Casey Harris
Fort Lauderdale
Summary
Marine Biologist and Project Scientist with 6+ years of experience leading biological research across diverse marine ecosystems. Certified scientific diver with 900+ dives and extensive boat handling expertise. Skilled in coordinating complex field operations, securing regulatory permits, managing databases, performing advanced data analysis, and delivering clear, comprehensive reports to diverse audiences.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Project Scientist
Cummins Cederberg, Coastal and Marine Engineering Firm
01.2024 - Current
- Lead project coordination and field operations across diverse coastal ecosystems, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves
- Prepare comprehensive environmental survey reports and conduct data analysis and visualization for client presentations
- Manage permit applications and maintain correspondence with regulatory agencies at the local (city and county), state (FDEP), and federal (USACE) levels
- Develop and oversee project proposals, budgets, and logistical planning to ensure timely and efficient execution
- Produce detailed habitat maps using ArcGIS Pro to support a variety of coastal ecosystem projects
Research Associate II
Nova Southeastern University, Coral Reef Restoration Assessment and Monitoring Lab
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Directed offshore coral restoration projects and designed innovative survey methodologies to optimize data collection
- Coordinated coral reef research initiatives and served as the primary field lead overseeing operations and team performance
- Delivered research presentations at international and regional conferences, effectively communicating findings to diverse scientific audiences
Research Scientist
Cape Eleuthera Institute and Perry Institute for Marine Science
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Directed coral restoration operations while fostering collaboration with local and international partners to enhance project impact
- Achieved a 233% increase in coral nursery fragments through innovative cultivation techniques and established comprehensive nursery management protocols
Research Assistant
Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, Coral Resilience Lab
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Thesis Research Project: Examined the long-term impact of historical coral bleaching on the thermal stress resilience of Montipora capitata offspring, with findings published in peer-reviewed literature.
Scientific Diver
University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hixon Lab
06.2018 - 08.2018
- Project Assistant: Conducted fish population surveys and mapped coral recruits on two distinct artificial reef designs off Waikiki Beach to evaluate the ecological benefits of habitat complexity.
Molecular Lab Research Assistant
University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, Coral Reef Futures Lab
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Performed DNA extraction from coral tissue samples and utilized quantitative PCR (qPCR) to characterize symbiont assemblages in prevalent Caribbean coral species.
Education
Master of Science - Marine Biology and Ecology
Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, & Earth Science
Miami, FL01.2019
Bachelor of Science - Environmental And Ecological Science
Elon University
Elon, NC01.2016
Skills
- Proficient in GIS (ArcGIS Pro and QGIS) and data visualization skills
- Experience with RStudio scripting for data analysis
- Skilled public speaker with experience presenting at conferences (Reef Futures, ICRS, AMLC, BEM, and ReeFL)
- Knowledge of molecular techniques: DNA extraction and qPCR
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- PADI Divemaster and scientific diver proficient in coral identification
- Adequate coordination skills with multi-agency research teams
- Familiarity with small boat handling and emergency procedures
- Skilled in underwater digital photography
- Project management and adaptable
- Experience on research cruises (5-10 days)
Publications
- Harris, C. I., Bean, N. K., Baker, A. C., Gates, R. D., & Drury, C. (2022). Stable symbiont communities persist in parents, gametes, and larvae of Montipora capitata across historical bleaching phenotypes. Coral Reefs, 41(6), 1627–1636.
- Huffmyer, A. S., Bean, N. K., Majerová, E., Harris, C. I., & Drury, C. (2022). Variable intraspecific genetic diversity effects impact thermal tolerance in a reef-building coral. Coral Reefs, 42, 119–129.
- Huffmyer, A. S., Bean, N. K., Majerová, E., Harris, C. I., & Drury, C. (2022). Variable intraspecific genetic diversity effects impact thermal tolerance in a reef-building coral. Coral Reefs, 42, 119–129.
Certification
- Trained American Academy of Underwater Science (AAUS) Diver
- PADI Divemaster (2021) with certifications in Open Water, Advanced, Rescue, Reef Rescue, and Nitrox
- Basic Life Support (BLS): First Aid/CPR/AED (2022)
- Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) reef fish and coral survey certifications
- Royal Yachting Association Powerboat Level Two (2021)
- Wilderness First Responder training (2020)
- Various specialized trainings including DAN Emergency Oxygen Provider, Boating Safety Licenses (FL & NC), and NOAA Grant Writing Workshop
Funding & Grants
- 2023: Rock the Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festival Conservation Village Grant — $7,500
- 2021: Ocean Leadership Microgrant, Sustainable Ocean Alliance — $4,000
- 2021: Panomares Underwater Imaging System Grant, AquaPix — $5,000
- 2021: The Nature Conservancy Building Capacity Grant for The Bahamas Coral Innovation Hub — $45,000
Timeline
Project Scientist
Cummins Cederberg, Coastal and Marine Engineering Firm
01.2024 - Current
Research Associate II
Nova Southeastern University, Coral Reef Restoration Assessment and Monitoring Lab
01.2022 - 01.2024
Research Scientist
Cape Eleuthera Institute and Perry Institute for Marine Science
01.2019 - 01.2021
Scientific Diver
University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hixon Lab
06.2018 - 08.2018
Research Assistant
Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, Coral Resilience Lab
01.2018 - 01.2019
Molecular Lab Research Assistant
University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, Coral Reef Futures Lab
01.2017 - 01.2018
Master of Science - Marine Biology and Ecology
Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, & Earth Science
Bachelor of Science - Environmental And Ecological Science
Elon University
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