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Date

August 5, 2020

Time

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Age: Grades 8-12
Discipline: Chemistry and Biology
Title: Rattlesnake Biology, Snake Safety, and the Chemistry of Snake Bite.

Description: Dr. Chris Jenkins and high school chemistry teacher Nicole Ager, will introduce you to the types of rattlesnakes along the A.T. and the interesting chemistry behind their venomous bites. Students will get to learn from a leading researcher and educator about rattlesnakes and how to protect yourself and them on the trail. Then, students will work through the chemistry of venom.

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Presenters/Bios:

Nicole Ager is a high school chemistry teacher and golf coach at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in Rabun Gap, GA. Ms. Ager holds a Bachelor of Science from Western New England University in Chemistry and Secondary Education and a Master of Science in Chemistry with a specialization in Chemical Education from South Dakota State University. Originally from the coast of Connecticut, she fell in love with hiking when moving to the North Georgia Mountains. Since then, she has joined the ATC and has participated in trail workdays, teacher workshops, and how-to-hike classes with them. An avid adventurer, she loves to be outside dirt biking and paddleboarding. She has even set a goal to section hike the Appalachian Trail!

Dr. Chris Jenkins is the founding Chief Executive Officer of The Orianne Society. He also founded the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Viper Specialist Group which he served as chairman of for 10 years. He has also served in leadership roles in Partners for Reptiles and Amphibian Conservation, Gopher Tortoise Council, and Backcountry hunters and Anglers. Since its founding he has led the Orianne Society to becoming the leading organization exclusively focused on the conservation of rare reptiles, amphibians, and their critical habitats.

Dr. Jenkins has been nominated and received multiple awards including being selected as one of a small number of nominees for the prestigious Indianapolis Prize given to individuals for “extraordinary contributions to conservation efforts”. Fellow nominees include conservationists such as Jane Goodall and Sylvia Earle.

Before founding the Orianne Society Dr. Jenkins worked with Wildlife Conservation Society to conserve rare wildlife species in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. He also has worked with the United States Forest Service, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, University of Massachusetts, University of British Columbia, and National Geographic. Over his career, Dr. Jenkins has contributed to many scientific publications, books, and popular media publications and hosts the Snake Talk podcast.

Dr. Jenkins received a B.S. and M.S. from the University of Massachusetts in wildlife biology and wildlife conservation, respectively. Where he focused on the ecology and conservation of rare salamanders. He received his Ph.D. in biological sciences from Idaho State University where he studied the impacts of grazing and changing fire regimes on Great Basin Rattlesnakes. While at Idaho State University, Dr. Jenkins received minors in spatial analysis and pedagogy.