Mara Ballmer
Mara Ballmer

WORK EXPERIENCE

Conejo Valley School District Jan. 2020 � March 2020
Naturalist Ojai, California
? Supervised and taught 6th graders about local ecology and human history, facilitated team building and reflective activities
? Maintained a safe yet challenging environment, balancing the needs of students with varying experience levels with science and the outdoors
? Designed curriculum addressing standards in ecology, geology, biology and local human history

Naturalists at Large Aug. 2019 � Sept. 2019
Naturalist Ventura, California
? Lead groups of children ages 10 to 18 in games, group building, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and local ecology lessons
? Scheduled and adapted outdoor curriculum according to student and faculty needs

Medical College of Wisconsin Aug. 2018 � Aug. 2019
Research Technician Milwaukee, WI
? Designed and conducted research projects to understand the pathology of Human Herpes Virus 6 and 7
? Utilized fluorescence microscopy, human cell culture, molecular cloning techniques, and western blotting to investigate the role of viral protein U-20 in diverting MHC class I molecules away from the cell surface
? Maintained a clean lab environment, followed safety protocols, tracked lab inventory, ordered supplies and liaised with vendors

Carleton College March 2017 � March 2018
Prefect, Genetics and Cell Biology Northfield, MN
? Independently designed and facilitated lessons for groups of 5-20 students, with a focus on study strategies and group-based learning
? Provided in-class assistance with classroom management tasks, including addressing student questions, encouraging student engagement, and maintaining a positive learning environment through behavioral redirection
? Communicated with Professors about learning goals and student issues

Carleton College June 2015 � August 2015, June 2017- August 2017
Summer Science Institute Research Assistant Northfield, MN
? Guided 12 High-School students through design and implementation of college-level individual Neurobiology research projects
? Implemented curriculum, answered student questions and ensured student safety in a laboratory environment
? Assisted with classroom and laboratory set up in accordance with Professor�s directions

EDUCATION

Carleton College June, 2018
BA, Biology Northfield, MN
? manga cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa Academic Honor Society, Sigma Xi Scientific Research Honor Society; 3.8 GPA
? Captain and Teacher of the Competitive Ballroom Dance Team

SKILLS & INTERESTS

? Skills: Education, Team Building and Group Activities, Biology and Ecology, CPR and Wilderness First Aid Certified
? Interests: Outdoor Exploration; Kayaking and Snorkling; Swing and Ballroom Dance; Knitting and Crafts; Cooking; Youth STEM Outreach