Kit Knight

Summary

Over 20 years of experience promoting conservation and ecological awareness through professional teaching at both grades 6–12 and higher education levels. Educated thousands of students on the interdependence between humans and Earth's ecosystems, fostering understanding of sustainable practices and peaceful coexistence with all lifeforms. Developed curricula and learning experiences that highlight environmental stewardship, ecological responsibility, and the importance of biodiversity. Worked as a professional scientist and gained understanding of how to measure the Earth's vital signs and how to use science, technology, engineering, and math to correct human-caused environmental problems. You can watch a YouTube video of a summary of Kit’s credentials. (LINK)

Publication Highlight

Knight, K. C. (2014). A kinematic and kinetic analysis of a frog launching from water using digital particle image velocimetry (Master’s Thesis, Northern Arizona University). (LINK)

Education

Former Ph.D. Candidate, Biophysics, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 2013-2019

Master’s Degree, Animal Physiology, Northern Arizona University, 2010-2013

Bachelor’s Degree, Biology Education, Utah Valley University, 1999-2004

Experience

Adjunct Human Biology Professor

Arizona College of Nursing · Part-time, April 2025 - Present, Melbourne, Florida, United States · On-site

Lectured first-year nursing students in Biology 189, providing comprehensive instruction in fundamental biological concepts. Developed and delivered lectures with visual and audio aids, supplemented by real-life examples to enhance student comprehension. Managed grading, assessment reporting, and direct communication with students regarding academic progress. Fostered an engaging learning environment to support student understanding and retention of core biological principles.

Biophysicist

Zel Technologies LLC · Full-time, March 2023 - March 2025 · 2 yrs, Cape Canaveral, Florida, United States · On-site

Conducted experiments on the effects of radio waves on biological specimens, including live human neurons. Designed and fabricated biomimetic tissue and organ phantoms from human CT scans using 3D printing and chemical modeling, integrating custom scientific instruments for data collection. Generated controlled radio wave exposure using commercial antennas, amplifiers, and signal generators to study physiological responses. Applied particle image velocimetry (PIV) to analyze dielectric heating effects in transparent, 3D-printed vessel models. Supported interdisciplinary research combining bioengineering, physics, and neurobiology to advance understanding of electromagnetic interactions with biological tissues.

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biology

University of Maryland Global Campus · Part-time, August 2021 - July 2022, 1 yr, Jacksonville, Florida, United States, Remote

Taught online and hybrid sections of Biology 103: Introduction to Biology to 60 primarily active-duty military students worldwide. Delivered clear and engaging instruction in fundamental biological concepts through virtual lectures, multimedia presentations, and interactive discussions. Utilized online laboratory simulations to effectively demonstrate core scientific principles, adapting content for accessibility and engagement. Provided audio and video support to enhance the online learning experience and facilitate student comprehension. Managed class sizes of up to 30 students per section, ensuring personalized feedback and consistent academic support.

Chief Executive Officer

Knight Innovations LLC · Full-time, September 2019 - July 2021 · 2 yrs, Jacksonville, Florida, United States · On-site

Founded and led a private research and development laboratory specializing in biomimetic and ecomimetic device design, testing, and manufacturing. Directed the conception, engineering, and production of technologies replicating microclimate habitats for breeding endangered reptiles and amphibians using computer-controlled systems for temperature, humidity, lighting, water flow, air flow, and automated feeding. Oversaw development of innovative prototypes, including a biomimetic robotic skeletal muscle powered by micro electric motors and a retractable, anuran-inspired human swim fin. Managed all aspects of product design, prototype testing, patent filings, and manufacturing coordination. Provided strategic leadership in R&D operations, intellectual property management, and technology commercialization to advance sustainability-focused biological engineering solutions.

Animal Physiology Lab Instructor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas · Part-time, August 2013 - July 2019 · 6 yrs, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States · On-site

Instructed a variety of laboratory courses, including majors’ and non-majors’ biology, mammalogy, human anatomy, and human physiology to over 1000 college students. Led hands-on laboratory sessions featuring organ dissections, ECG and respirometry experiments, and histology analyses to enhance student understanding of biological systems. Managed grading and feedback for all assigned courses, ensuring fair evaluation and academic growth. Oversaw laboratory operations, including ordering and maintenance of dissection materials, equipment repair, and supply inventory. Collaborated with lab coordinators and lecture faculty to align curriculum and ensure high-quality, integrated instruction. Contributed to the advancement of student-centered learning and promoted excellence in biological science education at the university level.

Human Physiology Lab Instructor

Northern Arizona University · Part-time, August 2010 - July 2013 · 3 yrs, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States · On-site

Instructed laboratory courses, including non-majors’ biology and human physiology to over 500 students. Served as Lead Physiology Lab Instructor, revising curriculum, rewriting laboratory manuals, and improving experimental design. Conducted hands-on instruction featuring organ dissections, ECG and respirometry experiments, and histology analysis, enhancing student engagement with applied physiology. Managed grading, feedback, and assessment for all assigned courses, ensuring consistent academic standards and student support. Oversaw lab operations, including ordering and maintenance of dissection supplies, equipment repair, and coordination with the departmental lab manager. Collaborated closely with lecture professors to align laboratory and lecture content for optimal student learning outcomes. Trained and mentored new instructors and graduate teaching assistants in biology and physiology, as well as in conflict management, classroom management, and teaching pedagogy.

High School Oceanography Teacher

Coconino High School · Full-time, August 2009 - July 2010 · 1 yr, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States · On-site

Taught 180 students in block-scheduled biology, engineering, and oceanography courses, designing and implementing all lesson plans and laboratory activities. Conducted two laboratory sessions per week focused on applied biology and scientific inquiry. Collaborated with parents and guardians to support student achievement and engagement. Served on the Technology Committee, maintaining over 40 computers and training faculty on integrating new instructional technologies. Supervised and maintained engineering lab equipment, including belt sanders, band saws, drill presses, and laser printers, ensuring student safety and effective use. Organized and led a week-long field study to the Catalina Island Marine Institute for oceanography students, providing experiential learning in marine science. Coordinated and managed fundraising initiatives—including movie nights, car washes, and donation drives—to fully fund student participation in the Catalina Island trip.

7th Grade Life Sciences and Physics Teacher

Northwest Middle School · Full-time, August 2008 - July 2009 · 1 yr, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States · On-site

Taught seven classes totaling 180 students in biology and physical science, aligning instruction with state core objectives while independently designing all lesson plans and laboratory activities. Served one of Utah’s most diverse student populations, representing 11 primary languages. Codirected the Math, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) after-school program, enabling students to compete in regional STEM events and visit local universities. Increased student end-of-level science test scores to exceed state, county, and district averages by over 10%. Taught an additional reading course to support literacy development across disciplines. Served on the Technology Committee, contributing to curriculum integration and classroom innovation. Built strong, enduring professional relationships with colleagues to enhance collaboration and student outcomes.

Ocean Ecology Educator

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium · Full-time, August 2007 - July 2008 · 1 yr, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States · On-site

Supported Utah’s largest educational outreach program, teaching over 2000 K–8 students about rainforests, the water cycle, and ocean ecosystems across every elementary school in the state. Delivered hands-on science demonstrations at hundreds of schools using water cycle models and live animals, including macaws, boas, and invertebrates. Conducted public classes at the aquarium on rainforest and ocean ecology, Utah freshwater systems, and underwater archaeology. Maintained and cared for diverse aquatic and terrestrial species, including octopuses, rays, sharks, seahorses, reptiles, amphibians, and sea stars.

Volunteer Experience

Education Site Director

AmeriCorps · Full-time, August 2006 - July 2007 · 1 yr, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States · On-site

This was a full time volunteer post. Designed and launched two Science and Homework Tutoring Centers serving K–12 students in Utah County in collaboration with The Boys and Girls Clubs. Partnered with National Honor Society students, and education majors from Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University, to provide after-school academic support. Managed over 200 enrolled students and 200 registered tutors across both sites. Developed a structured four-period daily schedule for tutoring sessions, integrating science-focused learning and project assistance. Implemented an incentive-based points system rewarding students for homework completion and academic progress. Oversaw accounting, registration, recruitment, and hiring of more than 200 tutors and nine staff members. Upgraded site technology by refurbishing nine computers and improving exercise equipment. Collaborated with the city council to obtain funding and community support for program operations.

Director of Natural Science

Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science · Part-time, June 2025 - Present, Cocoa, Florida, United States · On-site

This is a part time volunteer post. Designed, built, installed, and donated two exhibits: 1. An exhibit on the use of the GMC DUKWs during World War II, and 2. A self-guided nature tour of the Johnnie Johnson nature trails using 3D printing.

Computer App Experience and Skills

I have experience with Adobe Premiere Pro, Arduino (C++), Blackboard, Canvas, Cura, Dewesoft, Focus, ImageJ, Kaleidagraph, LabVIEW, MATLAB, Microsoft Office Suite, Teams, Pinnacle, R, and SolidWorks. I have skills in amateur drone piloting, amateur telescopes, cloud computing, data analysis and management (Excel), computer hardware management and repair, light and transmission electron microscopes, optical and X-ray high speed camera systems, polymer 3D printing, projectors, public announcement systems, statistics, and website design.

Conference Presentations

Knight, K. C., & Lee, D. V. Comparative biomechanics of horizontal, fine-branch locomotion in lizards: Part 1. Annual Conference Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Tampa, FL, January 2019. (LINK)

Knight, K. C., & Lee, D. V. Grasping lizard branch locomotion: an exploration of movement, forces, and torques. Annual Conference Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, San Francisco, CA, January 2018. (LINK)

Knight (Wilkinson), K. C., & Lee, D. V. An instrumented beam for measurement of six axis forces and torques in grasping arboreal vertebrates. UNLV Graduate & Professional Student Research Forum, Las Vegas, NV, March 2015.

Knight (Wilkinson), K. C., & Lee, D. V. An instrumented beam for measurement of six axis forces and torques in grasping arboreal vertebrates. Annual Conference Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, West Palm Beach, FL, January 2015. (LINK)

Knight (Wilkinson), K., Uyeno, T., Nelson, B., Lee, D., Nishikawa, K.; Inter-environmental ballistic locomotion: A frog leaping from water into air. Annual Conference Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Austin, TX, January 2014. (LINK)

Knight (Wilkinson), K., Uyeno, T., Nelson, B., Lee, D., Nishikawa, K.; Inter-environmental ballistic locomotion: A frog leaping from water into air. Regional Annual Conference Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Riverside, CA, November 2013. (LINK)

Knight (Wilkinson), K., Uyeno, T., Nelson, B., Lee, D., Nishikawa, K.; Propulsive force calculations of a frog jumping from the water’s surface. Annual Conference Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Charleston, SC, January 2012. (LINK)

Knight (Wilkinson), K., Uyeno, T., Nelson, R.; An economical and open-source particle image velocimetry instrument for use in a secondary and higher education setting. Annual Conference Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Charleston, SC, January 2012. (LINK) (WEBSITE)

Knight (Wilkinson), K., Uyeno, T., Nelson, B., Lee, D., Nishikawa, K.; Propulsive force calculations of a frog jumping from the water’s surface. Annual Conference of the Arizona Physiological Society, Tucson, AZ, November 2011. (LINK)

Knight (Wilkinson), K., Uyeno, T., Nishikawa, K., Gilles, B., Sueda, S., Pai, D., Giszter, S., Lee, D.; Building a virtual biomechanical model of the Bullfrog. Annual Conference Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Salt Lake City, UT, January 2011. (LINK)

Knight (Wilkinson), K., Uyeno, T., Nishikawa, K., Gilles, B., Sueda, S., Pai, D., Giszter, S., Lee, D.; Building a virtual biomechanical model of the Bullfrog. Annual Conference of the Arizona Physiological Society, Glendale, AZ, November 2010. (LINK)

Professional Memberships

National Science Teaching Association, Member · Mar 2026 – Dec 2026

American Association For The Advancement of Science, Member · Oct 2025 – Oct 2026

American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (ASIH), Member · Oct 2025 – Oct 2026

Certifications and Licenses

Florida Educator Certificate 2022-2027

Florida Class B Commercial Driver’s License

USCG Master Captain License (Expected Graduation 2028)

Honors and Achievements

Elected President of University of Nevada Biology Graduate Student Association 2018

Elected Secretary of University of Nevada Biology Graduate Student Association 2017

Elected Secretary of University of Nevada Biology Graduate Student Association 2016

Presentation Award: Honorable Mention, University of Nevada, Las Vegas 2015

Dean's List at University of Nevada, Las Vegas 2013

Best Biology Master's Thesis Award at Northern Arizona University 2013

Dean’s List at Northern Arizona University in 2011

Elected Secretary of Northern Arizona University Biology Graduate Association 2011

Utah Campus Compact Committed Community Partner Award 2007 at Utah State Capitol

Dean’s List twice at Utah Valley University in 2004 and 2005

Grants

2012: Society for Integrated and Comparative Biology travel grant 2014: UNLV School of Graduate Research travel grant

2011: Sigma Xi GIAR grant G20111015158992

2011: NAU Office of the Vice President for Research travel grant

2011: NAU Graduate Student Government travel grant

2010: NAU Office of the Vice President for Research travel grant