Evan L.S. Kunz
Kailua-Kona,HI
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Cultivation Scientist
Cyanotech
Kailua-Kona, HI
08.2024 - Current
- Cultivating Astaxanthin (Ax) oil derived from Haematococcus Pluvialis (HP) algae cells to create an antioxidant that supports many health benefits. This process includes microscopically examining individual cell health, motility, and Ax development at specific stages in the life cycle of the cell.
- Identifying specific dangers to cell integrity that includes protozoans, fungi, and bacteria.
- This process starts from culturing cells from well plates to ponds as big as 250,000 L.
- Monitoring and cultivating Spirulina (arthrospira plantensis) via nutrient analysis of Phosphate, Nitrate and Alkalinity levels. This includes salinity, cell structure, dissolved oxygen levels etc.
- Many other algae projects and species with similar methods were conducted but are undisclosed due to NDA restrictions.
Algae Technician
Blue Ocean Barns
Kailua-Kona, HI
09.2023 - 06.2024
- Grew Algae (Asparagopsis taxiformis) that produces a chemical called Brominata. This chemical is used to reduce methane gas emissions that cattle produce. Doing so combats climate change.
- Helped increase biomass and raise Brominata levels in cultures while reducing the amount of NTS (non-target species). This was accomplished through various levels of biosecurity.
- Flew to Baja, Mexico as part of an expansion team. Trained all new employees there on raising cultures in various tank sizes.
Exploration Science Field Work
University of Miami – RSMAS
Miami, FL
01.2022 - 05.2022
- Documented and studied various ecosystems around Southern Florida.
- Everglades exploration, snorkeling, Yellow Ray capture, and workups, BRUV’s design and implementation, shark research including longlining and drum lining, and many more skills along the way.
- Boat research on the research vessel Garvin.
Shark Field School
University of Miami – RSMAS
Miami, FL
01.2022 - 05.2022
- Studied Elasmobranchs that live in the south Florida region. Including sharks, rays, skates, and chimeras.
- Fieldwork aboard the R/V Garvin.
- Full shark workups that included blood samples, fin clips, tagging, biopsy, measuring, and overall proper handling of sharks.
- Some species of elasmobranchs studied up close are Tiger, Blacknose, Blacktip, Nurse, Sandbar, Bonnethead, and various types of bycatch.
Research Assistant
Utah Valley University
Orem, UT
09.2020 - 03.2021
- Take water samples of various river inlets leading into Utah Lake.
- Analyze data relating to pH, DO, SPC, Etc.
- Took water samples from different WWTPs to analyze phosphorous levels leading to algal blooms in Utah Lake.
- Studied effects of toxic metals on wildlife and ecosystems and created sustainability solutions.
Timeline
Cultivation Scientist
Cyanotech
08.2024 - Current
Algae Technician
Blue Ocean Barns
09.2023 - 06.2024
Exploration Science Field Work
University of Miami – RSMAS
01.2022 - 05.2022
Shark Field School
University of Miami – RSMAS
01.2022 - 05.2022
Research Assistant
Utah Valley University
09.2020 - 03.2021