Daniel J. Sullivan Jr.
Hamersville,OH
Summary
Scientific professional with proven track record in cutting-edge research and project management. Known for delivering high-quality results and fostering team collaboration. Recognized for adaptability, problem-solving skills, and strategic thinking in dynamic environments.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal Investigator, Biologist GS-0401-13
United States Environmental Protection Agency
12.2019 - Current
- Coordinate and manage interagency research to develop and employ novel methods, metrics, and models to evaluate contaminant remediation and restoration effectiveness
- Lead research to evaluate fate/transport and toxicological effects of polymers material on organisms in freshwater environments
- Coordinate interagency research to evaluate the ecotoxicological effects of PFAS-free firefighting foams in support of United States Department of Defense and the United States Navy
- Monitor animals using a suite of passive and active sampling devices such as telemetry, molecular tools, electrofishing techniques, acoustic indices, camera-trap surveys, point-count surveys, sUAS drone imagery and other geospatial resources, agent-based models
- Serve as an international expert in combating illegal wildlife trafficking and other illicit environmental activities along with source tracking contaminants in the environment
- Serve as a technical expert to review program effectiveness and provide recommended lifecycle changes to program readiness.
- Coordinated multi-site studies to address large-scale questions, leveraging diverse expertise across institutions for optimal outcomes.
- Secured funding for critical projects through persuasive grant proposals and effective networking.
- Improved research efficiency by implementing advanced data collection and analysis methods
- Spearheaded innovative investigations that resulted in high-impact publications in prestigious scientific journals.
Embassy Science Fellow, GS-0401-13
United States Department of State
04.2023 - 01.2025
- Served as an international expert in combating illegal wildlife trafficking and other environmental crimes (e.g., illegal mining, logging, pollution) to support diplomatic channels for USG relations in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
- Facilitated multifaceted and complex plans of action to collect information and management between non-government and government organizations
- Developed and coordinated high-level government program and policies aimed at improving resource and training capacity of organizations responsible of combatting trafficking
- Served as an interlocutor between government and non-government organizations in the development and execution of a data-driven joint operations center to improve effectiveness of law enforcement in distributing resources to combat illegal activities
- Programmed and affixed acoustic, radio, and micro-gps transmitters to quantify behavioral patterns, space-use, survival, and resource selection
- Provided training and resources to law enforcement and non-government organizations on the use of autonomous recording units, camera-trap surveys, UAS drone imagery and other geospatial resources to combat wildlife trafficking, illegal mining, logging, and other illicit trafficking activities under natural resource crime
- Identified and provided information used in diplomacy and community programming by Department of State and Department of Defense officials
- Developed curricula and workshops with international experts to train government and non-government organizations on data analysis and software applications necessary to improve monitoring and active operations in targeting illegal operations
- Facilitated proposals and program funding with INL to increase capacity of organizations in Mongolia to increase training capacity and combat illegal operations in protected areas
- Developed models and other analytical approaches to evaluate law enforcement data and identify behaviors of illicit actors at local and national scales
- Drafted cables and reports with Department of State and Department of Defense officials at Embassy Ulaanbaatar
- Served as a technical expert reviewer for funding programs related to combatting natural resource crimes in Mongolia and other locations in Asia.
Graduate Research Assistant
The University of Georgia
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Performed hypothesis-driven research outlined by the scientific method aimed at investigating reproductive and movement ecology of translocated eastern wild turkeys in east Texas
- Programmed and affixed micro-GPS transmitters to individual turkeys for collection of spatial movement data
- Collected blood and other forms of genetic samples for genotyping and functional genomic analyses
- Collaborated with employed technicians and stakeholders through technical and scientific reports, professional presentations, and technical meetings
- Managed a robust dataset and conduct complex ecological and behavioral modeling of spatial data in statistical program R and ARCGIS.
Assistant Editor
Mississippi State University
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Provided editorial support for the development and management of a community-based website titled, Fishes of Mississippi, for publication of final reports written by undergraduate students, www.cfr.msstate.edu/wildlife/fisheries/.
Graduate Research Assistant
Mississippi State University
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Performed interdisciplinary and hypothesis-driven research to determine if allelopathy (chemical warfare) of an aquatic invasive plant influenced trophic dynamics (energy flow) in aquatic system
- Conducted research in a timely and organized manner to the standard of the Army Corp of Engineers Environmental Research Facility in Vicksburg, Mississippi
- Collected and maintained plant and animal populations in mesocosm experiments within growth chambers
- Used statistical program R for Frequentist and Bayesian statistical analyses of community and molecular data
- Managed and organized a complex dataset for analyses and quantifiable biologic interpretation
- Collaborated with stakeholders through technical and scientific reports, professional presentations, and technical meetings., Presentation: Allelopathy and its influence in aquatic systems
- Presentation: Chemical warfare: the biochemical processes in aquatic systems.
Primary Instructor
Mississippi State University
01.2015 - 05.2015
- Primary instructor of "The evolution and life history of fishes"
- Developed syllabus and overall course structure, including weekly lab practicums and administered all grades., : Allelopathy of the non-native macrophyte Myriophyllum spicatum and its influence on trophic dynamics in aquatic systems
- Presentation: Mechanisms for biodiversity and their importance in ecology.
Aquatic Invasive Species Biologist Intern
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, MNDNR
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Detected and managed aquatic invasive species detection and management to protect state natural resources
- Identification of native and invasive plants when requested or as required
- Mapped statewide populations of aquatic invasive species using GPS and GIS technologies
- Managed invasive plant populations using herbicide and biological controls
- Interacted with community leaders and performed aquatic invasive species educational outreach events
- Surveyed invasive invertebrate populations using SCUBA as requested to meet agency needs
- Reported information using technical reports distributed to supervisors and agency personnel.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
University of the Incarnate Word
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Performed independent research investigating the distribution of parasitic Leishmania spp in patches of sandfly populations
- Conducted field work to collect Sandfly samples in south central Texas under the guidance of Dr Russell Raymond
- Performed microscopic dissections of Sandfly samples to determine if individual carried parasitic Leishmania spp at the cellular level.
Observer Controller-Trainer/OpFor Contractor
Ops-Alliance LLC
01.2009 - 01.2012
- Operated as a member of a training team to ensure high profile USG client’s desired training is successful
- Responsible for maintaining equipment utilized for training purposes.
E-5 Sergeant/Observer Controller-Trainer
1-335 IN Reg, 205th IN BDE, 1st Army, US Army
09.2007 - 03.2010
- Responsible for observing, controlling, and training of over 30,000 military personnel for deployment in support of various theaters of combat
- Trained military personnel in close quarter marksmanship techniques such as situation awareness, accuracy, and safety
- Member of Brigade Counter-Insurgency Training Team responsible for training personnel on updated techniques of Anti-American forces relating to Improvised Explosive Devices and Sniper tactics
- Maintained weapons and various equipment used for training and qualification purposes
- Leader of a squad size element responsible for ensuring subordinates were above the Army standard and achieving goals related to their military careers.
E-5 Sergeant/Scout Crew Assistant Convoy Commander
1048 Truck Company, CTARNG, US Army
06.2006 - 09.2007
- Conducted high risk operations as a leader of a crew responsible for searching and destroying enemy ambush sites, improvised explosive devices, and other enemy targets as a forward element to secure an area of operation
- Served as a quick reaction force for units under fire and as a recovery unit for personnel under immediate danger
- Responsible for leading convoys through hostile areas that were not cleared prior to entry into a specific sector of operation
- Responsible for maintaining equipment necessary for successful operations
- Trained new soldiers in scout tactics and assisted in coordinating, supervising, and executing high risk, high stress combat missions in Iraq.
Fishing Department Sales Associate
Sportsman’s Warehouse
01.2006 - 06.2006
- Provided customer service related to fishing equipment
- Responsible for maintaining fishing and boating supplies
- Maintained cleanliness of the department to ensure quality appearance
- Sorted mail, faxed, and photocopied documents for service coordinators.
Forklift Operator
Hanson’s Cold Storage Warehouse
02.2005 - 01.2006
- Responsible for loading and unloading food supplies into and from tractor-trailers
- Maintained cleanliness of the work area to ensure quality appearance and safety
- Managed loads coming in and from the facility to ensure accurate counts of supplies.
E-4 Specialist/Motor Transportation Operator
1438th Transportation Company, INARNG, US Army
01.2005 - 12.2005
- Conducted high risk convoy operations as a tractor-trailer operator responsible for transporting necessary supplies to various units across Iraq
- Provided security to convoys while attached to security platoon in Iraq
- Provided over-watch security of the base at night to prevent enemy attacks and ensure safety to base personnel
- Responsible for maintaining equipment necessary for successful operations
- Assisted in coordinating, supervising, and executing high risk, high stress combat missions in Iraq.
Landscape Laborer
Kohler Brother’s Landscaping
01.2004 - 01.2005
- Responsible for utilizing a Bobcat skid steer to load and unload mulch into and from trucks
- Maintained cleanliness of the work area to ensure quality appearance and safety
- Worked as a member of a team to provide a quality landscaped property for the customer.
- Transferred materials to designated areas using hand trucks, electric carts, and wheelbarrows.
- Removed weeds, hazards, and debris from common pathways to improve usability.
- Maintained grounds by trimming, weeding, and general clean-up.
- Mowed lawns using self-propelled and riding mowers.
E-1 Private/Motor Transportation Operator
U.S. Army Motor Transportation School, U.S. Army
12.2004 - 02.2005
- Conducted convoy operation training as a tractor-trailer operator responsible for transporting necessary supplies.
- Trained to operate a variety of US Army vehicles in a safe manner
- Conducted and lead physical fitness exercises to the Army Standard
- Maintained proficiency in tactical planning options and convoy defense techniques.
- Cleaned and maintained vehicle and assessed vehicle for damage after each shift.
- Managed loading, unloading and safety of all personnel, cargo and equipment.
- Responsible for maintaining equipment necessary for successful operations
- Assisted in coordinating high risk training missions.
E-1 Private/Enlisted Soldier
US Army
06.2004 - 11.2004
- Soldier E-1 Private, Basic Training to become a qualified soldier
- Learned basic soldier skills to include physical fitness, hygiene, combat related, and how to live by the Army Values
- Completed 9 weeks of high stress training
- Learned how to be a leader of team, squad, and platoon size elements.
Education
Ph.D. - Forest Resources, Wildlife Ecology and Management
The University of Georgia
Athens, GA08.2019
Master of Science - Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science
Mississippi State University
Starkville, MS08.2015
Bachelor of Science - Biology, Environmental Science
University of the Incarnate Word
San Antonio, TX12.2012
Skills
- Interdisciplinary knowledge
- Research and experimental design
- Data collection, management, and analysis
- Scientific communication and technical writing
- Strategic planning and facilitation techniques
- Governmental and global affairs
- Attention to detail
- Flexible and adaptable
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Influencing skills and organizational assessment
- Action-oriented
Recognition
- University of Georgia, Graduate Student Research Assistantship, 2015
- Mississippi State University, Gluesing Outstanding M.S Student of the Year, 2015, $500
- Mississippi State University, Graduate Student Research Assistantship, 2013
- University of the Incarnate Word, Cum Laude, 2012, 3.66
- University of the Incarnate Word, Dean’s Honor List, 2011, 2012
- University of the Incarnate Word, Certificate of Excellence, 2011
Professional Memberships
- Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 2019 to Present
- Ecological Society of America, 2013 to Present
- The Wildlife Society, 2015 to Present
- American Fisheries Society, 2011 to Present
Publications
- Advancing the science of behavioural ecotoxicology and the use of behavioural endpoints in ecotoxicity and environmental assessments, Bertram, M., C. Flinders, M. Saaristo, A. Ford, and D. J. Sullivan, 2023, SETAC Globe, 1 – 5
- Multigenerational exposure to complex chemical mixture exerts estrogenic or antiandrogenic effects on fathead minnows resulting in differential methylation of DNA between generations, See, M.J., W. Huang, D. J. Sullivan, H. Schoenfuss, and A. Biales, 2023, Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management, In Review
- Habitat restoration in Great Lakes Areas of Concern: A review of 19 projects’ goals, outcomes, and monitoring approaches, Newcomer Johnson, T., D. White, K. Hines, G. Beaubien, M. Kern, D. J. Sullivan, A. Trebitz, J. Hoffman, J. Lazorchak, D. Walters, M. Loomis, M. Struckhoff, K. Williams, S. Green, D. Balz, M. Griffith, R. Yeardley and M. Mills, 2023, Restoration Ecology, In Review
- A mixed methods approach to assess human well-being indicators associated with remediation and habitat restoration, Josephs, J., M. Wick, K. Williams, J. Witts, T. Hollenhorst, S. Paczuski, J. Launspach, D. J. Sullivan, A. Sample, S. Green, T. Brown, T. Angradi, and J. Hoffman, 2023, Frontiers in Ecology, In Review
- Allelopathy and assemblage composition of epiphyton between Myriophyllum spicatum and Myriophyllum sibiricum, Sullivan, D. J., S. A. Rush, G. N. Ervin, and E. D. Dibble, 2023, Freshwater Ecology, In Prep
- A growth-chamber experiment to evaluate epiphytic assemblages associated with the non-native, Myriophyllum spicatum and native M. sibiricum, macrophytes, Sullivan, D. J., E. D. Dibble, and K. D. Getsinger, 2023, Freshwater Ecology, In Prep
- The natural history and ecology of melanism in red wolf and coyote populations of the southeastern United States – evidence for Gloger’s rule, Hinton, J. W., K. M. West, D. J. Sullivan, J. L. Frair, and M. J. Chamberlain, 2022, BMC Zoology, 7: 1 – 18
- Instances of intraspecific nest parasitism in eastern and Rio Grande wild turkeys, Sullivan, D. J., P. H. Wightman, B. A. Collier, and M. J. Chamberlain, 2022, Wildlife Society Bulletin, 46: doi.org/10.1002/wsb.1276
- Selection of landcover types by translocated female eastern wild turkeys in east Texas, Sullivan, D. J., A. R. Little, M. L. Poteet, B. A. Collier, and M. J. Chamberlain, 2022, Wildlife Society Bulletin, 46: doi.org/10.1002/wsb.1282
- Space-use, movements, and survival of translocated eastern wild turkeys in east Texas, Sullivan, D. J., B. S. Cohen, M. L. Poteet, B. A. Collier, and M. J. Chamberlain, 2022, Wildlife Society Bulletin, 46: doi.org/10.1002/wsb.1283
- Spatial scale and shape of prescribed fires influence use by wild turkeys, Sullivan, D. J., K. D. McEntire, B. S. Cohen, B. A. Collier, and M. J. Chamberlain, 2020, Journal of Wildlife Management, 84: 1570 – 1577
- Nesting activity and nest site characteristics of a translocated eastern wild turkey population in east Texas, Sullivan, D. J., M. L. Poteet, B. A. Collier, and M. J. Chamberlain, 2020, Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, 7: 164 – 171
Grants
- National Wild Turkey Federation, 2018, $3,000, The scaling effects of prescribed fire on the movement and survival of female wild turkeys: an agent-based model.
- University of the Incarnate Word, $5,000, Source populations of Zebra mussels and their genetic distribution.
- University of the Incarnate Word, $10,000, The occurrence of Leishmania spp. in Sandfly populations distributed throughout south-central Texas.
Awards
· Iraq Campaign with Two Campaign Stars
· Army Commendation medals (3rd Award)
· Army Achievement Medal
· Army Good Conduct Medal
· Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal
· National Defense Service medal
· Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
· Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon
· Army Service Ribbon
· Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award)
· Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device
· Combat Action Badge (2nd Award)
· Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver-Wheeled Vehicle(s) Clasp
Languages
Spanish
Elementary
German
Elementary
Chinese (Mandarin)
Elementary
Timeline
Embassy Science Fellow, GS-0401-13
United States Department of State
04.2023 - 01.2025
Principal Investigator, Biologist GS-0401-13
United States Environmental Protection Agency
12.2019 - Current
Graduate Research Assistant
The University of Georgia
01.2015 - 01.2019
Primary Instructor
Mississippi State University
01.2015 - 05.2015
Assistant Editor
Mississippi State University
01.2014 - 01.2015
Graduate Research Assistant
Mississippi State University
01.2013 - 01.2015
Aquatic Invasive Species Biologist Intern
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, MNDNR
01.2012 - 01.2013
Undergraduate Research Assistant
University of the Incarnate Word
01.2011 - 01.2012
Observer Controller-Trainer/OpFor Contractor
Ops-Alliance LLC
01.2009 - 01.2012
E-5 Sergeant/Observer Controller-Trainer
1-335 IN Reg, 205th IN BDE, 1st Army, US Army
09.2007 - 03.2010
E-5 Sergeant/Scout Crew Assistant Convoy Commander
1048 Truck Company, CTARNG, US Army
06.2006 - 09.2007
Fishing Department Sales Associate
Sportsman’s Warehouse
01.2006 - 06.2006
Forklift Operator
Hanson’s Cold Storage Warehouse
02.2005 - 01.2006
E-4 Specialist/Motor Transportation Operator
1438th Transportation Company, INARNG, US Army
01.2005 - 12.2005
E-1 Private/Motor Transportation Operator
U.S. Army Motor Transportation School, U.S. Army
12.2004 - 02.2005
E-1 Private/Enlisted Soldier
US Army
06.2004 - 11.2004
Landscape Laborer
Kohler Brother’s Landscaping
01.2004 - 01.2005
Master of Science - Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science
Mississippi State University
Bachelor of Science - Biology, Environmental Science
University of the Incarnate Word
Ph.D. - Forest Resources, Wildlife Ecology and Management
The University of Georgia
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