AHMED OGIDAN
Fairborn,OH
Summary
Aquatic biologist with M.S. in Biological Sciences and direct research experience in Lakes Erie and Michigan. Skilled in Great Lakes field sampling, research vessel operations, experimental design, and statistical analysis in R. Experienced in federal collaboration through EPA-led monitoring programs and trained in aquatic sample collection, processing, and data management following standard operating procedures. Strong foundation in aquatic field research methods
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Researcher | Aquatic Ecology
Wright State University
01.2024 - 12.2025
- Thesis: Benthic Algal Biomass and Productivity across Depth Gradients in Lakes Erie and Michigan
- Designed and executed field experiments examining benthic primary productivity across depth gradients in Great Lakes ecosystems
- Conducted aquatic field sampling collecting water and sediment samples from multiple locations across Lakes Erie and Michigan
- Performed laboratory analysis including sample processing, oxygen measurements, and biological assessments following established protocols
- Analyzed environmental datasets (5,000+ observations) using R programming; performed statistical analysis, data visualization, and quality control
- Utilized GIS (ArcGIS) for spatial analysis and mapping of sampling locations and environmental data visualization
Field Research Scientist | EPA Great Lakes Monitoring
U.S. EPA R/V Lake Guardian
07.2024 - 07.2025
- Participated in EPA Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative (CSMI) research cruises conducting multi-day vessel-based sampling operations
- Operated field equipment and supported gear deployment and retrieval; deployed sampling gear across 80+ stations; collected water and sediment samples for biological and chemical analysis
- Processed aquatic samples following EPA standard operating procedures; maintained comprehensive field documentation and sample tracking systems
- Collaborated with EPA, NOAA, and academic scientists in multidisciplinary field teams; demonstrated effective communication and adherence to safety protocols
Graduate Teaching Assistant | Environmental Biology
Wright State University
08.2024 - 12.2024
- Mentored and supervised 15+ undergraduate students in aquatic field sampling and laboratory techniques
- Coordinated field-based exercises including water quality monitoring, sample collection, and data recording procedures
- Developed training materials on sampling protocols, safety procedures, and data quality control; ensured adherence to scientific practices
- Prepared technical reports and presentations using Microsoft Office and R; demonstrated effective scientific communication skills
Research Intern | Marine & Freshwater Biology
Nigerian Institute for Oceanography & Marine Research
04.2016 - 10.2016
- Participated in aquatic sampling operations in marine and freshwater environments; gained exposure to plankton sampling and water quality assessments
- Assisted with fish culture operations and aquaculture research; gained basic experience with live organism maintenance
Education
Master of Science - Biological Sciences
Wright State University
Dayton, OH12.2025
Bachelor of Science - Zoology
Obafemi Awolowo University
Ile-Ife, Nigeria08.2017
Skills
- Great Lakes Research: Direct field experience in Lakes Erie and Michigan; benthic ecology; aquatic sampling methods
- Research Vessel Operations: Multi-day deployments; equipment deployment and retrieval; vessel-based sampling protocols
- Aquatic Field Sampling: Water and sediment collection; sample preservation and processing; sample labeling, metadata tracking, and traceable documentation; QA/QC procedures
- Data Analysis & Programming: Statistical analysis in R (5,000 observations); data management; GIS applications (ArcGIS)
Timeline
Graduate Teaching Assistant | Environmental Biology
Wright State University
08.2024 - 12.2024
Field Research Scientist | EPA Great Lakes Monitoring
U.S. EPA R/V Lake Guardian
07.2024 - 07.2025
Graduate Researcher | Aquatic Ecology
Wright State University
01.2024 - 12.2025
Research Intern | Marine & Freshwater Biology
Nigerian Institute for Oceanography & Marine Research
04.2016 - 10.2016
Bachelor of Science - Zoology
Obafemi Awolowo University
Master of Science - Biological Sciences
Wright State University
SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATION & AWARDS
2nd Place, Graduate Poster Presentation, Wright State University College of Science and Mathematics Festival of Research (2025), 3rd Place, Graduate Poster Presentation, Wright State University College of Science and Mathematics Festival of Research (2024)
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
- Valid Driver's License with experience trailering and operating field equipment
- Comfortable with extended field deployments and physically demanding outdoor work in all weather conditions
- Strong experimental design capabilities demonstrated through thesis research
- Proficient in standard software programs including R (statistical analysis), ArcGIS (spatial analysis), and Microsoft Office Suite
- Eager to develop molecular ecology skills (eDNA/eRNA, qPCR) for native species monitoring applications
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of collaborative research teams
- Flexible regarding duty station location based on project needs