Sydney Berkeley
Position title: Research Technician
EDUCATION
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Post-Baccalaureate Study
January 2024 – present
Madison, WI
Relevant Coursework: General Botany (BIO 130), Biology of the Fungi (BOT 333), Conservation Biology (BOT 651)
Maine College of Art & Design
BFA with highest distinction
May 2022
Portland, ME
Major: Ceramics
GPA: 3.95 (summa cum laude)
Relevant Coursework: Coastal Ecosystems, Deep Ecology, Confronting the Anthropocene, Ruins and Reclamation, Creative Research and Climate Change, Introduction to Critical Theory, Glaze Chemistry
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Research Technician at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
October 2024 – present
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
– Assists graduate students in the Cranberry Genetics and Genomics Lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison under Laboratory Technician Eric Weisman and Dr. Juan Zalapa of USDA.
– Utilizes fine motor skills in the completion of lab tasks such as pipetting, anthocyanin extraction, and adheres to applicable protocols.
– Operates specialized equipment including centrifuge and spectrophotometer; analyzes data through R Studio.
Cameron Lab Mentee at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
May 2024 – present
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
– Functions as a mentee under Brandon Corder (5th year PhD candidate) in the Cameron Lab in the Botany Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
– Conducts investigation using metabarcoding and isotope data to measure concentrations of stable isotopes through trophic levels in determining sources within Orchidaceae to articulate the origination of derived photosynthetic and mycoheterotrophic carbon and nitrogen.
Eastern Prairie White Fringed Orchid Surveyor
July 2024
Faville Grove Sanctuary, Lake Mills, WI
– Surveyed for Platanthera leucophaea (Eastern Prairie White Fringed Orchid) during employment at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum in collaboration with the Wisconsin State Botanist, Kevin Doyle, and the Resident Land Steward at Faville Grove Sanctuary, Tucker Sanborn.
APPLICABLE PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Ecological Restoration and Horticulture Assistant
May – August 2024
University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, Madison, WI
– Performed restoration duties in various locations within the Arboretum under the Land Care Manager and Natural Resource Specialists, including invasive species identification and removal, native plantings, seed collection and dispersal, and herbicide application.
– Assisted in the upkeep of the Longenecker Horticultural Gardens at the Arboretum by pruning, weeding, and removing adventitious shoots to preserve specimens.
– Utilized string trimmers, brush cutters, and wood chippers in accomplishing maintenance tasks with efficiency. Operated University-owned vehicles including UTVs.
VOLUNTEERING & OUTREACH
Herbarium Collections & Mounting Volunteer September 2024 – present
Wisconsin State Herbarium, Madison, WI
Co-Organizer of Portland Climate Justice Rally November 2021
Portland, ME