Jacob Bechtel
Santa Barbara,CA
Summary
Marine biologist focused on long-term ecological research, monitoring surf zone fish in Marine Protected Areas along the California coast. Conducts comprehensive analyses of kelp forest nutrients impacting sandy beach ecosystems and oversees sample processing while mentoring interns.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lab Technician
UC Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
07.2023 - 04.2026
- Marine biologist working on various projects requiring field and laboratory work. (40 Hours/Week)
- Long-term monitoring of surf zone fish in Marine Protected Areas(MPAs) throughout the California Coast.
- Survey impact of kelp forest derived nutrients on sandy beaches through Santa Barbara Coastal Long Term Ecological Research(SBC LTER)
- Oversee the processing of samples taken in the field, organize/guide interns, and handle data taken from the field.
- Invertebrate and Fish Sampling on San Clemente Island to establish long-term monitoring project.
- Conducting sandy beach invertebrate surveys at Dangermond Nature Preserve to monitor kelp-associated species.
- Contributing to a research paper analyzing ontogenetic differences in the diet of of Barred Surfperch.
- Vegetation surveys to characterize dune and sandy beach ecosystems across California.
Undergraduate Intern
UCSB Crab Lab
07.2021 - 06.2023
- Conducted field work during the summer and processed samples in the lab. Identified marine invertebrates and algae during lab work.
- Conducted a senior project analyzing ontogenetic shifts in the diet of barred surfperch.
Education
B.S. - Aquatic Biology
UC Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA06-2023
Skills
- Microscopy techniques
- Data analysis and entry
- Biochemistry and chemistry
- Ecological sciences
- Algae and coastal vegetation identification
- Fish and invertebrate identification/handling
- Laboratory techniques
- Calculus-level mathematics
- Statistical analysis
- Field sampling
Certification
- AAUS Scientific Diver - UC Santa Barbara Dive Program
- IACUC Fish and Invertebrate Handling - UC Santa Barbara
- CPR/First Aid - UC Santa Barbara
- Lab Safety Fundamentals and Employee Training - UCSB Environmental Health and Safety
- Scientific Collecting Permit for MPA Fish Surveys - California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Publications
Ontogenetic diet shifts in barred surfperch, Amphistichus argenteus, In Progress
Timeline
Lab Technician
UC Santa Barbara
07.2023 - 04.2026
Undergraduate Intern
UCSB Crab Lab
07.2021 - 06.2023
B.S. - Aquatic Biology
UC Santa Barbara