Background, Education and Training

Laura Seckbach Finn (LSF), the founder of Fly By Night, Inc. (FBN), first began working with bats in 1989. She received a Bachelors degree in Zoology (1989) and a Masters degree in Biology (1997) from the University of Central Florida. Her masters research concerned bats in buildings (urban bats) and the use of bat houses by central Florida bat species. The research focused on roost choice, preferred microclimate and bat house design == it was the first large scale bat house study in Florida (see BatHouses).

Laura was also the first to study the roosting and foraging activity of Southeastern big-eared bats Corynorhinue rafinesquii macrotus in Florida (see Research).

Thomas Finn (TGF) is a former high steel painter / sandblaster. He is a vested IUPATJourneyman (International Union of Painters and Allied Trades) and a master rigger. Tom is considered a specialist in the conservation and management of urban bats, roost mitigation and artificial habitat.

Together, they have dedicated their lives to the study, conservation and protection of bats. (since 1990).

Certificates and Awards

• 2009: Best of Osteen Award
• 2008: Best of Osteen Award
• 2004: Bat House Hall of Fame., Bat Conservation International (BCI) - NA Bat House Research Project (NABHRP)
• 2001: Distinguished Research Associate, Honorary Lifetime Status Award - BCI NABRP
• 1999: Distinguished Research Associate, Special Achievement Award - BCI NABRP
• 1997: Outstanding Scientific Presentation, Florida Academy of Sciences (FAS)
• 1997: University of Florida Sigma Xi Award
• 1996: Explorers Club Award: Best student paper - 60^th FAS meeting
• 1987-2000: Annual Training Certifications for OSHA Hazard Awareness, Lead Abatement, etc. (Thomas Finn)

Professional Activities

• 2000-2005: Founder and Coordinator, Bats in Buildings Program (BIB) (a Bat Conservation International program)
• 2001: Co-chair, Florida Committee on Rare and Endangered Plants and Animals (FCREPA)
• 2000: Planning committee for 30^th North American Symposium on Bat Research (NASBR) held in Miami, FL
• 2000: Organized and attended one-week Anabat Field Training led by expert Mike O’Farrell
• 1999 and 2000: Chair, FCREPA
• 1998: Co-Chair, FCREPA
• 1998: American Zoological Association Bat Taxon Advisory Group
• 1996: Bats in Buildings Workshop. IFAS, Gainesville, FL
• 1995: The Southeastern Bat Diversity Network (SBDN) (Laura was one of the founding members)
• 1993: Planning committee for 23^rd NASBR held in Gainesville, FL
• 1990: North American Symposium on Bat Research(NASBR)

Other

• JLA Clearance (August 2006 -per Jessica Lunsford Act)
• USDA Level 2 Clearance
• Rabies immunization