Camilo Ospina Pardo
Student
London,ON
Summary
Undergraduate student in Wildlife Biology and Conservation with hands-on experience in ecological field research, conservation planning, and plant and wildlife data analysis. Proven background in wildlife monitoring, vegetation and habitat complexity assessment, wetland ecosystem services evaluation, and plant trait and evolutionary research. Experienced in literature review, protocol-based data collection, database management, and statistical analysis in R, with additional expertise in greenhouse operations, plant propagation, and specimen curation. Strong collaborator recognized for scientific rigour, attention to detail, and the ability to contribute effectively to interdisciplinary research and conservation initiatives.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Gagnon Lab - university of Guelph
Guelph, ON
09.2025 - 04.2026
- Contributed to research on plant trait evolution in the tomato family (Solanaceae), with a focus on the genus Solanum
- Applied standardized data collection and documentation protocols to ensure accuracy, consistency, and reproducibility
- Assisted with seed collection, categorization, and organization to support trait-based and taxonomic research
- Prepared and pressed plant specimens following herbarium standards and maintained associated records
- Supported greenhouse operations by caring for live specimens, including routine maintenance and monitoring
- Assisted in managing datasets, physical collections, and scripts to facilitate hypothesis testing and evolutionary research
- Worked closely with the principal investigator to review progress, receive feedback, and progressively develop research independence
Undergraduate Research Assistant
WEB Lab - University of Guelph
05.2025 - 08.2025
- Gained hands-on experience capturing identifying, handling, and processing wild bats using mist nets and harp traps
- Collected detailed biological data on bats, including sex, age, weight, forearm length, and presence of ectoparasite
- Performed guano collection and sample preservation for dietary and genetic analysis
- Contributed to systematic bat acoustic monitoring and insect sampling protocols across varied habitats
- Conducted vegetation sampling to assess habitat complexity, including measuring, identifying, and recording tree species and structural characteristics
- Participated in insect identification and classification and gained experience in effective data entry
Horticultural Technician
The Arboretum - University of Guelph
Guelph, ON
04.2024 - 04.2025
- Equipment operation, including utility vehicles, tractors, mowers, and wood chippers.
- Arboretum grounds maintenance duties include irrigation, tree planting, gardening, invasive species control, trail maintenance, pruning, and all other plant cultural care requirements.
- Conducted plant care and seedling rearing in greenhouse settings, including watering, monitoring plant health, and propagating plants through cuttings, and planting.
- Tool maintenance, small construction projects and general labour.
Research & Conservation Intern
Typha Co.
02.2024 - 03.2025
- Conducted extensive literature reviews and data synthesis to support wetland conservation planning using North American Wetland Ecosystem Services Protocols (WESPUS)
- Reviewed and applied WESPUS frameworks to assess wetland ecosystem services, conservation challenges, and ecological benefits in the Prairie Pothole Region
- Analyzed amphibian, invertebrate, vertebrate, and avian population data to identify biological indicators, apex predators, and markers of high ecological activity
- Conducted species-specific habitat requirement analyses for species at risk associated with prairie wetland ecosystems
- Supported bird habitat population analyses in the Prairie Pothole Region, with emphasis on wetland-dependent species
- Researched carbon sequestration potential of wetlands, including soil-based strategies linked to wetland restoration
- Assisted in developing site stewardship models and periodic site assessment protocols to inform conservation monitoring and land procurement decisions
- Authored scientific and technical documentation, including conservation proposals and supporting materials for watershed conservation districts and Ducks Unlimited Canada
- Documented research methodologies and findings to support proposal development, reporting, and knowledge transfer
FREED Fieldcourse
Algonquin Wildlife Research Station (AWRS)
08.2024 - 09.2024
- Developed field observation and practical notetaking skills
- Acquired hands-on experience with radio telemetry, hoop net surveys, and turtle population monitoring
- Conducted bird identification using taxidermy specimens, mist netting, and banding techniques
- Participated in small mammal trapping with AWRS researchers.
- Gained experience identifying pollinator species with Wildlife Preservation Canada
- Learned to identify edible and medicinal plants, tree species, and their ecological roles
Education
Bachelor of Science - wildlife biology and conservation
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON04-2026
High School Diploma -
Catholic Central High School
London, ON06-2021
Skills
- Fluent in Spanish
- Compass/map
- Global Positioning System (GPS)
- Geographic information system (GIS)
- Bird & Mammal identification
- Reptile identification
- Botanical identification
- Driver's license level G
- Skilled with four-wheel drive and utility vehicles
- Proficient in Excel and R
- Laboratory safety, EHS, WHMIS, and biosafety certifications
- Worker health and safety awareness
- volunteer teaching assistant
Professional References
- Dr. Quinn Webber: Assistant professor, Integrative Biology | University of Guelph- qwebber@uoguelph.ca, 519-824-4120 x55825
- Dr. Edeline Gagnon: Assistant professor, Integrative Biology | University of Guelph- edeline.gagnon@uoguelph.ca , (519) 824-4120 x 52860
- Sarah Schorno, PhD, Course Coordinator/Instructor, Integrative Biology | University of Guelph, sschorno@uoguelph.ca, 519-824-4120 Ext. 52949
- Aranya Iyer and Mariel Terebiznik, Co-founders and co-directors, Field Research in Ecology and Evolution Diversified, directorsfreed@gmail.com, https://freedalgonquin.wordpress.com/
Timeline
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Gagnon Lab - university of Guelph
09.2025 - 04.2026
Undergraduate Research Assistant
WEB Lab - University of Guelph
05.2025 - 08.2025
FREED Fieldcourse
Algonquin Wildlife Research Station (AWRS)
08.2024 - 09.2024
Horticultural Technician
The Arboretum - University of Guelph
04.2024 - 04.2025
Research & Conservation Intern
Typha Co.
02.2024 - 03.2025
Bachelor of Science - wildlife biology and conservation
University of Guelph
High School Diploma -
Catholic Central High School