Erin C. YoungBaltimore, MD 21220 • (443)759-1119 • erinyoung.us@gmail.com

www.linkedin.com/pub/erin-young/76/7a3/a46 • https://alifeintheforest.wordpress.com/ • Educational Experience from Mid-Atlantic Tre e Fruit iPiPE

Education

West Virginia University • Morgantown, WV • 12/2016Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

Major in Agroecology; Minor(s) in Soil Science, Environmental Microbiology, Horticultural SciencesGolden Key International Honor Society, Phi Sigma Theta National Honor Society

Work Experience

Quality Auditor/ Consulting Utility Forester • Davey Tree Resource Group (BGE) • 12/2016 – Currently

Performs difficult and specialized skilled work leading a crew to perform tree pruning, removal, planting and right of way clearing in order to provide adequate clearance for the safe operation of the Town's electric distribution system, while maintaining customers' trees through proper arborculture techniques.

Typical task: Serves as crew leader with other employee or employees; makes work assignments; assures safe

working practices; conducts performance evaluations and interviews prospective employees. Makes an assessment of trees and vegetation in the Town and develops a maintenance schedule for tree

trimming and maintenance; studies all hazardous trees that must be removed and ensures that they are removed in a way to preserve surrounding and maintain natural aesthetics in the affected area.

Explains concerns and negotiates hazard tree removal with customers. Clears right of way routes for the installation of new electric line extensions Disposes of the brush and limbs cleared from the site and ensures site is clean at the end of the work

assignment. Plants trees and shrubs and performs follow-up watering, mulch and treatment for insects and disease

problems. Cooperates with other Town departments/divisions to remove trees and limbs impacting on other Town

operations, and advising on tree health issues. Trains employees in proper arboriculture techniques, hazard assessment and safe removal techniques,

proper maintenance of tools and equipment and operational safety with tools and equipment. Contributes to all aspects of Vegetation Management Planning. Documents work using hand-held computer; Assess terrain, Habitat, and Environmental conditions, Creates IVM projects. Coordinates with Project Managers, Planners, and Vegetation Crews.

Independent Nematology Researcher •WVU Davis College • 05/2016 – 11/2016Independently conducted research pertaining to the efficacy of biological controls agents against

parasitic nematode species native to West Virginia orchards. Assisted in the design of a unique project during my tenure in WVU's nematode laboratory. The project consisted of two studies, which involved determining the

time period at which Bacillus firmus and Bacillus cereus (if any) shows repulsion of or attraction of Meloidogyne hapla and Xiphinema americanum; and secondly the concentration at which Bacillus firmus and Bacillus Cereus (if any) causes toxicity (death) in Meloidogyne hapla and Xiphinema americanum. The evaluation of biological control agents are conducted primarily in the lab and, when necessary, aspects of both pest and natural enemy biology and behavior are studied in the laboratory.

WV Extension Assistant Pathologist & Lab Manager • WVU Extension Service • 05/2015 – 05/2016 Assisted the lead Plant Pathologist in the processing (incubation of plant tissue; DNA isolation and

amplification via P.C.R. and electrophoresis; fungal spore and bacteria identification) samples of varying species of diseased plant tissue to complete diagnosis and provide clients with both conventional and organic best management practices (BMP’s).

Contributed to the development of a national database by the name of the integrated pest information platform for extension and education(i.P.i.P.e.) to track invasive species of plant pests and diseases in cooperation with colleagues from Penn State University and University of Maine.

Designed and conducted work shops for orchard owners in order to introduce them to new I.P.M. technology and also increase the data intake for the (i.P.i.P.e.).

Conducted and managed field work on various orchards in WV; MD; PA and VA to collect data and samples of new and invasive species of pests or disease

Managed the cultivation of greenhouse crops such as tomato, cucumber, willow trees, Japanese maple, and blueberry for the implementation of Koch’s postulates.

Contributed to the pure culture and maintenance of a vast germplasm of pathogenic fungal and bacterial colonies using aseptic technique. Aided in the building, editing, and managing of the official plant pathology extension service website and social media accounts.

Environmental Laboratory Assistant • WVU Biology Department • 08/2015 – 12/2015 Assisted with molecular-based testing on willow and yellow polar environment and tissues, and real-

time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis. Aided in the development, optimization, and validation of the effects of varying levels of heavy metals

on tulip poplar. Performed data analysis on test results from various molecular instruments and reported results to

laboratory manager for review. Maintained the laboratory accreditation by adhering to quality control and quality assurance standards

for laboratory functions and operations. Prepared laboratory reagents for testing protocols and assist in the procurement of supplies necessary for

laboratory functions and operations. Promoted and strictly adhered to laboratory safety and health requirements necessary for a Bio-safety

Level-1 Laboratory (BSL-1). Assisted in the maintenance and organization of laboratory databases to support quality control record

keeping and daily operations. Conducted research using peer-reviewed scientific literature for the purpose of designing new studies

that utilize the most recent methods and equipment. Responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of all plant material used in each research project Performed Additional tasks as required

Laborer • WVU Plant Nursery • 08/2013 – 12/2014 Led sales team by establishing marketing plans.

Managed inventory and provided care for plants.

Volunteer Experience

Friends of Cheat water monitoring • 02/2015- 05/2015 Collected measurements and visual changes of water and air temperature, conductivity, turbidity, and

water flow (cross sectional area) to assess landscape changes.

Assisted with the implementation of the regional monitoring strategy developed by TU to prioritize Coldwater streams that are most at risk from impacts in the Cheat Lake area of WV.

Howard Peter Rawlings Conservatory & Botanical Gardens • 04/2006 – Currently Assisted with the planting, pruning, micro-propagation and over all horticultural care and up keep of all

exhibitions (designed to mimic various biospheres) on site.

Leadership Experience

Greek life liaison •WVU Student Government Association (SGA) • 08/2015 – 05/2016 Served as a liaison between the Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC) and the SGA to communicate and

coordinate activities and negotiate critical topics. Strived to achieve the best utilization of resources between the IFC and the SGA.

Student Ambassador • WVU Ecology Residence Halls, Office of Sustainability • 01/2015 – 04/2015 Promoted the increase of awareness pertaining to sustainability concepts of people, planet, and

prosperity. Inspired behavioral changes in students, which created a culture of sustainability on WVU’s campus.

Research Experience

Light wavelength effects on lettuce germination rates Fungicide effects on root branching Gene insertion and gene cloning Effects of Zinc on the uptake of Pb in contaminated soil at smelting sites

Technical Skills, Certifications, and Trainings

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite West Virginia certified pesticide applicator: Commercial pesticide, Agricultural Pest Management,

Forest Pest Management; Certification I.D. (C06480) WVU EPA Lab Chemicals and toxic waste safety training

Professional AffiliationsThe American Horticultural Society

American Society for Horticultural Sciences

Mycological Association of Washington, DC (MAW)