Ava G. Cieplinski
Westfield,MA
Summary
Dedicated marine biology professional with extensive hands-on experience in at-sea and estuarine field research, including trawl and seine surveys, biological sampling, and environmental data collection. Proven ability to thrive in physically demanding marine environments while ensuring meticulous data accuracy and sample integrity. Skilled in laboratory processing and analysis of biological samples, with a strong emphasis on supporting fisheries research and monitoring initiatives. A collaborative, detail-oriented approach drives a commitment to delivering reliable data that informs effective marine resource management strategies.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Tutor
Roger Williams University
Bristol, RI
08.2025 - Current
- Assisted students in understanding course material and improving academic performance.
- Developed tailored lesson plans to meet diverse learning needs of students.
- Provided feedback on assignments to enhance student comprehension and engagement.
- Facilitated study groups to encourage collaboration among peers and boost confidence.
- Specialize in the subjects Oceanography, Marine Biology, Sustainability, and Biostatistics
Undergraduate Research Intern
Roger Williams University
Bristol, RI
05.2024 - 08.2025
- Analyzed data using statistical software to derive meaningful insights for research findings.
- Participated in trawl and seine surveys across Mount Hope Bay, Narragansett Bay, and New Bedford to support marine research initiatives in collaboration with Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Division of Marine Fisheries and Providence College.
- Achieved effective specimen dissection and sample preservation, enhancing laboratory efficiency. Streamlined tissue homogenization processes to optimize preparation for mercury analysis.
- Implemented engaging seine surveys and demonstrations to enhance marine biology learning experiences for high school students.
- Utilized GIS software to map individual shark paths from datasets provided by Atlantic Shark Institute.
- Analyzed and reported mercury concentrations in baleen plate samples, contributing to marine biology research discussions at a regional conference.
Aquarium and Aquaculture Research Assistant
Roger Williams University
Bristol, RI
01.2023 - 07.2024
- Managed nutrition and basic care protocols for marine and freshwater organisms to support healthy growth and development.
- Managed brine shrimp hatching and enrichment operations, ensuring compliance with university standards and initiatives.
- Performed detailed weekly upkeep of Audubon Aquarium, coordinating tasks with 1-2 research assistants to ensure optimal conditions.
- Performed routine water changes and provided specialized care for corals and tropical fish within reef tank environments.
- Achieved improved data integrity by updating database systems with precise larvae counts and water quality information. Enhanced tracking of water change data, contributing to better aquatic health management. Delivered reliable records that supported informed decision-making processes.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Marine Biology
Roger Williams University
Bristol, RI05-2026
Skills
- Research and analysis
- Data collection
- Fieldwork experience
- Lab techniques
- Environmental sampling
- Animal handling
- Microsoft Excel
- Data entry
Certification
- Certified Open Water Diver, PADI - October 2023
Timeline
Tutor
Roger Williams University
08.2025 - Current
Undergraduate Research Intern
Roger Williams University
05.2024 - 08.2025
Aquarium and Aquaculture Research Assistant
Roger Williams University
01.2023 - 07.2024
Bachelor of Science - Marine Biology
Roger Williams University
Presentations
- Cieplinski, A., Taylor, D.L., Lavoie, K., Dodd, J., Parkins, C. (2025, August). Sand Tiger Shark Movement Patterns Revealed Through Acoustic Telemetry (Poster Presentation). Rhode Island Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows Conference, Kingston, RI
- Cieplinski, A. (2025, April). Assessing Oyster Shell Height Claims in the Seafood Industry: A Statistical Study on the Size Variations Between PEI and Duxbury Oysters (poster presentation). RWU Student Academic Showcase & Honors (SASH), Bristol, RI
- Cieplinski, A., Ajemian, M., Taylor, D.L., Savoca, M. (2025, April). Mercury Content in the Baleen Plates of Rorqual Whales (poster presentation). RWU Student Academic Showcase & Honors (SASH), Bristol, RI
- Cieplinski, A., Ajemian, M., Taylor, D.L., Savoca, M. (2025, April). Mercury Content in the Baleen Plates of Rorqual Whales (poster presentation). TriBeta NE-1 2025 District Convention, West Hartford, CT
- Cieplinski, A., Ajemian, M., Taylor, D.L., Savoca, M. (2024, July). Mercury Content in the Baleen Plates of Rorqual Whales (poster presentation). Rhode Island Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows Conference, Kingston, RI