Open to opportunities

Keegan Webb

@keeganwebb

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I’m a biological research assistant specializing in ecological niche modeling and wildlife field/lab work.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a research role where I can combine ecological niche modeling with field and lab work—building clean pipelines, using GIS and environmental datasets, and contributing to wildlife-focused questions in a collaborative team.

I’m a biological research assistant focused on ecological niche differentiation—especially how environmental heterogeneity shapes species distributions across elevational zones. My work is grounded in both field ecology and lab methods, so I can connect real-world observations to modeling-ready datasets.

In my master’s thesis research, I obtained mammal occurrence records via GBIF and other data repositories, then used literature-informed ecological niche modeling workflows. I applied phylogenetic comparative methods and generated niche profiles with Maxent, calculating niche overlap statistics to test niche differentiation questions.

To make the analysis reproducible, I built an R pipeline to collect occurrences, create shapefiles, extract environmental readings across species ranges, and approximate environmental niches for downstream analyses. I assessed over 80 mammal species across high- and low-elevation bands of the Northern Andes and ran pairwise tests to evaluate niche differentiation within those groups.

Earlier research roles strengthened my experimental and field foundations. As a Mar Lab Technician/Undergraduate Assistant, I handled fecal samples for DNA extraction and operated centrifuges, vortex mixers, bead beaters, and pipettes. As a field research assistant, I supported wildlife surveys (including giraffe identification, cataloging, behavioral surveys, and vegetation surveys) and presented results to park owners and collaborators.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Master’s Thesis Research

Ohio University

Aug 2023 - Dec 2025 (2 years 4 months)

Conducted master’s thesis research using ecological niche modeling and phylogenetic comparative methods to study niche differentiation across elevational zones in the Northern Andes.

GBIF Occurrence Data literature review Maxent Modeling Niche Overlap Statistics CHELSA Environmental Variables ArcGIS Sliding Window Analysis Environmental Heterogeneity Analysis

Lab Technician; Undergraduate Assistant

University of Idaho

Jun 2022 - Mar 2023 (9 months)

Prepared fecal samples for DNA extraction and followed lab protocols using centrifuges, vortex mixers, bead beaters, and pipettes for downstream analyses.

Fecal Sample Handling DNA Extraction Centrifuges Vortex Mixers Bead Beaters

Scholarship Chair

Theta Chi Fraternity

Jan 2021 - Jan 2022 (1 year)

Managed the scholarship program and encouraged members to attend supplemental instruction sessions, supporting strong chapter academic performance.

Academic Coordination Supplemental Instruction Promotion

Field Volunteer

Washington Fish and Wildlife

Jan 2021 - Jan 2022 (1 year)

Participated in multiple field trips collecting fecal samples of the locally endangered pygmy rabbit population for the Columbia basin project.

Fecal Sample Collection Conservation Support

National Honor Society President

Weiser High School

Jan 2018 - Jan 2019 (1 year)

Led fundraisers for the school and community and frequently volunteered for community events.

Fundraising Leadership Volunteering Organizational Leadership

GI Theta Chi Philanthropy Committee

Jan 2023 - Present (3 years 6 months)

Proposed community events, helped set up for a philanthropy fundraiser, and supported fundraising efforts for the United Service Organizations (USO).

Event Planning Fundraising Support Volunteer coordination

Director of Student Resources

ASUI University of Idaho

Jan 2023 - Present (3 years 6 months)

Developed initiatives to improve student use of university resources and conducted workshops to help students interact effectively with instructors.

Workshop Facilitation

Field Research Assistant

Zingela Safari and River Co.

Jul 2022 - Present (4 years)

Assisted with identifying giraffe individuals and maintaining an identification file for future reference. Conducted focal behavioral surveys and vegetation surveys to support ongoing field research.

Giraffe Identification Focal Behavioral Surveys Species Group Documentation

Director of Academic Affairs

ASUI University of Idaho

Jan 2022 - Present (4 years 6 months)

Served as a representative for the student body in faculty senate meetings and advocated for students through timely grading initiatives and presentations.

Student Advocacy Faculty Senate Representation Presentation Academic Policy Support

Assistant Event Organizer

Theta Chi Fraternity

Jan 2022 - Present (4 years 6 months)

Helped create an obstacle course for community members and supported fundraising efforts for the United Service Organizations (USO).

Event Planning Obstacle Course Setup

Volunteer

Humane Society of the Palouse

Jan 2021 - Present (5 years 6 months)

Baked over 300 dog treats to donate to the local dog shelter.

Volunteer

Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival

Jan 2021 - Present (5 years 6 months)

Set up seating for festival audiences and provided tabled entry support prior to show start times.

Audience Seating Preparation

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Ohio University

Master of Science, Biological Sciences

2023 - 2025

Grade: GPA: 4.00

M.S. in Biological Sciences. Thesis investigated niche differentiation of small mammals across elevational zones in the Northern Andes under the supervision of Diego F. Alvarado-Serrano.