1. Nicholas Lee Smith
3713 Simms Ave SE, Unit CAlbuquerque, NM 87108
Mobile: (505) 249-3979  NicholasLSmith1@gmail.com
Education
Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude,Psychology and Biological Anthropology December 2006
Biology Coursework August 2012-December 2014
University of New Mexico,Albuquerque, NM
Research Experience
 Genetic and genomic research ofCyprinodon spp. (Pupfish) -- 2014-Present
Ongoing work to characterize genetic diversity and genomic diversity, using Next-Generation data,and aid in
conservation actions to protect several species of pupfish found in the desert southwest of North America.
 Population genetic assessment ofreeffishes ofthe Commonwealth ofthe Northern Mariana
Islands (CNMI) -- 2015
Used laboratory (PCR Methods)and computerized protocols to quantify genetic diversity at microsatellite and
mitochondrial DNA loci in economically important marine fishes.
 Complete mitochondrial genome ofJulimes Pupfish Cyprinodon julimes (Cyprinodontiformes:
Cyprinodontidae) -- 2015
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque,New Mexico, USA - First authorcredential; manuscript in progress,
Nicholas L. Smith, Thomas F. Turner, Lijing Bu, and Evan W. Carson -- Biology Department and Museumof
Southwestern Biology – Independently assembled, aligned, and annotated the Mitochondrial DNA Genome
 Super-Computer Bioinformatics Research, Center for Advanced Research Computing (CARC)
-- 2015
Granted super-computer access and collaboration with a super-computer scientist to continue genomic and
transcriptomic research utilizing Bioinformatic Pipeline software at the University of New Mexico.
 Rio Grande Silvery MinnowEndangered Species Report - - 2014
Utilized laboratory and computerized protocols to quantify genetic diversity at microsatellite and mitochondrial
DNA loci in an endangered fish native to New Mexico.
 Channel Island Fox Honors Thesis, Dr. Seth Newsome -- 2013-2014
Conducted ecological and isotopic research on San Miguel Island Foxes to study diet preferences in alternative
habitats on one of California’s Channel Islands.
 Smallmouth Bass Research, Dr. Tom Turner -- 2013
Compiled a technical paper on the presence-absence and life history characteristics of Smallmouth Bass
(Micropterus dolomieu),an invasive, non-native predator in freshwaters of New Mexico (in collaboration with
Ariel Owens).
 Dolphin Behavioral Research, Dr. Randy Thornhill -- 2006
Compiled a technical paper on the selective pressures that shape the contemporary behavioral repertoire of
Bottlenose Dolphins.
 Gorilla Handedness Research, Dr. Lorna Joachim -- 2005-2006
Used focal-animal behavioral sampling techniques to gather behavioral data on hand-preference in Western
Lowland Gorillas.
 Human Mitochondrial DNA Life-History Study, Dr. Keith Hunley -- 2005
Used PCR methodology to amplify a barcoded locus of my own Mitochondrial DNA in an effort to review
haplotype lineages for human species life-history.
Professional Experience
 Staff Research Geneticist -- 2014-Present
University of New Mexico Biology Department, Dr. Evan W. Carson – Work in a fish conservation research
laboratory, and contribute data to several research projects concerning the population genetic structure of
marine and freshwater fish species using PCR Methodologies.Utilize a variety of techniques relevant to the
genetics laboratory. Experience with museum collection and specimen sampling/curating.

2.  Stable Isotope Ecology Research and Laboratory Technician -- 2013-2014
University of New Mexico Biology Department – Worked in a Stable Isotope Ecology laboratory for Dr. Seth
Newsome – Conducted a wide variety of lab and field practices to support severalresearch projects via handling
ancient and modern samples across many species of plants and animals. Assisted with fieldwork such as live
animal trapping and release (small mammals), bleeding, tissue sampling (non-destructive),mobile MRI
scanning,morphological measurements, and data recording.
 Animal Experience Specialist-- 2010
Adventure Aquarium – Facilitated and supervised exhibits for hands-on animal encounters for guests.
Administered public speeches on conservation and natural history for over 100 species. Supervised feedings for
6 stingray species, 15 invertebrate species,6 shark species,and several fish species.
 Seas Education Instructor -- 2007-2010
Disney World – Presented on the complete operational protocol of the aquarium, natural history and husbandry
information about the aquarium’s species collection, methodology for wild collection, and research, which took
place at the aquarium. Also aided in dolphin research, animal feedings, animal rehabilitation (Manatees & Sea
Turtles), and animal release. Researched and taught professionalseminars on several marine invertebrates .
 Marine Mammal Training Intern -- 2006
Sea Life Park Hawaii – Responsible for the husbandry and training of Atlantic and Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins,
California Sea Lions, Hawaiian Monk Seals, and Humboldt Penguins. Administered public speeches on
biological conservation.
Awards and Recognition
 Awarded research scholarship for continued research on Habitat Specific Dietary Preferences of San Miguel
Island Foxes (2014)
 Awarded second place for research presentation at University of New Mexico Biology Department’s Annual
Research Day (2014)
 Awarded travel grant for American Society of Mammalogists Conference for research presentation on Channel
Island Foxes (2014)
 Awarded research scholarship through UNM Biology Department to fund ecological research proposal on
California Channel Island Foxes (2013)
 Awarded research stipend by the University for Handedness Research on Western Lowland Gorillas as
presented in UNM’s undergraduate research symposium (2005)
 Awarded scholarships for athletic participation at the university and high schoolscience fair merits in computer
science and geophysics at the state and international levels (1999-2005)
Volunteer Experience
 Fish Collection in Gila and San Francisco River Drainages, Dr. Tom Turner – Collected Catostomus spp.for
population genetics analysis, gathered morphological data for destructively sampled museum (Museum of
Southwest Biology) specimens, and gathered physical data (depth, clarity, flow, etc.) from sampling site
locations. (2013)
 Seminars in Animal Science, Albuquerque BioPark Aquarium and Van Buren Middle School – Presented
seminars about working with animals to aspiring young science students at the middle and high school levels.
(2012-2014)
 Sea Star Dissection, Van Buren Middle School – Guest taught sea stardissections for seventh grade science
(Life Science) at an Albuquerque middle school. (2012-2013)
 Animal Enrichment Volunteer, Center for Great Apes – Interacted with and helped care for rescued
Chimpanzees and Orangutans that were either retired from entertainment, or unable to be taken care of by
private owners. (2007-2008)
 Primate Enrichment Project Member, Rio Grande Zoo – Created behavioral and psychological enrichment
devices for about 20 species of primates. (2004-2005)