwell

Geospatial Professor
Radford University
(540) 831-7604
rmaxwell2@radford.edu
Research Advisor

Dr. Christine Small

Biology Professor
Radford University
(540) 831-5146
cjsmall@radford.edu
Undergraduate Advisor and Professor

Dr. Parvinder Sethi

Geology Professor
Radford University
(540) 831-5619
psethi@radford.edu
Professor