Monica Calhoun

mkcalhoun@uncg.edu Department of Biology

University of North Carolina at Greensboro
312 Eberhart Building, 321 McIver St.
Greensboro,NC 27402 USA

Education

M.S., Biology, UNC Greensboro- Greensboro, NC– Expected August 2023

Thesis: The diversity and behavior of bats in wetlands versus forested edge using
unidirectional acoustic recordings in the Piedmont region of North Carolina
Advisor: Malcolm Schug
Co-Advisors: Rada Petric,Han Li
B.S., in Biology, Mars Hill University, Mars Hill, NC-2017
Minor in Pre-medical
Concentration in Biomedical

Research Interests

Wetland ecology, Biodiversity, small mammal ecology, bat ecology, restorations,

mitigation, conservation, species interactions, interacting ecosystems, interactions
between organisms and their environment, behavioral ecology, and animal behavior.

Bat Handling Course- Kentucky Fall 2023

Bat Conservation Management
 Learned different capture techniques: 1H Mist Nets, 2H Mist Nets, and 3H Mist Nets,
Harp Traps.
 Morphological Identification of Eastern U.S. Bat Species
 Micrositing, setting, demobilizing, maintaining, and WNS decontamination.
 Monitoring Bats Using Video, Night-Vision, and Thermal Cameras.
 Caught several different bat species including: Northern Long Eared, Eastern Red,
Tricolored, Big Brown, Little Brown, Small Footed, Grey, and Indiana.
Research experience
Bat Acoustics
 Over 200+ hours of manually identifying and analyzing bat acoustic calls.
 Field research experience from the Fall of 2021 through the Summer of 2023.
 Learned how to identify insects using a dichotomous key.
 Set up equipment at field sites.
 Oversaw all acoustic SM4 BAT detectors.
 Programmed, and set up all SM4 Bat detectors manually.
 Created and designed 3M poles for detectors to go on. The poles were collapsible, so it
made traveling and carrying equipment easier.
 I oversaw all batteries, SD cards, memory, and maintenance on the detectors.

Master’s Student 2021-present

Calhoun CV
Department of Biology, UNCG
 Advisor: Dr. Malcolm Schug
 Thesis Title: “The Diversity and behavior of bats in wetlands versus forested edge using
unidirectional acoustic recordings in the Piedmont region of North Carolina”
 Conducted field research at 10 wetland sites around the Piedmont region of NC
 Analyzed data via Kaleidoscope Pro
 Manually identified plants around the wetlands
 Manually identified bat calls and placed them into, foraging, or search phase
echolocation calls.
 Mentored undergraduate students on how to conduct field research efficiently.

Work experience

Graduate Instructional Assistant: UNC Greensboro

August 2023-August 2023 | Greensboro, NC
● Assist faculty members with classroom instruction, exams, record keeping, and other
miscellaneous projects.
● Tutor or mentor students.
● Perform laboratory research.
● Clean labs and set up or remove specimens.
● Prepare presentations for lectures.
● Deliver lectures.
● Hand out assignments and grade assignments.
● Proctor examinations.
● Record grades and inform students of their final grades.
● Meet with students during office hours.
● Assist with student conferences.
● Lead discussion sections.
● Teach undergraduate courses.
● Correspond with students on Canvas.
● Enforce laboratory rules.
● Take attendance and record responses.
● Assist students with certain disabilities.

Research (UNCG)
January 2022-August 2023, Greensboro, NC

● Analyze Bat acoustics.

● Field Research on Bat use of wetlands and Forest Edges
● Conduct literature reviews
● Collect and analyze data.
● Prepare materials for submission to granting agencies and foundations
● Prepare interview questions.
● Recruit and/or interview subjects

Calhoun CV
 ● Maintain accurate records of interviews, safeguarding the confidentiality of subjects, as
necessary.
● Summarize interviews.
● Provide ready access to all experimental data for the faculty researcher and/or
supervisor.
● Request or acquire equipment or supplies necessary for the project.
● Manage and respond to project-related emails
● Prepare, maintain, and update website materials
● Supervise undergraduate students working on the research project (maintaining records
on assignment completion, acting as liaison/mediator between the undergraduate
students and the faculty researcher)
● Attend project meetings
● Attend area seminars and other meetings as necessary
● Summarize project results

Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) Instructional Assistant: UNC

Greensboro
January 2022–May 2023
● Do field work for the University
● Collect data from acoustic detectors and camera traps.
● Analyze collected data.
● Maintain field sites and equipment as necessary.
● Send in equipment for maintenance as needed.
● Replace batteries and equipment as needed.
● Sort all data onto multiple hard drives.
● Collaborate with students and mentors working on the collected data.
● Collaborate and work with maintenance on campus and facilities on campus.
Technologist, LabCorp (Special Coagulation Department)
February 4, 2019-2021 | Burlington, NC
● Prepare specimens for analysis; evaluate specimens and test orders; determine the
priority of work and batches to maintain acceptable turn-around-time; recognize
unacceptable and unusual specimens and handle appropriately
● Perform testing on biological samples, quality control samples and proficiency samples
making measurements and calculations.
● Evaluate raw and final data for accuracy; recognize and correct errors and unusual
results; interpret results to produce a final report ·
● Maintain, calibrate, and clean instrumentation; perform scheduled and as needed
maintenance and critical function checks recognizing significant changes in instrument
function; troubleshoot as indicated
● Worked within a high volume laboratory as part of a dedicated team to ensure patient
results are reported within an acceptable turn-around-time.
● Perform SRS and reference accept functions as required.
● Perform required QC/QA duties including: following quality control rules; monitor controls
for error detection and take corrective action; maintain laboratory records, maintenance
logs, quality control charts, reagent and standard logs, and worksheets.
● Other duties as assigned by management

Calhoun CV
Technologist, LabCorp (Genomics Department)
October 2018-January 25, 2019 due to reduction in force | Burlington, NC
● Performed genome-wide and targeted genetic analysis services for 23andMe utilizing
state-of-the-art technology, including DNA extraction, amplification and running assays
using robotic instrumentation.
● Worked with various high-performing automation instruments including, Evo 100, Evo
150, Evo 250, Fluent 780, Fluent 1080, M200 fluorometer, and Sarstedt sorter.
● Received extra training for the Startstedt sorter including additional trouble-shooting
techniques, and performed minor repairs on the machinery.
● Received, staged and aliquoted saliva specimens for testing
● Performed genotyping to detect clinically relevant variants in the genomic DNA of adults
● Worked within a high volume laboratory as part of a dedicated team to ensure patient
results are reported within an acceptable turn-around-time
● Maintained, calibrated, and cleaned instrumentation; performed scheduled and as
needed maintenance and critical function checks recognizing significant changes in
instrument function; troubleshooting as indicated.
● Performed required QC/QA duties including: following quality control rules; monitor
controls for error detection and take corrective action; maintain laboratory records,
maintenance logs, quality control charts, reagent and standard logs, and worksheets.
Technologist, LabCorp (Contractor for Greene Resources)
June 2018-September 2018 | Burlington, NC
● Received and accessioned specimens for testing; evaluate specimens and test orders;
determine priority of work and batches to maintain acceptable turn-around-time;
recognize unacceptable and unusual specimens and handle appropriately.
● Performed testing on biological samples, quality control samples and proficiency
samples making measurements and calculations.
● Evaluated raw and final data for accuracy; recognize and correct errors and unusual
results; interpret results to produce a final report.

QC Analyst, Axalta Coating Systems (Contractor for Apex Life Sciences)

January 2018- June2018 | High Point, NC
● Conducted chemical and physical tests of water based paints.
● Developed color analyses when required.
● SAP trained
● Ran standard tests, such as weight, volume, density, viscosity, color and other tests that
require interpretation and judgment.
● Performed calculations on test results to determine if the product is within proper
boundaries.
● Cleaned, maintained and calibrated standard equipment and maintains a clean and safe
working environment.
● Worked with excel and other computer programs.
● Led compliance with safety procedures
QC Raw Materials Chemist, Procter & Gamble
(Contractor for Apex Life Sciences)

Calhoun CV
May 2017 – January 2018 | Brown Summit, NC
● Conducted chemical and physical tests of raw materials.
● Developed chemical processes required for formulation
● Developed and carried out consumer research studies
● SAP and LIMS trained
● USP and FCC qualified
● Daily tests include: appearance, odor, ID by IR, ID by kBr, loss on drying, loss on
ignition, melting point, alkalinity, Karl Fisher, various ID tests including sodium,
potassium, and phosphate, percent chloride, refractive index, heavy metals, assays,
specific gravity, insoluble, arsenic, foreign material, viscosity Brookfield viscosity,
volatiles, Iodine value, acidity, pH, particle size, TOC and water quality
● Led compliance with safety procedures for handling of bio hazardous materials.

Manager of Ye Olde Forest Quilt Shop

January 2013 – May 2017 | Greensboro, NC
● Handle any customer concerns and grievances
● Stocked and restocked inventory when shipments were received.
● Took merchandise out of inventory when needed and entered new items into inventory
when received.
● Ran the store and cash register.
● Digitized new designs and ideas for the store and created new items to sell.
Mars Hill Library Staff
August 2016 – May 2017 | Mars Hill, NC
● Student Worker
● Helped students check out and find books.
● Cleaned library shelves
● Returned books to proper place after checking them in
● Stocked shelves and sent out late fees

Steak-n-Shake waitress
February 2016 – October 2016 | Weaverville, NC
● Waited on customers
● Cleaned the store
● Closed down the store
● Take orders from customers
● Handled drive thru part time
● Sweeped, mopped, and cleaned restaurant
● Cleaned restrooms
● Cashiered
● Prepared food for next day
Paw Prints Copy Center
October 2015 – August 2016 | Mars Hill, NC
● Student worker
● Ran errands for shop owner

Calhoun CV
 ● Delivered copies around the Campus
● Made copies and printed other various things
● Worked on equipment and troubleshooted machines
● Made pamphlets and books as needed
Chartwells Cafeteria worker
September 2013 – October 2015 | Mars Hill, NC
● Student worker
● Cleaned up cafeteria at end of day
● Opened cafeteria at beginning of the day
● Worked at the salad bar
● Worked as a dishwasher
● Worked at the sandwich station
● Cleaner and organized as needed
● Made tea and changed the drink station as needed
● Worked as a caterer when needed
Seasonal Wet-n-Wild Emerald Pointe Worker
May 2012 – August 2012 | Greensboro, NC
● Worked in the ticket booth
● Worked in the parking booth
● Counted money at the end of my shift everyday
● Took photos for the season ticket booth
● Worked at the exit and reentry gate
● Helped issue refunds when bad weather hit
Research Grants

Graduate Student Travel grant- UNC Greensboro Biology Department

($250)
Graduate Student Research Grant- UNC Greensboro Biology Department
($350) August 2022
Graduate Student Research Grant- UNC Greensboro Biology Department
($375) January 2022
Graduate Student Travel grant- UNC Greensboro Biology Department
($560)
Advisor Supported Summer Stipend- UNC Greensboro - Dr.Malcolm Schug
($3500)
Grants in Aid of Research- Sigma Xi
($1000)-Finalist
Scientific Product Grant- Wildlife Acoustics
($4000)-Denied.
Graduate Student Research Grant- UNC Greensboro Biology Department August 2021
($381.77)
Wildlife Acoustics Grant-Wildlife Acoustics

Calhoun CV
($3000)-Did not receive.
Grants in Aid of Research- Sigma Xi
($750)- Finalist
Fellowships & Awards

Federal Relief Grants- UNC Greensboro

($1000)

Professional Conferences

Graduate Research & Creativity Showcase- April 4th

● Presented a poster on: The diversity and behavior of bats in wetlands versus forested
edge using unidirectional acoustic recordings in the Piedmont
Association of Southeast Biologists Annual Conference- March 23-26
● Presented a Poster and abstract on Comparing the diversity and acoustic behaviors of
bats in wetlands versus forest edge in the Piedmont region of North Carolina

Northeast Bat Society Annual Conference- January 18th-20th 2022

● Presented a talk on: The diversity and acoustic behaviors of bats in wetlands versus
forest edge in the Piedmont region of North Carolina.
● Attended a 3-day conference
North Carolina Chapter of the Wildlife Society- February 15th-17th 2022.
● Presented a poster and abstract on wetland ecology.

FCCLA National Leadership Conference- Nashville TN, July 7th-11th 2013

● Presented and won Gold medal on community service and working with children

Professional Affiliations

Memberships:North Carolina Wildlife Society, Southeastern Bat Diversity Network, National

Society of Leadership and Success (Since 2015), Biological Honor Society, Tri-Beta (Since
2014), National Honor Society (since 2012), National Technical Honor Society (Since 2012),
Family Career and Community Leaders of America (2010-2013), Future Farmers of America
(2009-2013).

Service & Outreach

● Volunteered for Science Everywhere Fair April 22, 2023

● Volunteered at the Wildlife Center at NC Zoo.
● Volunteered with my Pediatrician during the summer and winter months. 2015-2017

Calhoun CV
 Volunteered at Kopper Top Life Learning Center in High School for over 60 hours junior
year 2012.
● Volunteered at 16 Cents ministry in 2013 senior year of high school every Saturday for
4 hours for about 8 weeks.
● Volunteered in FFA throughout high school career for more than 80 hours 2010-2013.

Relevant courses

● Computational Biology-2021
● Biochemistry: Metabolic Regulation-2021
● Hormones in Action-2021
● Biostatistics 1-2022
● Biostatistics 2-2022
● Symbiosis-2022
● Workshops in Environmental Health Sciences-2022
● Organic Chemistry I-2015
● Organic Chemistry II-2016
● Vertebrate Taxonomy-2017
● Biochemistry-2017
● Chemistry 1-2013
● Chemistry II-2014
● Introduction to Organismal Biology-2013
● Introduction to Ecology and Evolution-2014
● Human Biology-2015
● Genetics-2014
● Physics I-2016
● Physics II-2017
● Cellular and Molecular Biology-2015
● Research Methods in Biology-2017
● Comparative Chordate Anatomy-2017
● Microbiology-2015

Calhoun CV