Education |
Ph.D. Candidate (current)
State University of New York
College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF), Syracuse, NY
Major Professor: Donald J. Leopold
Concentration: Effects of livestock grazing and environmental variables on fen plant community patterns. |
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Bachelor of Science (1999)
Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH
Summa cum laude
Concentrations: Biology, Minor in Chemistry |
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Research
Experience |
Graduate Research Assistant (2007, 2008)
SUNY-ESF, Syracuse, NY |
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Environmental influences on plant diversity in rich fens of central New York; A multiscale analysis. Funded by Biodiversity Research Institute, Donald J. Leopold, P.I.
Located, sought access, collected vegetation and environmental data from field sites, performed chemical analysis of water samples in the laboratory, conducted statistical analysis of the data, and wrote the final report for the granting agency. |
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Edna Bailey Sussman Fellow (2005)
SUNY-ESF, Syracuse, NY |
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Awarded an internship to conduct my graduate research on the effects of livestock grazing on fen plant communities. |
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Consulting Experience |
Nelson Bird Woltz Landscape Architects (2009)
Charlottesville, VA |
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Establish baseline conditions for herbaceous plant communities through standardized surveys, archive data gathered, outline a protocol for monitoring, and make recommendations for conservation during upcoming redevelopment of the land. |
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Teaching
Experience
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Visiting Instructor (2007)
SUNY-ESF, Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, Syracuse, NY Developed and taught EFB 445/645, a combined undergraduate/graduate course in plant ecology. |
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National Science Foundation Graduate Teaching Fellow (2005, 2006)
NSF GK-12 Program, SUNY-ESF , Syracuse, NY |
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Developed and implemented lessons in Global Environment, a college-level course taught in high school classrooms in order to enrich student science learning, enhance teacher professional development in science, and further school/college partnerships. Coordinated ESF Science Corps volunteer recruitment and orientation. |
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Visiting Instructor (2007, 2008, scheduled 2009)
SUNY-ESF, Cranberry Lake Biological Station, NY |
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Instruct undergraduate students in field-based plant identification and sampling methods in plant ecology. |
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Graduate Teaching Assistant (2003-2005, 2007-2009)
SUNY-ESF, Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, Syracuse, NY
Instructed college students in Plant Ecology, Systematic Botany, Freshwater Wetlands Ecosystems, Dendrology, Marine Ecology, and Plant Physiology courses in classroom, field and recitation settings; graded exams and papers. |
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Teaching Fellow (2004-2006)
SUNY-ESF, Syracuse, NY |
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Assisted the Associate Dean of Outreach, Instructional Quality and Technology in planning, organizing, and conducting the annual Graduate Assistant Colloquium on Teaching and Learning, a compulsory orientation and training seminar for new Graduate Teaching and Research Assistants. |
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Conservation Intern (1999-2000)
Massachusetts Forests and Parks AmeriCorps, Hawley, MA |
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Planned and taught lessons in environmental education and conservation for grades K-6 at a public elementary school; Organized and supervised a week-long nature camp for local elementary school children. Received training and experience in survey, design, construction, and maintenance of trails. |
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Professional
Experience |
Field Biologist (2001-2003)
Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation Natural Areas Program Dover, DE |
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Organized and implemented a state-wide state park invasive plant management program. Planned and presented educational programs on invasive plants for park staff, and park visitors. Conducted wading bird flight line and nest surveys on Pea Patch Island Heronry. Created planning maps using ArcGIS software. Conducted white-tailed deer spotlight surveys. Prepared environmental reviews of proposed development throughout the State. Evaluated research requests. |
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Wildlife Management Coordinator (2000-2001)
Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation, Dover, DE |
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Developed and implemented wildlife management practices in state parks. Researched and prepared a report on small game hunting potential in state parks. Conducted deer spotlight surveys. Coordinated hunting program. Established a deer exclosure project. |
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Rotary International Group Exchange Program Team Member (2003)
Wilmington, DE and Londrina, Parana (Brazil) |
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Participated in a professional exchange program for young professionals in Parana, Brazil. Observed professional activities relevant to natural resource management and conservation. Developed professional and personal relationships with resource managers and researchers. |
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Manuscripts in preparation |
Hajek, K.L., D.J. Leopold, and S.H. Reynolds. 2009. A multiscale analysis of environmental influences on rich fen plant communities in central New York. Proposed journal: Wetlands. |
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Hajek, K.L. and S.E. Scanga. 2009. Using inquiry-based learning to incorporate original research into the classroom. Proposed journal: Ecological Society of America Bulletin. |
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Schmidt, K., E. Kiviat, A. Wilder, and K.L. Hajek. 2009. The effects of grazing on the calcareous fen mollusk community in southeastern New York. |
Publications (non-peer-reviewed) |
Hajek, K.L., D.J. Leopold, and S.H. Reynolds. 2009. A multiscale analysis of environmental influences on rich fen plant communities in central New York. Final Report to the Biodiversity Research Institute. |
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Posters / Presentations |
Hajek, K.L. Plant community patterns along environmental gradients in groundwater-fed wetlands. Oral presentation, Cross-disciplinary Seminar in Hydrological and Biogeochemical Processes, SUNY-ESF. March 17, 2009.
Hajek, K.L. and S.E. Scanga. How to incorporate original research into student-directed lessons for multiple levels of education. Poster displayed at 93rd Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting, August 4-8, 2008.
Hajek, K.L. Livestock grazing in fen vascular and nonvascular plant communities. Oral presentation, 31st Andrews Foray. West Greenwich, RI. September 15-17, 2006.
Reynolds, S.H., M.T. Distler, J.J. Gillrich, K.L. Hajek, and D.J. Leopold. Factors controlling plant diversity across multiple spatial scales in fens in New York. Poster displayed at 36th International Binghamton Geomorphology Symposium, Buffalo, NY. October 7-9, 2005. |
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Funded Proposals |
Alumni Association Memorial Scholarship (2007)
SUNY-ESF |
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$1000 in support of graduate education awarded to students demonstrating outstanding academic achievement, commitment to extracurricular activities, and outstanding character. |
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Maurice M. Alexander Wetland Research Award (2006)
SUNY-ESF |
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$1800 in support of graduate research in wetlands. |
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Edna Bailey Sussman Fellowship (2005)
Syracuse, NY |
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$4900 Graduate internship with USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service to study the effects of livestock grazing on fen vegetation. |
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Selected Service and Outreach Activities |
Ecolunch Seminar Coordinator, SUNY-ESF (2005-2009)
Organize a weekly seminar entitled “Ecolunch”, which is focused on current research in plant ecology and related topics, for SUNY-ESF and Syracuse University students and faculty. |
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Adaptive Peaks Seminar Host, SUNY-ESF (2007) |
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Identified, contacted and hosted departmental seminar speaker. Coordinated travel arrangements, facilitated faculty and student meetings, and arranged field site visits. |
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Search Committee for Wildlife Ecologist, Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, SUNY-ESF (2006) |
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Reviewed applications, participated in three candidate interviews, coordinated graduate student meetings with candidates, compiled and presented graduate student feedback, worked with committee to recommend a candidate to the faculty. |
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Science Corps, SUNY-ESF (2006-2007) |
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Participated in a variety of ESF outreach activities, including ESF discovery booth at the NY State Fair and judging elementary school science fairs. |
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Panel member, Undergraduate Mentoring in Biology (UMEB) program, Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, SUNY-ESF (2009) |
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Advised undergraduates about choosing and applying to a graduate program. |
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Field Trip Leader, Northeast Symposium on Native Plant Education, Conservation, and Gardening, Mexico, NY (2006)
Introduced over 50 native wetland plants to conference participants. |
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Phoenix Central High School Career Fair Participant, Phoenix, NY (2008) Introduced high school students to career options in environmental fields and life sciences. |
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Field Trip Leader, Weeds and Seeds walk, Oakwood Cemetery Preservation Society, Syracuse, NY (2008) |
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Earthwatch Research Volunteer, Isle Royale National Park, MI (1998) |
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Participated in a backcountry backpacking trip with the purpose of collecting moose skeletons to be used as a part of a Michigan Tech University study of moose/wolf population dynamics. |
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Beachgrass Planting Erosion Control Project Team Leader, Delaware Coastal Management, Rehoboth, DE (2001-2003) |
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Horseshoe Crab Survey Volunteer, Delaware Coastal Management, Bowers Beach, DE (2001, 2002) |
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Honors /
Awards |
SUNY-ESF Alumni Association Memorial Scholarship, 2007
SUNY-ESF Maurice M. Alexander Wetlands Research Award, 2006
Team member, Rotary International Professional Exchange Program, 2003
DE Division of Parks and Recreation Outstanding Service Award, 2001
Summa cum laude, Xavier University, 1999
Xavier University Biology Department Award, 1999
Xavier University Trustee Scholarship, 1995 |
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Professional Affiliations |
Ecological Society of America
New York Flora Association
Society for Conservation Biology
Society of Wetland Scientists |