LILA AFIFI
PhD Student
Bundesforschungszentrum für Wald
Email: lilaafifi1@gmail.com
This is an abbreviated CV, a more complete version can be found here.
EDUCATION
August 2015 - December 2018
BS ZOOLOGY, MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
BSc in Zoology with concentrations in Ecology, Evolution, Organismal Biology, Animal Behavior and Neurobiology. Minor in History, Philosophy, and Sociology of Science. Received Dean's List recognition Fall 2015, Fall 2017, and Spring 2018.
September 2020 - September 2021
MS BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION, TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN
Conducted an interdisciplinary MSc program in Biodiversity and Conservation with both fieldwork, paper writing, classwork, and presentations. Conducted a literature review desk study on the candidacy of carabid beetles as bioindicators.
October 2021 - Present
PHD GENETIC CONNECTIVITY, BFW AND UNIVERSITY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND LIFE SCIENCES VIENNA
Conducted a doctorate studying the genetic connectivity of scattered tree species in Austria to inform future conservation management plans to be implemented across the European Union.
AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
NATIONAL PARKS SERVICE STAR AWARD
August 2020
UNIVERSITY SCHOLARS AWARD
September 2015 - 2018
RED CEDAR SCHOLARSHIP
September 2015 - 2018
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP
September 2015 - 2017
MSU ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP
September 2015 - 2017
PRESENTATIONS
Biodiversity Genomics Europe
2024
International Union of Forest Research Organizations
2024
EVOLTREE
2023
European Congress of Conservation Biology
2022
Future PhDs for Future Forests
2022
Young Systematists' Forum
2021
MSU Summer Research Opportunities Program
2018
MID-SURE
2018
Michigan State University AGEP
2018
MSU Summer Research Opportunities Program
2017
Mid-SURE
2017
BEACON CONGRESS
2017
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Roles and Responsibilities
September 2021 - Present
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCHER, BFW
Designed and executed a research project investigating the population genetics of scattered wild fruit trees through the lens of conservation. The species studied were Torminalis glaberrima, Cormus domestica, and Pyrus pyraster, with populations located across Austria. With this project, 3 scientific papers were written (2 have been published to date), 1 brochure has been written and published in German for foresters in Austria, and 5 presentations have so far been given at various international conferences.
June 2020 - September 2020
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN, NPS
Conducted preliminary research investigating the intersection of Hymenoptera diversity and Beech Bark Disease in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
April 2019 - April 2020
RESEARCH ASSISTANT, MARA HYENA PROJECT
Conducted fieldwork in the Maasai Mara of Kenya regarding continued research into the behavioral ecology of spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta).
May 2018 - December 2018
BEACON LUMINARY, MSU
Performed over 202 DNA extractions of spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) feces and conducted a case study regarding paternity tracking of spotted hyenas.
August 2017 - December 2018
RESEARCH ASSISTANT, MSU HYENA LAB
Performed DNA extractions for spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) paternity research. Also inventoried samples and helped manage the organization of sample storage in -80C freezers.
April 2017 - August 2017
BEACON LUMINARY, MSU
Studied functional characteristics of biofilm communities in Mn depositing hot springs. This involved utilizing KEGG and SEED databases to generate biogeochemical pathways and conducting analysis on PAST3.
May 2017 - June 2017
STUDY ABROAD RESEARCH STUDENT, MSU
Conducted observational behavioral studies of African mammals in Kenya as part of the BEAM study abroad program. Also studied and compared conservation management plans used in those areas.
January 2016 - August 2016
RESEARCH ASSISTANT, MSU COMMUNICATIVE SCIENCES AND DISORDERS
Assisted in the operation and data collection for a vocal cord strain study. Used MatLab and GarageBand programs to compress and isolate pitch, pauses, and volume after participants were recorded reading.
January 2016 - December 2018
RECEPTIONIST, BEACON MSU
Conducted administrative work for various members of the office and performed organizational tasks. This included setting up weekly seminars, monitoring accounting, logging employee hours, and handling receipts.
January 2016 - May 2018
NIGHT RECEPTIONIST & SUPERVISOR, MSU REHS
Supervised 20 employees, including the bi-annual hiring process and regular staff meetings. Also conducted administrative duties regarding staff and residents from scheduling shifts to key replacement.
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
April 2022
RARITÄTENBÖRSE, UNIVERSITY OF VIENNA BOTANICAL GARDEN
Assisted in the set up and presentation of Sorbus species, goods, and information to inform the public about the inherent value of rare and endemic fruiting trees in Austria.
October 2018
NATIONAL FOSSIL DAY, MSU MUSEUM
Presented Hyaenidae skulls and provided interesting information regarding hyena evolution. Also guided people of all ages in identification and hyena behavior mini-games in order to educate people about hyena behavior and inter-clan dynamics.
April 2018
SCIENCE FEST EXPO, MSU BPS
Presented Hyaenidae skulls and provided interesting information regarding hyena evolution. Also guided people of all ages in identification and hyena behavior mini-games in order to educate people about hyena behavior and inter-clan dynamics.
February 2018
DARWIN DISCOVERY DAY, MSU MUSEUM
Instructed children on proper methods to open geodes and assisted in the subsequent opening of those geodes. Also led evolution based food projects and gave mini-talks regarding bird evolution.
December 2017
WONDERLAND OF LIGHTS
Lead enrichment exercises and helped children decorate animal themed food items while educating people of all ages about the animals exhibited by the food items.
SKILLS
FIELDWORK SKILLS
—Behavioral Data Collection (Scan Sampling, Focal Animal Sampling, 0-1 Sampling, All Occurrence Sampling) —4WD Manual Vehicle Operation and Maintenance —Trapping (Baiting, Deployment, and Removal of Box Traps) —Ear Tagging (Small Mammal) —Enrichment Activities for Various Species —GPS Operation —Camera Trap Installation/Operation
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
—Disaster Assessment —Teamwork —Time Management —Safety Assessment —Scientific Writing —Project Management
SOFTWARE SKILLS
—Allele A1/4Peaks —Microsoft OS —Adobe Acrobat DC —ESRI ArcGIS/QGIS —R Statistical Program —Mega X Sequence Alignment Program —Geneious Prime —Past 4.02 —QGIS 3.16 —OSIRIS 2.16
LABORATORY SKILLS
—NanoDrop Nucleic Acid Quantification —Polymerase Chain Reaction and Purification —Gel Electrophoresis —Dissection —DNA Extraction —Sterile Technique —Autoclaving —Hazardous Waste Management