HEATHER HANSEN
Melrose
Summary
Motivated and detail-oriented field ecologist with a strong background in ocean science, specializing in conservation and ecosystem preservation. Experienced in planning and executing field research in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring efficient data collection, and accurate preliminary reporting. Proven ability to contribute to scientific research, including literature reviews and data analysis from fieldwork, while collaborating with teams to develop and implement impactful outreach strategies to ensure research initiatives are met with integrity.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Pet Care Specialist
PetSmart
Saugus
05.2023 - 03.2025
- Created educational materials for customers, focusing on sustainable practices for aquarium care, including visual guides and informational pamphlets.
- Led community engagement efforts by educating customers on the health of aquatic species and the broader environmental impact of their care.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure a clean, safe, and informative environment for customers and animals.
- Gained proficiency in communicating complex topics in a clear and approachable manner, tailoring information for different audiences.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Hitchner Lab, University of Maine
Orono
10.2023 - 12.2024
- Synthesized scientific data and assisted in preparing written summaries of findings to contribute to research on marine species and ecosystem resilience.
- Supported the development of outreach materials for research presentations, including infographics and slide decks.
- Participated in community outreach efforts, presenting research findings to the university and local community.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to design and implement experiments related to marine species management.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Marine Ecosystems
University of Maine
Orono, ME12.2024
Skills
- Expert in technical writing
- Confident in public speaking
- Expert in collecting and synthesizing data
- Adaptability to harsh environments
- Use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS), spatial analysis
- Microsoft Office (eg, Excel)
- Proficient in time management and organizational skills
- Ecological field sampling and monitoring
- Wildlife and habitat surveying
- Confident in research design and implementation
- Interdisciplinary teamwork
- Species identification and ecological monitoring
Projects
- Recycling Service Learning project (2022-01) Engaged stakeholders associated with The Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) to understand and apply the Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging Law.
- Tasmanian Giant Crab Fisheries Policy Review (2023-01) Proposed regulatory changes through a 20 page literature review encompassing solutions for biological insights to aid overfishing for sustainability motives.
- Invasive European Green Crab Field Research (2023-11) Conducted field research in Acadia’s shoreline and created accessible educational materials on invasive species management for Acadia, ME.
- Bearded Dragon Behavior Study (2024-04) Designed and presented findings of animal behavior research to both academic and public audiences. Utilizing 5 months of collected data into ethograms to communicate research results.
- Capstone Seminar in Marine Science (2024-12) Presented research on sea scallop mortality rates and the impact of Vibrio virus, utilizing visual aids and collected data from Hitchner lab at the University of Maine within the Aquaculture department. Data was sourced from the husbandry and experimental exposure of larval Atlantic Sea Scallops to Vibrio Virus during continuous observation over a 32 hour duration.
Applicable courses
- Sustainable Development Principles and Policies, GIS Systems, Principles of Statistical Inference, Soil Science, Wildlife Conservation, Fishery Science, Marine Policy and Fish Management, Biology of Marine Vertebrates, Biology of Marine Organisms, Field Research Experience, Natural Field History of Maine, Public Speaking, Aquaculture, Ecology, Animal behavior
Timeline
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Hitchner Lab, University of Maine
10.2023 - 12.2024
Pet Care Specialist
PetSmart
05.2023 - 03.2025
Bachelor of Science - Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Marine Ecosystems
University of Maine
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