Jesse Rochester Ph.D.
Holden,ME
Summary
Biologist with a Ph.D. in Biomedical Science and Engineering and a background spanning biological research, field ecology, conservation assessment, natural resource monitoring, and Maine freshwater fisheries. Experience includes inland fisheries survey fieldwork with Maine IF&W staff, water-quality and aquatic invertebrate sampling, road-stream crossing and erosion-control work in northern Maine working forests, conservation research and IUCN Red List assessment work, and five years as a Registered Maine Guide focused primarily on brook trout and landlocked salmon fisheries. Brings strong skills in biological data collection and interpretation, technical writing, spatial and field-data tools, public communication, and learning new scientific methods efficiently. Seeking to apply this background directly to the assessment, protection, and management of Maine’s inland fisheries resources.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mainely Outdoors Production Corp. / Founder
Mainely Outdoors Production Corp.
Holden, Maine
09.2017 - Current
- Plan and lead guided fishing trips on Maine inland waters, with primary focus on brook trout and landlocked salmon fisheries, while also working with stocked fisheries and smallmouth bass opportunities where appropriate.
- Apply practical knowledge of fish behavior, aquatic insects, forage species, seasonal movement, water temperature, flow, habitat use, and changing field conditions to guide decisions and client education.
- Review and explain Maine fishing regulations, special waterbody restrictions, ethical fish handling, catch-and-release practices, and responsible use of freshwater resources to clients with varying levels of fishing experience.
- Make trip and location decisions with consideration for fish welfare and resource conditions, including shifting away from vulnerable coldwater fisheries during periods of elevated water temperature and offering alternative opportunities when appropriate.
- Promote aquatic invasive-species prevention by educating clients about cleaning and drying gear and avoiding the movement of bait, fish, or aquatic vegetation between waterbodies.
- Plan logistics and lead safe field activities in remote Maine settings, including trip preparation, equipment management, changing weather and water conditions, limited-cell-service areas, and client safety.
- Communicate directly with clients by phone, email, and in person to understand their goals, prepare them for conditions and regulations, answer questions, and build trust through clear and professional communication.
Ph.D. Candidate Biomedical Science and Engineering
University of Maine
Orono & Bar Harbor, Maine
09.2017 - 08.2023
- Led independent doctoral research investigating the role of GLH-1/Vasa in germline development, maintenance, and cell-fate regulation in Caenorhabditis elegans, from experimental design and method development through data interpretation, technical writing, and publication.
- Designed and conducted molecular biology, gene-expression, microscopy, sequencing, and CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing experiments while maintaining detailed documentation, sample tracking, and reproducible research practices.
- Took ownership of interpreting complex biological datasets, including RNA-seq, gene-expression, sequencing, microscopy, and experimental data, working with collaborators in genomic data processing to ensure appropriate quality control, statistical interpretation, and biological relevance.
- Used experimental results to guide follow-up studies and project direction, including refining methods when initial approaches or findings required the research plan to change.
- Prepared scientific figures, abstracts, presentations, manuscripts, and dissertation materials, and served as the primary figure creator on collaborative research publications.
- Wrote and revised a successful NIH T32 training grant application with principal investigator guidance and contributed to sections of an NIH R01 grant related to my research.
- Presented research to technical audiences at international scientific conferences and communicated findings to collaborators, committee members, students, and public-facing research audiences.
- Mentored undergraduate researchers and trained colleagues in laboratory protocols and specialized methods needed to support ongoing projects.
Research Assistant, Updike Lab
MDI Biological Laboratory
Bar Harbor, Maine
05.2016 - 08.2017
- Conducted developmental biology research evaluating the expression and function of the novel protein PQN-75 in Caenorhabditis elegans, contributing to a peer-reviewed publication.
- Designed and carried out experimental work involving molecular biology, microscopy, genetic methods, organism handling, data collection, and biological interpretation.
- Maintained detailed laboratory records documenting procedures, experimental conditions, observations, results, and follow-up decisions to support reproducibility and project continuity.
- Interpreted unexpected findings and, with mentor guidance, adjusted the experimental direction to more fully characterize PQN-75 outside of the germline and bring the project to a clear endpoint.
- Prepared data summaries and scientific figures and communicated progress and findings through regular discussions with research supervisors and laboratory colleagues.
Research Assistant, Nelson Lab
University of Maine at Fort Kent
Fort Kent, ME
08.2014 - 04.2016
- Conducted conservation research on Pedicularis furbishiae, Furbish’s lousewort, a highly range-restricted species of the St. John River system, including monitoring known populations, searching nearby habitat for additional occurrences, collecting and preserving field samples, and completing laboratory and genetic analysis.
- Used DNA sequence information and phylogenetic analysis tools to evaluate genetic relationships among isolated Pedicularis furbishiae populations and contribute to a broader understanding of the species’ conservation needs.
- Supported NASA-funded collaborative lichen ecology and remote-sensing research through transect-based ground data collection, field spectrometer measurements, species identification, sample collection, and follow-up laboratory analysis in remote field settings, including Maine, Alaska, and multiple locations in Chile’s Atacama Desert.
- Helped train newer student researchers in laboratory protocols and field methods as projects expanded and I approached graduation.
- Built on this research foundation after graduation by initiating, drafting, and revising an updated IUCN Red List assessment for Pedicularis furbishiae.
Forest Inventory Summer Int
Orion Timberlands LLC
Ashland, Maine
05.2015 - 08.2015
- Conducted forest inventory surveys in northern Maine working forests, collecting standardized data on species composition, tree density, tree health, and overall stand condition to support forest management decisions.
- Used GPS-enabled handheld field data collection equipment, including Trimble devices, along with maps and compass bearings to navigate remote field sites, collect digital survey data, and complete assignments independently.
- Assisted with road-stream crossing inspections and repair work, including culvert replacement projects and documentation of runoff, erosion, failed or blocked crossings, and perched culverts where outlet drops limited fish passage into upstream habitat.
- Helped stabilize disturbed sites following crossing and repair work through seeding and erosion-control activities intended to reduce sediment runoff and protect water quality.
- Used compass bearings and field navigation to locate, flag, and mark property boundaries requiring maintenance, repainting, or improved visibility.
Woodlands Summer Intern
J.D. Irving Ltd.
Fort Kent, Maine
05.2014 - 08.2014
- Conducted independent field surveys in North Maine Woods settings using trucks, ATVs, GPS-enabled handheld data collection units, maps, and compass navigation to access assigned sites and complete work safely.
- Evaluated planted and managed forest stands using established protocols, collecting information on planting success, tree spacing, species composition, survival, stand health, and overall condition.
- Entered standardized field observations through digital survey forms for incorporation into larger company datasets used by foresters to evaluate stand performance and guide future management decisions.
Education
Ph.D. - Biomedical Science & Engineering
University of Maine Graduate School
Orono, Maine08-2023
Bachelors of Science - Biology
University of Maine Fort Kent
Fort Kent, Maine05-2016
Skills
- Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Work
Maine inland fisheries; brook trout and landlocked salmon ecology; inland fisheries inventory and survey field exposure; gill and seine netting; fish identification and processing; length and weight measurements; scale sampling; hatchery fin-clipping exposure; fish handling and live release; water-quality sampling and processing; aquatic insect collection and identification; forage fish knowledge; invasive-species monitoring and prevention; fisheries regulations and angler education
Habitat, Forestry, and Natural Resource Fieldwork
Road-stream crossing inspection and repair support; culvert replacement projects; fish-passage barrier awareness; runoff and erosion documentation; site stabilization and seeding; coldwater habitat; forest inventory; plantation and stand-condition monitoring; habitat and species surveys; remote field operations; ATV and truck access; map-and-compass navigation; field safety in northern Maine working forests
Conservation and Ecological Research
IUCN Red List assessment preparation and revision; conservation status evaluation; population monitoring; searches for additional species occurrences; taxonomic identification; transect-based ecological field collection; field spectrometer data collection; sample preservation; genetic comparisons among isolated populations; species-habitat relationships; conservation threat assessment
Data, GIS, and Analytical Tools
Microsoft Access; Microsoft Excel; Google Sheets; ArcGIS Desktop/ArcMap; ArcGIS Pro; Trimble and other GPS-enabled handheld field data collection units; digital field forms; GPS data collection and navigation; R/RStudio; Python; GraphPad Prism; ImageJ; Geneious; Clustal/MUSCLE; BEAST; BLAST; NCBI tools; data QA/QC; summary tables and figures; spatial and field-site mapping; technical reporting
Laboratory and Molecular Methods
DNA and RNA extraction; PCR; qRT-PCR; gel electrophoresis; DNA sequencing; sequence analysis; phylogenetic analysis; CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing; microscopy; confocal microscopy; ImageJ analysis; sample tracking; protocol development and troubleshooting; accurate laboratory documentation; reproducibility practices
Communication, Leadership, and Public Engagement
Scientific writing; peer-reviewed publications; dissertation research; grant writing; successful NIH T32 application; NIH R01 contribution; scientific presentations; invited conservation seminar presentation; mentoring and protocol training; technical communication with collaborators; public education; client communication; explaining fishing regulations and fish-handling practices; communicating invasive-species prevention and resource concerns to anglers
Accomplishments
- Earned a Ph.D. in Biomedical Science and Engineering while leading independent biological research from project development through data interpretation, scientific writing, and publications.
- Participated in inland fisheries survey fieldwork with Maine IF&W staff in the Fish River watershed, including gill and seine netting, fish processing and measurements, scale sampling, water-quality work, aquatic insect identification, and monitoring for unwanted species expansion.
- Assisted with road-stream crossing repairs, culvert replacement projects, fish-passage concerns, runoff and erosion documentation, and disturbed-site stabilization in northern Maine working forests.
- Initiated, drafted, and revised an updated IUCN Red List assessment for Pedicularis furbishiae, working through mentor and external reviewer feedback to provide current conservation information on the species and its habitat.
- Collected and interpreted biological and natural-resource data using Microsoft Access, Excel, ArcGIS Desktop/ArcMap, ArcGIS Pro, Trimble and other GPS-enabled field data units, R/RStudio, and molecular/sequence analysis tools.
- Operated a Maine-based guiding and outdoor education business for five years, applying knowledge of brook trout and landlocked salmon fisheries, regulations, safe remote field operations, fish handling, and invasive-species prevention in work with anglers and the public.
Certification
- Registered Maine Guide License: Hunting, Fishing, and Recreation, current
- Wilderness First Aid
- CPR Certification
- Hunter Safety / Firearms Safety
- Responsible Conduct of Research Training
- IACUC-Compliant Animal Care and Use Training
- Laboratory Safety Training
- Selected Publications and Research Outputs
Awards
NIH T32 Training Grant Recipient
University of Maine Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering / MDI Biological Laboratory
January 2019.
Wrote and revised a successful NIH T32 training grant application with principal investigator guidance, clearly communicating research goals, methods, expected outcomes, and alternative approaches; selected for competitive doctoral research training in biomedical science, genetics, and responsible conduct of research.
University of Maine at Fort Kent Biology Distinction Award
University of Maine at Fort Kent
May 2016
Publications
Rochester, J. D. (2023). Exploring the impact of PQN-75 and GLH-1/Vasa on germline development, maintenance, and GSC reprogramming using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model. Ph.D. dissertation, University of Maine. Electronic Theses and Dissertations No. 3850.
Rochester, J. D., Min, H., Gajjar, G. A., Sharp, C. S., Maki, N. J., Rollins, J. A., Keiper, B. D., Graber, J. H., & Updike, D. L. (2022). GLH-1/Vasa represses neuropeptide expression and drives spermiogenesis in the Caenorhabditis elegans germline. Developmental Biology, 492, 200–211.
Marnik, E. A., Fuqua, J. H., Sharp, C. S., Rochester, J. D., Xu, E. L., Holbrook, S. E., & Updike, D. L. (2019). Germline maintenance through the multifaceted activities of GLH/Vasa in Caenorhabditis elegans P granules.
Rochester, J. D. (2018). Pedicularis furbishiae. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Rochester, J. D., Tanner, P. C., Sharp, C. S., Andralojc, K. M., & Updike, D. L. (2017). PQN-75 is expressed in the pharyngeal gland cells of Caenorhabditis elegans and is dispensable for germline development. microPublication Biology.
Timeline
Mainely Outdoors Production Corp. / Founder
Mainely Outdoors Production Corp.
09.2017 - Current
Ph.D. Candidate Biomedical Science and Engineering
University of Maine
09.2017 - 08.2023
Research Assistant, Updike Lab
MDI Biological Laboratory
05.2016 - 08.2017
Forest Inventory Summer Int
Orion Timberlands LLC
05.2015 - 08.2015
Research Assistant, Nelson Lab
University of Maine at Fort Kent
08.2014 - 04.2016
Woodlands Summer Intern
J.D. Irving Ltd.
05.2014 - 08.2014
Ph.D. - Biomedical Science & Engineering
University of Maine Graduate School
Bachelors of Science - Biology
University of Maine Fort Kent