Braden Clark
Roanoke,IL
Summary
Graduated with marine biology degree in three years, demonstrating academic excellence. Facilitated learning as a teaching assistant at the University of Southern Mississippi during their summer field program. Recognized as top student teacher for ability to maintain focus and organization. Prepared class materials proactively while addressing spontaneous needs. Worked as a protected species observer on dredging vessels. Learned how to live aboard a marine vessel for long periods of time. Acquired extensive experience with marine species in the Gulf of Mexico. Executed fish, crustacean, and mollusk population surveys effectively. Explored Florida's panhandle beaches for evidence of sea turtle nesting. Studied conservation challenges faced by marine mammals and reptiles through expert interaction. Contributed to ocean protection efforts and preservation of marine biodiversity.
Overview
1
1
year of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Protected Species Observer
Coastwise Consulting Inc.
09.2025 - 05.2026
- Live aboard a dredging vessel for 20-30 days
- Watch the water for protected species of any kind and report sightings to the Marine Corps of Engineers
- Check the Dragheads, Inflow, and Overflow for protected species or evidence of protected species (parts of shells, flippers, skin)
- Write daily reports for the Marine Corps of Engineers
- Take measurements of protected species that were caught
- Identify all species of animals for proper reporting of takes each load
- Work 12-hour shifts with one other observer
Summer Field Program Teaching Assistant
University Of Southern Mississippi
Ocean Springs, MS
06.2025 - 08.2025
- Taught the students how to use the equipment such as a seine, yabby pump, and crab traps
- Taught and enforced lab safety and field lab safety
- Provided simple medical aid when needed
- Drove large vans filled with students
- Safely handled many organisms (Many species of fish, crabs, jellyfish, shrimp, stingrays, and sharks)
- Provided assistance to the teacher during lab days by laying out materials needed, grabbing specimens, preserving specimens
Education
Bachelor of Science - Marine Biology
Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, MO05.2025
Skills
- Proficiency of Lab Equipment: Microscopes, Burette, Pipette, Bunsen Burner, Dissection Tools, Beakers, Etc
- Field Research: Benthic Grab, Yabby Pump, Trawl Net, Seines, Cast Net, Secchi Disk, YSI, Water Quality Kits, Refractometer
- Animal Experience: Identification of many Marine Phyla, Observations of Sea Turtles and Dolphins in Natural Habitat, Knowledge of Protected Species Common Injuries, Surveyed for Coastal Bird and Sea Turtle Nests, Visited and Had Many Tours and Conferences with Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Hospitals, Population Surveys of Different Marine Life, Safe handling of potentially dangerous species
- Experience with At-Home Aquariums: Water Changes, Natural Environmental Replication, Animal Husbandry, Water Testing, Observational Skills to Determine Health Conditions
Certification
- Open Water Scuba Diver PADI No. 22060E0981 Jun 2022
- Advanced Open Water Scuba Diver PADI No.25080X2798 Aug 2025
Timeline
Protected Species Observer
Coastwise Consulting Inc.
09.2025 - 05.2026
Summer Field Program Teaching Assistant
University Of Southern Mississippi
06.2025 - 08.2025
Bachelor of Science - Marine Biology
Northwest Missouri State University