Curriculum Vitae


  • Strong scientific background in both coursework and research in biology, psychology, and biomathematics.
  • Adopted an interdisciplinary approach to a number of specific scientific questions as evidenced by my senior capstone project and course selection. This method, I believe, brings forth  innovation in science as well as personal growth.
  • Exceptional organizational and communication skills.
  • Achieved world championship status in kayaking and cross-country skiing. Traveled, trained and competed extensively in the USA and other countries, while concurrently engaging in academic pursuits.         

EDUCATION
Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City, OK B.S in Behavioral Studies 2013
Bates College, Lewiston, ME 2008 B.S. in Biology
Areas of concentration: psychology, biomathematics
Thesis: “the anti-inflammatory effects of bio-active constituents of
juniperus viginiana on carreegin induced hind paw edema in rats.” 

AWARDS AND HONORS
Jim Wade Award, Oklahoma City University Presidential honor role, Oklahoma City University 

EXPERIENCE 
Personal Kayak/Wellness Coach 2011- Present
• Work with clients to develop a structured fitness program centered on kayaking. Determine fitness goals on and off the water. Help individuals build confidence in themselves on and off the water.

Oklahoma City Boathouse Foundation, Riversport Staff/Paddle Sport Instructor 2010-Present
  • Instructor dragon boating, nature kayaking, junior sprint programs
  • Daily boathouse maintenance and event set up
  • Drive mobile boathouse and work mobile boathouse at outreach events
  • Daily customer relations    
Liaison Officer between U.S Canoe Kayak Team and the U.S Canoe Racing Association, Remote Position
• Work with both organizations to help foster understanding, increase productivity and enhance communication between the two entities. My goal in this position is to help the organizations maintain their separate identities and purposes while encouraging them to work together in an effort to increase the accessibility of water sports for everyone at any level. 

Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK. Personal Assistant. Nov 2010- April 2011
• Research Administrator for Dr. Beverley Greenwood’s lab and for the Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience 

Jeff Defeo Inc. Carpenter, Chester, MA.  2008
• Framed houses and installed roofing. Worked as part of a two-person crew, successfully completing two houses from the ground up.





VOLUNTEER WORK
Research Assistant- to Professor Jowasisas, Department of Psychology, Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City, OK.  Spring 2013
• Took the lead on research projects to help explore abnormalities and trends found in previous research conducted by the professor on the topic of psychological myths.




Outdoor Nation Youth Summit Delegate Nominated by the Lets go Paddling Initiative to represent paddle sports. 2010
interests

• The outdoor nation youth summit brought together youth leaders from across the country in the largest outdoor focused event in US history. Outlined priorities and actions to solve the problem of bringing youth off the couch and to the outdoors. 

United States Canoe Racing Association. 2008-2010 Contributing reporter/editor to Canoe News website 

PUBLICATIONS
M McElroy, K. (2009). Recovery of self through community and sport: My story of moving beyond a life with anorexia. Canoe News, 42(3)
McElroy, K. (2010, Jan/Feb). High kneel or sit down, canoe or kayak, marathon or sprint....its all paddling. Canoe & Kayak racing magazine 

ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS
2012 World Championships Marathon Canoe, Rome, Italy. K2 Senior Women 8th Place. 2012 Canoe Sprint World Cup, Duisburg, Germany. Silver K2 1000m.
2012 Canoe Sprint World Cup, Poznan, Poland. Bronze K2 1000m.
2011 Pan American Games, Guadalaja, Mexico. Bronze K2 500m. 


MEMBERSHIPS
Psi Chi, International Honor Society in Psychology
Alpha Sigma Lambda, National Honor Society for Adults in Continuing Education


SKILLS 
Exceptional organizational and communication skills. Practical experience with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and the statistical program SPSS. Worked with multiple Organizations to expand their social media presence.

CERTIFICATIONS
Heartsaver AED, American Heart Association