Ph. D. Student, Department of Biology, Tufts University, Current

M. S., Agronomy and Range Science, University of California, Davis, August 2003

B. A., Biological Sciences, Wellesley College, June 2001, graduated with Honors.

Doctoral Research, Departmento of Biology, Tufts University, Sept. 2005 – present

Currently integrating empirical research with modeling to study plant-herbivore interactions, resource uptake and long-distance transport in plants.

Summer Research, Department of Public Health, Tufts University, June 2005 – Aug. 2005

Developed software for use in modeling cyclic annual disease outbreaks. Assembled Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data necessary for prediction of the possibility of an avian influenza outbreak in North America.

Masters Research, Agronomy and Range Science Dept., UC Davis, Sept. 2001 – Aug. 2003

Constructed spatially explicit simulation models of waterfowl foraging using GRASS GIS, programmed behavior models using C language, created shell script interface between model and GRASS GIS. Analyzed outputs resulting from different assumptions.

Undergraduate Honors Research, Wellesley College, September 2000 - July 2001.

Compared output of equivalent simple population models constructed using RAMAS and STELLA modeling software packages and determined reasons for differing output.

Research Experience for Undergrads Intern, University of Virginia, Jun 2000 - Aug 2000.

Independent research: Mapped and analyzed spatial distribution of trees in an abandoned agricultural field undergoing succession, using GPS and ARCView GIS.

Teaching Asistant, Cells and Organisms, Tufts University, Sept. 2009 – present.

Teaching Asistant, Cells and Organisms, Tufts University, Sept. 2008 – Dec. 2008.

Teaching Assistant, Biostatistics, Tufts University, Sept. 2007 – Dec. 2007

Teaching Assistant, Organisms and Evolution, Tufts University, Jan. 2007 – May 2007.

Teaching Assistant, Environmental Biology, Tufts University, Sept. 2006 – Dec. 2007.

Teaching Assistant, Organisms and Evolution, Tufts University, Jan. 2006 – May 2006.

Teaching Assistant, Cells and Organisms, Tufts University, Sept. 2005 – Dec. 2005.

Adjunct Instructor, Ecology, Bay State College, Jan. 2005 – May 2005.

Adjunct Instructor, Introductory Biology, Bay State College, Sept. 2004 – May 2005.

Teaching Assistant, Evolution of Crop Plants, UC Davis, April 2003 – June 2003.

Teaching Assistant, Introduction to Plant Breeding UC Davis, Jan. 2003 - March 2003.

Teaching Assistant, Computer Programming and Prob. Solving, Wellesley, Jan. 1999 - June 1999.

Graduate Student Research Awards, Tufts University, 2007.

Block Grant Fellowship, UC Davis, 2002-2003.

First Year University Fellowship, UC Davis, 2001-2002.

Phi Beta Kappa, 2001.

Nomination to Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society, 2001.

Thorn, A. and C. Orians. Modeling growth consequences of induced defense responses in plants: Integrating herbivore-induced storage and resistance. Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting. Albuquerque NM, 2009.

Thorn, A. and C. Orians. Modeling sectored resource allocation in patchy soils: A new perspective on root precision and nutrient foraging by plants. Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting. Milwaukee WI, 2008.

Thorn, A. and C. Orians. Modeling Xylem Sectoriality with the Ohm's Law Analogy: Quantifying patterns and ecological consequences across species. Plant Biology and Botany Joint Congress. Chicago IL, 2007.

Thorn, A. and C. Orians. Modeling Plant Sectoriality Using Markov Chains. Joint Annual meeting of the American Society of Plant Biologists and the Canadian Society of Plant Physiologists. Boston MA, 2006.

Thorn, A., J. M. Eadie, J. Schank and R. Plant. Spatially explicit, individual-based modeling of waterfowl foraging behavior. 3rd North American Duck Symposium. Sacramento CA, 2003.

Pedagogy and Practices in College Education, Tufts University, Sept. 2008 – Dec. 2008

Seminar in College Teaching Certification Program, UC Davis, Jan. 2003 - March 2003

Teaching in a Time of Change Certification Program, UC Davis, April 2003 - May 2003