Ecology Ephemera

Curriculum vitae

April Jaqueline LeBaron

Denver, CO | EcoEphemera@gmail.com

EDUCATION

Master of Science (M.S.), Entomology
University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Completed 19 credits

Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Ecology, Evolution, & Organismal Biology
Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | conferred 2021

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Ecologist & Creative Director, Ecology Ephemera
October 2025 – Present | Denver, CO

  • Designed the full visual identity for Ecology Ephemera, including logo, color palette, and branding elements using Adobe Creative Suite.
  • Conducted market and competitor research to understand ecological consulting, environmental communication, and science-illustration needs in Colorado and nationally.
  • Built and maintain the Ecology Ephemera website using WordPress, ensuring clear navigation, accessible content, and brand-aligned storytelling.
  • Write narrative-based blog posts that blend field experiences with ecological insights, helping readers connect science to place and lived observation.
  • Develop digital content and educational materials that translate ecological topics into accessible, visually memorable formats.
  • Manage the strategic direction, service offerings, and long-term vision of the brand, ensuring alignment with ecological values and community needs.
  • Create original science illustrations and graphics for use in blog posts, outreach materials, and future client-facing projects.
  • Cross-post written content, illustrations, and educational graphics across social platforms (Instagram, Bluesky) to build audience reach and strengthen the brand’s ecological storytelling presence.

Conservation & Soil Health Program Coordinator, City Sprouts
January – September 2025 | Omaha, NE

  • Conducted soil assessments at City Sprouts Farm and created educational flyers, infographics, and step-by-step videos teaching community members how to collect soil samples for testing; shared materials at the public library and across social media platforms.
  • Collaborated with Jennifer Hopwood of the Xerces Society to complete a comprehensive pollinator habitat assessment using Xerces protocols, providing farm staff with recommendations to improve pollinator support while maintaining high crop productivity.
  • Interpreted soil data and habitat observations to offer clear, practical guidance for regenerative practices including reduced tillage, compost integration, and diversified plantings.
  • Developed visual educational resources that connected soil processes, pollinator needs, and ecological principles to community-scale gardening.
  • Delivered workshops for community members, supporting their understanding of soil health and habitat stewardship.

Collections Intern, Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Denver, CO | November – December 2024

  • Assisted with transitioning entomology collection data from Ecdysis to Arctos, preparing records for a relational database structure.
  • Performed data quality analysis to identify inconsistencies, errors, and missing fields requiring correction.
  • Researched specimen records to locate missing linkages and resolve data gaps critical for successful migration.

Research Assistant, University of Nebraska
June 2022 – December 2024 | Lincoln, NE

  • Designed and conducted field surveys of native bees across prairie, agricultural, and urban ecosystems to document diversity and plant–pollinator interactions.
  • Investigated milkweed visitation networks to evaluate monarchs as potential umbrella species for broader pollinator conservation.
  • Managed full research workflow, including protocol design, sampling, specimen processing, species/genus-level identification, and data cleaning and analysis in R.
  • Created infographics, illustrations, and presentation slides using Adobe Creative Suite to visualize research findings for academic, community, and outreach audiences.
  • Conducted community outreach and education on pollinator ecology, tailoring presentations for diverse audiences ranging from school-aged children to conservation professionals (e.g., Nature Conservancy staff).
  • Mentored a summer intern by training them in field sampling methods and data collection, and supporting them with the development of their summer research project.

Temporary Assistant, CDA Palisade Insectary
Palisade, CO | August – October 2021

  • Maintained research plot gardens to support ongoing agricultural and ecological studies.
  • Gained hands-on experience with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, with a focus on biocontrol techniques.
  • Collaborated with Colorado Department of Agriculture staff to understand practical applications of pest management and pollinator conservation in agricultural settings.

Research Intern, Denver Botanic Gardens
Grand Junction, CO | May 2021 – September 2021

  • Conducted field research on Sclerocactus glaucus seed dispersal, recording seed fate and ant interactions at documented populations on Colorado’s western slope.
  • Participated in overnight fieldwork to observe crepuscular ant species, following strict Endangered Species Act protocols for a federally protected plant.
  • Assisted with data entry and analysis in R, including cleaning datasets and generating visual summaries of field observations.
  • Contributed to project documentation and trained in proper ecological monitoring and field safety techniques for rare plant research.

Intern, EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum
Grand Junction, CO | September 2018 – April 2019

  • Utilized the museum’s CRM system to manage membership accounts and process gift shop transactions, ensuring accurate records and smooth operations.
  • Developed lesson plans on ecological topics tailored for children and teens (ages 6–18) for museum programs and after-school activities.
  • Delivered educational programming to youth, teaching both self-designed lessons and content provided by other interns, fostering engagement and curiosity in science and ecology.
  • Supported museum staff in facilitating interactive exhibits, activities, and learning experiences for diverse audiences.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Esri Academy Courses | 2024–Present

  • Completed courses in GIS mapping, spatial analysis, and data visualization.

National Native Bee Monitoring RCN Workshops | 2023–Present

  • Participated in workshops focused on pollinator monitoring protocols and research coordination.

Bees of the Tallgrass Prairie Region & Greater Midwest ID Workshop | 2022

  • Trained in microscopy techniques, specimen curation, and the use of identification keys for native bee species.
  • Taught about regional pollinator ecology.
  • Learned to identify key charismatic bee species and families in the field, enhancing observational skills for pollinator monitoring and ecological surveys.

Nebraska Science Ambassador Program | 2022

  • Professional development to enhance science communication and education skills for diverse audiences.

Data Management Workshop, Nebraska Game & Parks | 2022

  • Learned how to utilize Microsoft Access for ecological data management, quality control, and analysis workflows.

FELLOWSHIPS

Boards and Commissions Fellowship, Conservation Nebraska | 2025

Johnson-Beck Graduate Student Fellowship for Nature Conservation, University of Nebraska-Lincoln | 2023

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Presentations

Creating a Safe, Smart, and Sustainable Urban Garden Toolkit. An Integrated Pest Management Workshop. Omaha, NE | 2025

Insect Allies: Pollinators and Predators in Regenerative Urban Growing. Presented alongside Jennifer Hopwood from the Xerces Society. Omaha, NE | 2025

Buzzing Biodiversity: Exploring Bee Diversity in North America. Online presentation for Conservation Nebraska | 2025

Identifying Common Butterflies, Moths, Caterpillars, and Their Host Plants in Eastern Nebraska. Presented for Arboretum Village Garden and Nature Club | 2025

Lauritzen Gardens Pollination Investigation Camp. Omaha, NE | 2024

Insects That Utilize Milkweed. Presented at the 2023 North Eastern Kansas Beekeepers’ Association Bee Funday

Tabling

  • Xerces Society representative at the 2025 Colorado Pollinator Summit
  • City Sprouts representative at the 2025 North Omaha Garden & Art Walk
  • Xerces Society representative at Nebraska Monarch’s 2025 Native Plant & Environmental Expo
  • Xerces Society representative at Pollinator Alliance of the Heartland’s 2024 Milkweed & Cookies event
  • Xerces Society representative at Bellevue Native Plant Society’s Annual (2024) Pollinator Party
  • Xerces Society representative at Mulhalls 2024 Wild Plant Party
  • Xerces Society representative at Benson Bounty’s 2024 Pollinator Party
  • Xerces Society representative at the 2024 Earth Day Celebration at a local middle school
  • Entomology graduate student representative at the 2023 Women in Science conference for high schoolers in Lincoln, NE

RESEARCH POSTER & PRESENTATION

LeBaron, A.J. (2024). Bee communities visiting milkweed (Asclepias spp.) in rural and urban sites in Eastern Nebraska. Contributed to the student 10-minute competition at the North-Central Branch meeting for the Entomological Society of America. Fort Collins, CO.

LeBaron, A.J., Smart, A., Lindsay, S., & Weissling, T. (2023). Wild bee utilization of milkweed species in Nebraska. Entomological Society of America; 7 November 2023; National Harbor, MD.