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Katherine Tuskes

Phone: (716) 512-1368                                                                                   98 Mahogany Drive

Katetuskes@gmail.com                                                                                Williamsville NY, 14221

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Skills Summary

• Geological science: Core and well-logging, Biostratigraphy, Geologic mapping and interpretation
• Environmental science: Local and non-local plant identification and management, Hydrology
and groundwater management, Soil Analysis
• Research-based skills: Technical writing, Database use and management
• Systems knowledge: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Creative Cloud
(Photoshop, Illustrator), Matlab, R software, ArcGIS
 

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Work Experience
 

United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Lockport, New
York, July 2018- November 2018
Plant Protection Technician
 

Part of the Plant Protection and Quarantine incident response for the European Cherry Fruit Fly
(ECFF). Was responsible for contacting property owners and securing permissions for trapping
and treatment on private and public properties.
 

• Built lasting relationships with townships, businesses, and residents in Niagara County, New York.
• Effectively organized and managed daily assignments for field teams and reported the
accomplished work to supervisors for weekly reports.
• Devised and established program operating procedures for the continuation of the program.
 

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Buffalo/Niagara, New York, April 2018- June 2018
Quality Control Lab Technician

Discerned and used appropriate methods of fat and solids testing to ensure the quality of
Upstate Niagara dairy products before, during, and after processing and packaging. Managed
data entry logs and product lists.
 

• Conducted short long-term product assessments, including immediate bacterial testing and
long-term shelf life testing.
• Worked with production crews to find solutions for products that did not pass quality standards.
 

George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, Fall 2015- Fall 2017
Graduate Teaching Assistant

Independently instructed college science labs of 10 to 30 students. Made decisions regarding lab
materials and content, graded completed student material, and provided constructive feedback
in a timely manner. Used student feedback to enhance future lessons.
 

• Recognized twice as an Outstanding Mason Core Class with an overall rating of 4.75 out of 5 by
students.
 

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State University of New York at Geneseo, Geneseo NY, 2014-2015
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant

Instructed Non-Majors Introductory Geology Lab 116. Researched and prepared weekly lectures
on geological topics to be discussed during the lab period and facilitated in class discussions.

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Education:          

M.S. George Mason University, Earth System Sciences, Fall 2015-Fall 2017

Thesis title: Cyclostratigraphy and Astrochronology of the Late Devonian Kellwasser Crisis, Northern Appalachian Basin, USA.

Adviser: Dr. Linda A. Hinnov

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B.A. State University of New York at Geneseo, Fall 2011- Spring 2015

Major in Geological Sciences, Minored in studio arts

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Professional Memberships

Geological Society of America

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Honors and Awards

•        Outstanding Mason Core Class Award, 2016, 2017

                   Led geology labs that were ranked 4.75 out of 5 by students.

• Geology Service Award, 2015

     An award for four years of outstanding service to the Department of Geological Sciences at SUNY Genseo.

• Herbert Sheldon Field Camp Scholarship, 2015

     A monetary award for the pursuit of further geological education and experience in the field.

• Geneseo Opportunities for Leadership Development (GOLD) Program awards (Bronze, Silver, Ruby, Emerald, and Jade certificates) 2013-2015

    Recognition for the completion of leadership workshops and participation in leadership activities and                services.

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