Tyler Spresser, MS.
Symsonia
Summary
Biologist and Ph.D. Candidate with over 9 years of specialized research in plant-pollinator ecology, pest management, and nutritional biochemistry, focusing on invasive species like the emerald ash borer and pollinator health (honeybees, native bees). Expert in leading field and laboratory studies, supervising teams, and collaborating with USDA APHIS on pest control strategies, with 14 years of leadership experience across academic, conservation, and hospitality settings. Committed to advancing plant industry programs, biosecurity, and agricultural sustainability through innovative research and regulatory expertise.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Laboratory Technician Assistant
Bon Secours Mercy Health Lourdes Hospital
08.2024 - Current
- Facilitated accurate diagnostic testing for 7 months by registering and accessioning specimens, ensuring compliance with laboratory protocols, and verifying specimen integrity for analysis.
- Supported laboratory operations by preparing reagents, maintaining and loading instruments, and overseeing the proper handling of blood products, including thawing, pooling, and distribution.
- Identified and responded to instrument and equipment malfunctions, promptly reporting and assisting in troubleshooting to maintain workflow efficiency and quality control.
- Maintained laboratory readiness by performing waived testing, preparing slides, and managing inventory and supply stock to ensure uninterrupted operations.
Research Assistant /Graduate Teaching Assistant
Oklahoma State University
08.2018 - Current
- Executed 7 years of pollinator ecology research, analyzing native bee diets (e.g., 19.65% protein in canola pollen), honeybee foraging patterns, and post-fire pollen nutrition using advanced biochemical assays (Bradford, Anthrone), ArcGIS, and statistical modeling (SEM, MANOVA)—currently ongoing as an unpaid researcher.
- Identified, cloned, and sequenced three novel Manduca sexta genes, employing bioinformatics (BLAST) to advance understanding of insect immunity mechanisms.
- Supervised 3–5 undergraduate researchers for 2 years (2019–2022), directing field sampling, laboratory assays, and data analysis while developing standardized training protocols.
- Instructed undergraduate courses in Introductory Biology, Mammalian Physiology, and Genetics, managing 20–50 students per class for 3 years (2021–2025)—designed curricula and oversaw laboratory operations.
- Delivered 2 years of public lectures on pollen taxonomy and pollinator health, engaging diverse stakeholders in agricultural and conservation settings.
Graduate Assistant / Teaching Assistant
Southeast Missouri State University
08.2016 - 05.2018
- Conducted 2 years of emerald ash borer (EAB) nutritional ecology and biochemistry research, quantifying macronutrients (proteins, lipids) via biochemical assays—submitted findings on larval reserves driving reproduction to Journal of Insect Physiology.
- Coordinated 2 years of collaboration with USDA APHIS, delivering EAB nutrient data to federal entomologists through direct communication—supported pest management strategies targeting larval vulnerabilities.
- Trained 1 undergraduate researcher across 2 years in laboratory techniques, including biochemical assays and data analysis, ensuring research quality and consistency.
- Instructed Animal Biology and Organismal Biology courses, managing 20–30 students per class for 2 years—developed and delivered insect-plant ecology modules.
Certified Trainer / Server / Bartender
Olive Garden - Darden Restaurants
08.2010 - 05.2018
- Applied advanced inventory management techniques to optimize stock levels and minimize waste in hospitality settings across 8 years.
- Customized time management and organizational frameworks to suit the dynamic demands of service environments.
- Demonstrated proficient multitasking abilities for bartending and serving roles, ensuring seamless task execution.
- Directed training for 10–20 new hires per shift, implementing service protocols and optimizing operational efficiency—honed advanced leadership and coordination skills.
Undergraduate Student Research Assistant
Southeast Missouri State University
08.2015 - 05.2016
- Conducted extensive research on the evolutionary relationships of Neotropical Piper species using advanced analytical techniques to assess morphology and taxonomy within the Piperaceae family.
- Utilized specialized skills in data analysis and interpretation to justify or challenge existing taxonomic classifications based on comprehensive morphological analysis.
- Demonstrated a commitment to long-term research endeavors, maintaining continuity and rigor in an ongoing project spanning three decades.
- Efforts were focused on the assessment of South American species within the Piperaceae family, contributing to the advancement of scientific understanding in the field of evolutionary biology.
Education
Ph.D. - Integrative Biology
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK07-2025
Master of Science - Biology
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO05-2018
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO05-2016
Associate of Science - Chemistry
West Kentucky Community And Technical College
Paducah, KY12-2012
Skills
- Biochemical Assays
- PCR
- Gel Electrophoresis
- Microscopy
- High-performance liquid chromatography
- Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry,
- ArcGIS
- Statistical Software (R, SPSS, SAS)
- Bioinformatics (BLAST)
- Curriculum Development
- Undergraduate Instruction
- Research Mentorship
- Stakeholder Coordination
- Team Management
- Experimental Design
- Statistical Analysis (MANOVA, ANOVA)
- Plant-Pollinator Ecology
- Pest Management
- Scientific Writing
- Grant Writing
Accomplishments
- Spresser, T.S., Slager, B.H., Judd, T.M. (Under Review). Reproductive Investment Relies on Larval Nutrient Reserves in the Emerald Ash Borer, Agrilus planipennis. Submitted to Journal of Insect Physiology.
- Spresser, T.S. (In Preparation). Integrated Ecological and Physiological Insights into Pollinator Health: Nutrition, Immunity, and Responses to Land Use Changes in Honeybees and Native Bees. Ph.D. Dissertation, Oklahoma State University.
Certification
USDA APHIS PPQ 526 Permit Holder (Invasive Species Research, 2016–2018)
Timeline
Laboratory Technician Assistant
Bon Secours Mercy Health Lourdes Hospital
08.2024 - Current
Research Assistant /Graduate Teaching Assistant
Oklahoma State University
08.2018 - Current
Graduate Assistant / Teaching Assistant
Southeast Missouri State University
08.2016 - 05.2018
Undergraduate Student Research Assistant
Southeast Missouri State University
08.2015 - 05.2016
Certified Trainer / Server / Bartender
Olive Garden - Darden Restaurants
08.2010 - 05.2018
Ph.D. - Integrative Biology
Oklahoma State University
Master of Science - Biology
Southeast Missouri State University
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Southeast Missouri State University
Associate of Science - Chemistry
West Kentucky Community And Technical College
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