Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Shalana Erlich

San Francisco

Summary

Dedicated MS Biology graduate student at San Francisco State University with hands-on experience in insect vector surveys, forest plot monitoring, naturalist work, and habitat restoration projects. Eager to apply strong research, field identification skills (currently developing plant keys), R/QGIS analysis, and naturalist communication to native plant conservation and restoration ecology.

Overview

2
2
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Graduate Researcher

San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA
08.2025 - 03.2026
  • Led research project on insect vectors (aphids, whiteflies, leafhoppers) and agricultural edge effects through data analysis phase
  • Managed experimental design, fieldwork, species identification using taxonomic keys, plant functional trait analysis
  • Conducted data analysis in R, spatial analysis in QGIS, wrote research reports, presented preliminary findings
  • Trained and supervised undergraduate research assistants

Intern, Forest Ecology Research Plot (FERP)

University of California, Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA
10.2024 - 10.2025
  • Monitor, tag, and measure woody species on assigned plot studying forest dynamics and resilience
  • Examine leaf litter traps, identify contents for forest health/ecological research
  • Assist compiling field data for publication on forest resilience and climate impacts
  • Measure growth patterns, assess ecological changes from environmental disturbances

Naturalist Guide

Canyon Ranch
Woodside, CA
01.2024 - 10.2025
  • Researched ecosystems for accurate guest nature tour information
  • Guided guests through diverse ecosystems, enhancing appreciation for natural environments
  • Conducted educational talks/nature walks building natural world connection
  • Presented on local history, flora, fauna, conservation efforts
  • Collaborated with team to create engaging experiences that exceeded guest expectations.

Farm Games Event Coordinator

Stanford
Palo Alto, CA
09.2024 - 09.2025

● Assisted planning/organizing events with smooth setup and takedown

● Provided event information fostering engagement and community involvement

● Helped manage execution of events, made sure they went smoothly

● Collaborated designing events promoting teamwork and inclusivity

Volunteer Steward

Elkhorn Slough
Moss Landing, CA
10.2024 - 05.2025

● Habitat restoration projects enhancing local ecosystems and biodiversity

● Public education initiatives promoting ecological preservation awareness

● Monitor/document wildlife populations for ongoing ecological research

● Implement sustainable conservation practices maintaining preserve health

Outdoor Education Instructor

Wilderskills A Project Of California Survival Schools
Saratoga, CA
05.2024 - 08.2024

● Led children on wilderness hikes with environmental education

● Taught survival skills: shelter building, fire safety, navigation

● Planned outdoor activities fostering teamwork and inclusivity

● Promoted environmental awareness through hands-on learning

Kayak Guide

Everyday California
San Diego, CA
09.2023 - 08.2024
  • Educated on marine ecology, protected areas, regional history
  • Led kayak tours ensuring safety with informative commentary
  • Enhanced tour experience through storytelling/connections
  • Promoted conservation and climate change awareness

Education

Master of Science - Biology

San Francisco State University
San Francisco
01-2027

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology, Minor in History

University of California, Santa Barbara
06-2022

Associate of Arts - Communication Studies

Foothill College
Los Altos, CA
06-2019

Skills

  • Project leadership through background & data analysis phase
  • Fieldwork: forest plots, insect vectors, agricultural edges, habitat restoration
  • Species ID: plants/insects keying, woody plant census,
  • Data analysis: R, QGIS spatial analysis, report writing, presentations
  • Conservation: restoration projects, invasive species monitoring, native stewardship
  • Education: naturalist interpretation, public outreach, team training

Certification

  • First Aid and CPR Certification
  • Wilderness First Aid Certification (WFR)

Timeline

Graduate Researcher

San Francisco State University
08.2025 - 03.2026

Volunteer Steward

Elkhorn Slough
10.2024 - 05.2025

Intern, Forest Ecology Research Plot (FERP)

University of California, Santa Cruz
10.2024 - 10.2025

Farm Games Event Coordinator

Stanford
09.2024 - 09.2025

Outdoor Education Instructor

Wilderskills A Project Of California Survival Schools
05.2024 - 08.2024

Naturalist Guide

Canyon Ranch
01.2024 - 10.2025

Kayak Guide

Everyday California
09.2023 - 08.2024

Master of Science - Biology

San Francisco State University

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology, Minor in History

University of California, Santa Barbara

Associate of Arts - Communication Studies

Foothill College
Shalana Erlich