Maya Tiseth
Summary
Accomplished marine professional with over 5 years of diving experience. Adept in underwater research techniques and statistical data interpretation. Expert in leading SCUBA excursions and contributing to marine conservation, demonstrating exceptional aquatic animal husbandry and public outreach skills. Achieved significant advancements in marine species identification and habitat assessment, enhancing environmental awareness and research accuracy.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Divemaster
Dive Oahu
09.2024 - Current
- Conducting pre-dive briefings and equipment checks, as well as providing important safety information and protocols for successful dives
- Leading SCUBA excursions for diverse groups of divers, with a variety of experience levels.
- Managing gear and tank maintenance, ensuring that all gear is serviced appropriately, cleaned, and is within safety compliance.
- Used diving to contribute to important conservation efforts by promoting environmentally responsible diving practices and participating in underwater clean-ups
Saltwater Husbandry Technician
New School Aquatics
09.2024 - Current
- Managing and maintaining multiple saltwater aquariums for display and quarantine systems, ensuring water quality and environmental conditions for various marine species.
- Conducting regular water testing (pH, salinity, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate), and implementing corrective measures as needed to maintain stable ecosystems.
- Monitor and manage feeding schedules, dieting needs, and health assessments for a wide range of saltwater fish and invertebrates; this includes medication schedules and supplemental treatments for the prevention and treatment of common diseases and illnesses.
Research Assistant
Marine Mammal Research Program at University of Hawaii at Manoa
05.2023 - Current
- Photograding Stenella longirostris for the analysis of individuals and populations.
- Collecting acoustic data for Megaptera novaengliae through transmitters, and identification through drone footage.
- Utilizing MATLAB for data analysis and model development.
- My most recent project includes a review paper surrounding life history and maturity of spinner dolphins
Divemaster
North Shore Dive Shop
04.2023 - 09.2024
- Utilized my PADI Divemaster certification to conduct tours in a professional capacity
- Demonstrated vast knowledge in Oahu's marine environment and organisms, as well as conservation efforts across the island
- I also used scientific diving techniques and data collection to survey coral reef ecosystem species richness and density on the North Shore
- Lastly I maintained equipment and compressed air systems and tanks, ensuring gear is safe and up to recreational standards
Intern
Whale Shark and Oceanic Research (WSORC)
Utila, Honduras
07.2022 - 10.2022
- Fieldwork and scientific diving for over 10 dives a week, conducted fixed-site surveys of over 20 dive sites in Utila, Honduras.
- Monitored and maintained four ex situ coral nurseries across the island.
- Managed the in situ collections, welfare, and live support system (LLS) operation.
- Planned dive operations and led technicians to reefs diseased with Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD); analyzed overall health, and utilized grid mapping to mark diseased corals at each site.
- Led the creation and application of antibiotics to slow the spread of SCTLD on affected reefs.
- Research Technician experience involved managing interns, planning survey dives throughout the week, and presenting relevant scientific material and safety standards needed for these dives.
- Utilized SCUBA and snorkeling I used quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze fish species, coral health, ocean temperature, and mangrove forest growth
Research Technician and Aquarist
FSUCML
Saint Teresa, FL
04.2021 - 05.2022
- Maintained a saltwater aquarium for 5 cownose rays and 10 black sea bass individuals, as well as the upkeep and data recording of the oyster hatchery at FSUCML.
- Analyzed the behavioral response and activity level of every individual, utilizing these observations to quantify stress and physical impacts from diet, enrichment, and temperature variations, specifically for sea bass and cow-nose rays.
- Watched for signs of pregnancy, and scheduled ultrasounds of breeding rays.
- Expertise in handling stingrays and developing alternative approaches to animal handling.
- I retrieved biopsies and blood samples for these individuals for the assessment of isotope levels for future research projects.
- Propagated oysters by choosing ripe oysters and placing them in their own basin or makeshift pond, where the temperature is fluctuated to stimulate the release of eggs and sperm.
Research Assistant
Marine Biology Honors Program
Tallahassee, FL
08.2020 - 04.2022
- Maintained ex situ and in situ coral nurseries at the Florida State Coastal and Marine Laboratory, utilizing saltwater aquaria and coral trees to maintain healthy branching and rock corals for outplanting.
- I created a written review of coral restoration efforts and methods, and managed a group of other undergraduates during research and presentations in the assessment of coral health and algal formation on coral monitoring and growth.
- Presented research on the environmental impact of commercial fishing, particularly with inshore fishing methods. The goal of this research was to tie the hatchery work I was doing to the commercial harvest of shellfish in Apalachicola
Scientific Diving Assistant
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
01.2021 - 03.2022
- Used AAUS Scientific Diving training to assist with semester-long courses in AAUS Scientific Diving.
- Assisted in the preparation and setup of diving equipment and materials for course activities.
- Helped the instructor with logistical support during theory lessons, pool sessions, and open-water dives.
- Ensured the safety and well-being of students by assisting with pre-dive checks, safety protocols, and dive briefings.
- Supported the maintenance and organization of diving equipment, and boating equipment.
- Provided hands-on assistance to students during pool and open-water training sessions.
Research Technician
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
10.2019 - 10.2020
- Performed genetic research, including crosses, gene denaturation, gel electrophoresis, and analysis of genes for Danio rerio populations.
- Maintained over 120 tanks of different gene pools.
- Collected data on all aspects of aquarium health, including water chemistry, feeding, husbandry, and maintenance of water systems.
- Treated and observed incoming animals in quarantine.
- Identified diseases and planned quarantine procedures.
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Marine Biology
Florida State University College of Arts and Sciences
06.2022
Divemaster Course -
Bay Islands College of Diving
09.2022
Skills
- Geographic plotting
- Remote sensing
- Underwater research techniques
- Statistical data interpretation
- GIS mapping
- Aquatic animal husbandry
- Public outreach and education
- Oceanographic data analysis
Timeline
Divemaster
Dive Oahu
09.2024 - Current
Saltwater Husbandry Technician
New School Aquatics
09.2024 - Current
Research Assistant
Marine Mammal Research Program at University of Hawaii at Manoa
05.2023 - Current
Divemaster
North Shore Dive Shop
04.2023 - 09.2024
Intern
Whale Shark and Oceanic Research (WSORC)
07.2022 - 10.2022
Research Technician and Aquarist
FSUCML
04.2021 - 05.2022
Scientific Diving Assistant
Florida State University
01.2021 - 03.2022
Research Assistant
Marine Biology Honors Program
08.2020 - 04.2022
Research Technician
Florida State University
10.2019 - 10.2020
Bachelor's Degree - Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Marine Biology
Florida State University College of Arts and Sciences
Divemaster Course -
Bay Islands College of Diving
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