Anna McPherran
Ecology • Conservation • Education
@annadoesecology
ABOUT ME
I'm a third year PhD candidate at Stony Brook University studying Ecology and Evolution with Liliana Dávalos. I'm broadly interested in how human activity affects the conservation status of neotropical mammals. More specifically, I'm interested in using an array of tools from genomics, archaeology, paleoclimatology, and anthropology to answer questions about extinctions and population declines in endangered hutias across different time scales.
MISSION
My upbringing in a diverse, working-class community in Queens, NY developed my sense of social responsibility that goes hand in hand with my passion for conservation. Through my career, I hope to advance an ethos of environmental stewardship and fascination that works for the benefit of both the environment and its people.
EDUCATION
Stony Brook University
CUNY Macaulay Honors College @ Queens College
Outside of the American Museum of Natural History in New York.
Receiving the Top of the Ladder Award with my colleagues Shateesh Bhugwansing and Laycca Umer at NYSCI's 2016 Gala.
My best furry friends, Bhumi and Winston.
Views from the Nicoya peninsula in Costa Rica during the OTS Tropical Biology course.
After anesthetizing my first mongoose in St. Croix.
On the streets of Havana, Cuba.
RESEARCH
EXPERIENCE
STRIDE FELLOW
STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY
2019 - present
As a STRIDE fellow, I receive training in science communication and policy in order to translate big data-enabled research into sound policy decisions.
TEACHING & RESEARCH ASSISTANT
STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY
2017 - 2019
RA: The Very Extended Phenotype: connecting genetics and evolution to ecological function
BIO 211 Statistics and Data Analysis: A Conceptual Approach
BIO 312 Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
DESIGN LAB RESIDENT & COORDINATOR
NEW YORK HALL OF SCIENCE
2016 - 2017
As a Resident, I partnered with the museum's Science Career Ladder program and Explainer Leadership Team in mentoring a pool of 100+ Explainers as they lead activities in Design Lab to help improve their STEM content knowledge as well as their skills in problem solving, communication, facilitation, and leadership. I worked with other Design Lab staff to develop new activities and projects that encourage the use of the design process through use of familiar and accessible materials. I facilitated the daily operations of the Design Lab spaces, including coordinating with other departments in the museum. In addition to continuing my operational and mentoring responsibilities within Design Lab, as a Coordinator I managed team logistics, budgeting, and the ordering and organization of materials.
EXPLAINER
NEW YORK HALL OF SCIENCE
2013 - 2016
As an Explainer, I interacted with museum visitors of all ages, answered questions about exhibits, and facilitated discussions in STEM concepts. I achieved certification to perform five interactive demonstrations on various STEM topics. I worked with various departments to facilitate various workshops and programs. I participated in weekly content and exhibit training lead by the Explainer Leadership Team. After my first year as an Explainer Intern, I was promoted to a Program Explainer, where in addition to my other responsibilities, I mentored my fellow Explainers and aided them in achieving demonstration certifications.
