Richard Couse, MS Candidate

Richard Couse, MS Candidate
Conservation Biology
Email Richard

Research Interests

MS Candidate
I am interested in wildlife advocacy and endangered species conservation and management. I believe the best way to protect species biodiversity is through large scale habitat preservation. My focus in tropical ecology has largely been centered on keeping, collecting and breeding freshwater tropical fish, particularly livebearers. But with the closing of my fish room I have followed the path of avian ecology into graduate school. Birds have always been a passion of mine and they will be the subject of my master’s work here at Antioch. However, recent opportunities have allowed me to gain a greater understanding of snake ecology and this is an area I can see myself stepping into for further graduate studies. I like bugs and bats too!

Education

Antioch University New England, Keene, NH
MS Candidate Conservation Biology
Spring 2009 – present

UMASS Dartmouth, Dartmouth, MA
SouthCoast Leadership Graduate
Spring 2008

Emerson College, Boston, MA
Master’s Certificate, Publishing
Spring 1998

UMASS Dartmouth, Dartmouth, MA
BA Dual Major English: Writing / Communications and Literature
Minor: Education
Spring 1991

Work/Research/Field Experience

The Trustees of Reservations, North Andover, MA
Internship Summer 2009 (May – October)

  • Researched occurrence and habitat utilization of Eastern Hognose Snake
  • Utilized GPS and GIS analysis to understand patch mosaic

Independent Research Spring 2009 (February – April)

  • Conducted Natural Resource Inventory of the Westport Town Farm, Westport MA

Rhode Island Audubon Society, North Smithfield, RI
Interpretive Avian Ecology Walk Leader 2001 – 2008

  • Led educational walks describing avifuana

Massachusetts Audubon Society, Lincoln, MA
Ranger/Shorebird Monitor 2003 – 2004

  • Monitored Piping Plover and Least Tern colony at Allen’s Pond Sanctuary

Independent Research

Researcher 2004 – 2006

  • Assisted in conducting research of habitat characteristics of the Frosted Elfin butterfly (Callophrys irus) in sandplain communities.

Monitoring Avian Productivity and Sustainability (MAPS)
Bird Banding 2003 – 2006