Harleena Franklin
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Multidisciplinary researcher and science communicator with over five years of experience translating complex ecological and climate science into impactful, accessible narratives and engagement strategies. Experienced in fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and international interdisciplinary collaboration. Passionate about translating climate science into actionable insights for fostering sustainability and influencing policy.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Scientist
SUNY at Buffalo
08.2021 - 06.2025
- Analysed hydrogen isotope ratios to reconstruct past hydroclimate conditions.
- Conducted field expeditions to collect sediment cores for paleoclimate reconstructions.
- Presented the findings and climate research results at international conferences.
- Developed standards for and curated a controlled vocabulary of complex climate data for ecological databases.
- Conducted experiments to investigate biological processes and develop new methodologies.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to design and implement research projects.
Research Scientist
University of Aberdeen
09.2020 - 07.2021
- Conducted pollen analysis to reconstruct past ecological and vegetation dynamics.
- Applied multivariate statistical methods to analyse ecological change to understand the impact of Roman aggression on local human populations and vegetation dynamics.
- Presented research findings and project results to the broader cohort.
- Analyzed data sets using statistical software to draw meaningful conclusions.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
SUNY at Buffalo
08.2021 - 06.2025
- Delivered lectures on climate change drivers, mitigation strategies, and policy implications.
- Instrumental in designing curriculum focused on natural hazard risk assessment.
- Graded assignments and provided constructive feedback to enhance student learning outcomes.
Senior Research Support Specialist
SUNY at Buffalo
01.2018 - 06.2020
- Conducted molecular ecology research on coral resilience to climate-induced bleaching events while managing undergraduates and multiple, concurrent projects.
- Managed a molecular lab focusing on DNA for environmental applications.
- Maintained laboratory equipment and ensured compliance with safety protocols.
Invertebrate Curator Intern
Buffalo Museum of Science
01.2019 - 06.2019
- Updated the taxonomic records for the museum’s mollusc collection.
- Led $144028.54 grant proposal to transform collection into digital format
- Researched and sourced artifacts, ensuring historical accuracy and relevance to museum narratives.
Research Technician
Wisconsin National Primate Research Center
02.2017 - 10.2017
- Timely and high-quality husbandry for Rhesus macaques and Common marmosets.
- Performed medical and research care techniques including injections, blood draws, and prescription distribution.
- Kept up to date records on medical procedures and day to day activities.
Education
Masters of Science - Geological Sciences
SUNY At Buffalo
01-2025
Masters of Science - Bioarchaeological Science
University of Aberdeen
01-2021
Masters of Science - Library & Information Science
Syracuse University
01-2020
Bachelors of Science, Hons - Life Sciences
Anglia Ruskin University
01-2016
Skills
- Scientific Analysis / Experimental design, hypothesis testing, statistical analysis, data interpretation, literature review
- Data Management / Design and maintain structured datasets, develop standardised metadata, curate large datasets, build and maintain shared spreadsheets
- Data Visualisation / Organise, design and develop clear and impactful graphs and infographics to communicate research findings and insights
- Project management / Lead multi-phase research projects, set objectives, track milestones and organise international collaboration
- Troubleshooting & Problem-Solving / Diagnose and resolve issues in Python & R scripts and laboratory workflow issues to optimise research processes
- Writing & Research Communication / Effectively convey complex technical concepts for a variety of audiences Skilled in grant writing and organising compelling proposals to secure funding
- Public Speaking / Presenting ecological topics in an engaging, thoughtful and energetic manner In person, on video, and on digital platforms
- Laboratory / Field work, sample preparation, PCR, DNA extraction, microscopy, chromatography, data analysis, equipment maintenance
Affiliations
SoCal Paleo Society, British Lichen Society, Polar Impact, Sierra Club, Extinction Rebellion, 500 Women Scientists
Publications and Presentations
- Building a controlled vocabulary for the international biomarker database, Franklin H., Thomas E.K., Williams, J.W., Aguilar, J.M., Castañeda, I.S., Freeman, K.H., McKay, N., Morrill, C., 2023, PAGES magazine, v. 31, no. 2, doi.org/10.22498/pages.31.2.129
- What makes a winner? Symbiont and host dynamics determine Caribbean octocoral resilience to bleaching. Coffroth, M.A., Buccella, L.A., Eaton, K.M., Lasker, H.R., Gooding, A.T., and Franklin, H., 2023, Science Advances, v. 9, p. eadj6788, doi:10.1126/sciadv.adj6788
- Southern California Paleontological Society / Los Angeles, CA / 2026 (confirmed) Tracking climate history with plants: Rapid changes in the Polar Ural Mountains in the last 15,000 years
- 52nd International Arctic Workshop / Amherst, MA / 2024 Rapid water cycle changes in the Polar Ural Mountains during the Bolling warming and Holocene: the response to changing ice sheets and northward treeline advance. Franklin, H.; Thomas, E.K.; Brendryen, J.; Cowling, OC.; Erb, M.; Haflidason, H.; Kaufman, DS.; Marshall, L.; Melles, M.; Svendsen, JI.
- NICH Arctic Final Meeting / Besançon, France / 2023 Building an international lipid biomarker database. Franklin, H.; Thomas, EK.; Williams, JW.; Aguilar, JM.; Castaneda, IS.; Freeman, KH.; McKay, N.; Morrill, C.
- American Geophysical Union Conference / San Francisco, CA / 2023 Presented at Paleoceanography and Paleoclimatology session: Rapid water cycle changes in the Polar Ural Mountains during the Bolling warming and Holocene: the response to changing ice sheets and northward treeline advance. Franklin, H.; Thomas, EK.; Erb, M.; Cowing, OC.; Svedson, JI.; Haflidason, H.; Brendryen, J
Timeline
Research Scientist
SUNY at Buffalo
08.2021 - 06.2025
Graduate Teaching Assistant
SUNY at Buffalo
08.2021 - 06.2025
Research Scientist
University of Aberdeen
09.2020 - 07.2021
Invertebrate Curator Intern
Buffalo Museum of Science
01.2019 - 06.2019
Senior Research Support Specialist
SUNY at Buffalo
01.2018 - 06.2020
Research Technician
Wisconsin National Primate Research Center
02.2017 - 10.2017
Masters of Science - Bioarchaeological Science
University of Aberdeen
Masters of Science - Library & Information Science
Syracuse University
Bachelors of Science, Hons - Life Sciences
Anglia Ruskin University
Masters of Science - Geological Sciences
SUNY At Buffalo