Ida M Conflitti

Research . Data Analysis . Scientific Writing . Teaching . Project Management . Graphic Design

Education

2008-2014	Doctor of Philosophy Degree | University of Toronto, Royal Ontario Museum
	Ecology and evolutionary biology. Awarded 5 fellowships and 12 scholarships, including a NSERC Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship at both Master's (1 year) and Doctoral (3 consecutive years) levels; presented research at 11 conferences (national and international) and received 2 presentation awards.
2003-2008	Honours Bachelor of Science Degree | University of Toronto
	Zoology specialist. Awarded 11 scholarships, including a NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award; named a Dean's List Scholar (4 consecutive years); invited into Golden Key International Honour Society; graduated with High Distinction (cumulative GPA: 3.97/4.00).
1999-2000	Digital Media Design Diploma | International Academy of Design

Experience

2017-present	Research Project Manager | Zayed Lab: York University
	Involved in research on bee conservation and evolutionary genomics. Includes managing the molecular genetics laboratory and training undergraduate students.
2016-2017	Wildlife Rehabilitator | Toronto Wildlife Centre
	Specialized in songbird assessment and treatment; trained interns and volunteers. Completed courses in pain management, parasitology, zoonoses (International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council); passed Ontario wildlife rehabilitation exam (Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry).
2016	Quantitative Analyst | Independent Trading Group (ITG) Inc.
	Involved in research and development of biologically-based machine learning techniques for electronic trading systems.
2008-2015	Research Assistant | Currie and Murphy Labs: University of Toronto, Royal Ontario Museum
	Conducted research on black fly population genetics, phylogenetics, and systematics, as well as turtle conservation genetics. Produced 10 publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals (8 first author publications).
2008-2014	Teaching Assistant | University of Toronto
	Led laboratory exercises for vertebrate anatomy; assisted with course re-design.
2008	Research and Laboratory Assistant | Baker Lab: University of Toronto, Royal Ontario Museum
	Assisted with research on shorebird phylogenetics and systematics.
2000-2005	Advertising Graphic Designer and Developer | HowToWebTV Inc.
	Produced websites, banners, logos, print packages, and television graphics.

Publications

Kent CK, Tiwari T, Rose S, Patel H, Conflitti IM, and Zayed A, in press. Studying the genetics of behaviour in the genomics era. Encyclopedia of Animal Behavior, 2nd Edition, Elsevier (invited chapter).

Conflitti IM, Shields GF, Murphy RW, and Currie DC, 2017. Resolving evolutionary relationships in closely related non-model organisms: a case study using chromosomally distinct members of a black fly species complex. Systematic Entomology 42, 489-508. view abstract

Conflitti IM, Shields GF, Murphy RW, and Currie DC, 2015. Genetic panmixia within a narrow contact zone between chromosomally and ecologically distinct black fly sibling species (Diptera: Simuliidae). Journal of Evolutionary Biology 28, 1625-1640. view abstract

Conflitti IM, Shields GF, Murphy RW, and Currie DC, 2015. The speciation continuum: ecological and chromosomal divergence in the Simulium arcticum complex (Diptera: Simuliidae). Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 115, 13-27. view abstract

Conflitti IM, Shields GF, Murphy RW, and Currie DC, 2014. The speciation continuum: Population structure, gene flow, and maternal ancestry in the Simulium arcticum complex (Diptera: Simuliidae). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 78, 43-55. view abstract

Conflitti IM, Pruess KP, Cywinska A, Powers TO, and Currie DC, 2013. DNA barcoding distinguishes pest species of the black fly genus Cnephia (Diptera: Simuliidae). Journal of Medical Entomology 50, 1250-1260. view abstract

Conflitti IM, Shields GF, and Currie DC, 2012. A "complex" problem: delimiting sibling species boundaries in black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae). The Canadian Entomologist 144, 323-336. view abstract

Conflitti IM, Spironello M, and Currie DC, 2012. Molecular phylogeny of the North American Simulium malyschevi-group species (Diptera: Simuliidae). Systematic Entomology 37, 571-577. view abstract

Davy CM, Conflitti IM, Storisteanu DML, and Murphy RW, 2012. Isolation and characterization of eleven novel polymorphic microsatellite loci in the spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera). Conservation Genetics Resources 4, 759-761. view abstract

Davy CM, Leifso AE, Conflitti IM, and Murphy RW, 2012. Characterization of 10 novel microsatellite loci and cross-amplification of two loci in the snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina). Conservation Genetics Resources 4, 695-698. view abstract

Conflitti IM, Kratochvil MJ, Spironello M, Shields GF, and Currie DC, 2010. Good species behaving badly: Non-monophyly of black fly sibling species in the Simulium arcticum complex (Diptera: Simuliidae). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 57, 245-257. view abstract

Presentations

Conflitti IM, 2014. Speciation and Species Boundaries in Black Flies (Diptera: Simuliidae). Exit Seminar, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (oral presentation).

Conflitti IM, Shields GF, Murphy RW, and Currie DC, 2012. An integrative analysis of cryptic black fly species. Evolution, 1st Joint Congress on Evolutionary Biology, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (oral presentation).

Conflitti IM, Shields GF, Murphy RW, and Currie DC, 2012. Assessing reproductive isolation among cryptic black fly species. North American Black Fly Association, 10th Annual Meeting, Lake Placid, Florida, USA (oral presentation).

Conflitti IM, Shields GF, Murphy RW, and Currie DC, 2011. Assessing reproductive isolation among cryptic black fly species. Entomological Society of Ontario, 148th Annual Meeting, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada (oral presentation).

Conflitti IM, Shields GF, Murphy RW, and Currie DC, 2011. A 'complex' problem: Delimiting sibling species boundaries in black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae). Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution, 6th Annual Meeting, Banff, Alberta, Canada (poster presentation).

Conflitti IM, 2011. A 'complex' problem: Delimiting sibling species boundaries in black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae). Atwood Colloquium in Ecology and Evolution, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (oral presentation).

Conflitti IM, Shields GF, Murphy RW, and Currie DC, 2010. Molecular tests of a chromosome based speciation model in black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae). 7th International Congress of Dipterology, San Jose, Costa Rica (oral presentation).

Conflitti IM, Shields GF, and Currie DC, 2010. Speciation and Species Boundaries in Black Flies (Diptera: Simuliidae). North American Black Fly Association, 8th Annual Meeting, Lake Placid, Florida, USA (oral presentation).

Conflitti IM, 2010. Speciation and Species Boundaries in Black Flies (Diptera: Simuliidae). Appraisal Exam Seminar, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (oral presentation).

Conflitti IM, and Currie DC, 2009. Speciation and Species Boundaries in Black Flies (Diptera: Simuliidae). Entomological Society of Ontario, 146th Annual Meeting, Minden, Ontario, Canada (oral presentation).

Conflitti IM, and Currie DC, 2009. Microsatellite analysis of the Simulium arcticum species complex from Montana, USA. North American Black Fly Association, 7th Annual Meeting, Lake Placid, Florida, USA (oral presentation).

Awards, Honours, and Grants

2013	School of Graduate Studies Doctoral Completion Award
2012	NSERC Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship (CGS-D) University of Toronto Fellowship Harold H. Harvey Travel Award North American Black Fly Association Mike Spironello Award for Outstanding Student Presentation
2011	NSERC Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship (CGS-D) University of Toronto Fellowship Harold H. Harvey Travel Award School of Graduate Studies Conference Grant
2010	NSERC Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship (CGS-D) General Motors Women in Science and Mathematics Award J. Douglas Roseborough Prize in Zoology University of Toronto Fellowship North American Black Fly Association Mike Spironello Award for Outstanding Student Presentation
2009	NSERC Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship (CGS-M) Ontario Graduate Scholarship - declined Carl E. Atwood Graduate Award in Zoology University of Toronto Fellowship Entomological Society of Ontario Travel Award
2008	A. Murray Fallis Graduate Award in Zoology Helen Sawyer Hogg Graduate Admission Award University of Toronto Fellowship Graduation Book Prize Graduated with High Distinction NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award Justina Barnicke Scholarship Dorothy Walters Scholarship Dean's List Scholar
2007	Edmund Murton Walker Scholarship in Zoology University of Toronto Scholarship McNab Undergraduate In-Course Scholarship Dean's List Scholar
2006	Charles Lester Mills Scholarship in Science Edmund Murton Walker Scholarship in Zoology Dean's List Scholar
2005	Golden Key International Honour Society Membership Hadwen-Walker Scholarship in Zoology Dean's List Scholar
2003	University of Toronto Millie Rotman Shime Scholarship

Outreach and Workshops

2016-present	Bird Rescuer | Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP) Canada
	Patrol for migratory birds that collide with buildings; provide initial care to injured birds.
2016-present	Wildlife Caregiver | Toronto Wildlife Centre
	Assist with rehabilitation of wild birds, reptiles, and mammals.
2015-2017	Art-making Workshop | Art Gallery of Ontario
	Attended various workshops to explore art-making techniques (drawing, painting, printmaking, box sculpture, collage).
2011-present	Scientific Journal Referee | Various Journals
	Provide reviews of manuscripts submitted to Entomological Science, Genome, Molecular Ecology Resources, and Systematic Entomology.
2009-2013	Biodiversity Educator | Royal Ontario Museum
	Presented invertebrates and information highlights to families.
2008	Oral Presentation Skills Workshop | University of Toronto
	Attended a 6 week workshop to improve overall communication skills. Since attending, presented research at 11 conferences (national and international) and received 2 presentation awards.