Kiana Halland
San Diego,CA
Summary
Dedicated and self-motivated marine biology major with experience in effective analysis and laboratory research, consistently adhering to rigorous scientific protocols. Proficient in handling diverse marine specimens, gathering critical data, and collaborating with individuals from various backgrounds. Strong passion for marine life, climate change, and animal conservation drives the ambition to integrate advanced biological knowledge with hands-on aquatic medical care. Actively seeking a position as a marine biologist or in a related field within an established organization to leverage skills in preservation and contribute to the advancement of the aquatic community.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Volunteer
Birch Aquarium
La Jolla, CA
04.2025 - Current
- Guides visitors through aquarium exhibits, enhancing understanding of habitats and marine life.
- Facilitates guest understanding of safe practices for interacting with marine life, specifically sea urchins and horned sharks, within touch tank environments.
- Assists in enhancing visitor experiences through engaging activities. Supported initiatives for animal welfare by participating in community outreach. Promoted marine welfare and ocean conservation through educational programs.
- Supports the execution of special events and programs focused on fostering marine conservation and educational opportunities.
Volunteer
Furballs Furever Pet Rescue
San Diego, CA
01.2025 - Current
- Sets up/breaks down adoption events, handles cats/dogs, meets with potential adopters.
- Transports animals to vets, foster homes, or adoption events, picks up supplies as needed.
- Assists vet techs or experienced volunteers help with meds, wound care, or bottle-feeding.
- Sharing social media pages, takes photos, writes posts, engages with community to market rescue pet profiles and events.
- Educates the public on responsible pet ownership and building relationships.
- Provides a foster home for rescue pets with special needs, which involves pet socialization and transport to appointments.
Aquarist Intern
OdySea Aquarium
Phoenix, AZ
06.2024 - 09.2024
- Coordinated and implemented exhibit rotation strategies for coldwater, freshwater, tropics, and quarantine facility to maintain engaging displays.
- Collaborated with OdySea Aquarium aquarist to ensure optimal care and maintenance of a large collection of elasmobranchs, freshwater and marine fish, invertebrates, and reptiles, including green and loggerhead turtles.
- Executed daily operational responsibilities, including animal husbandry, diet preparation, and delivering educational content to guests.
- Oversaw comprehensive database management for all research and experiments conducted by institution staff.
- Conducted comprehensive analysis and crafted recommendations to optimize visitor experience for final intern project.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Marine Biology, Minor-Environmental Sciences
Scripps Institute of Oceanography
La Jolla, CA06.2026
Skills
- Marine Ecology & Ecosystem Analysis — understanding of marine food webs, habitats, and biological interactions
- Environmental Monitoring & Water Quality Assessment — sampling and interpreting water parameters (eg, pH, salinity, oxygen)
- Field Research Techniques — designing and executing field sampling and observations in coastal and aquatic environments
- Data Collection & Analysis — gathering and analyzing ecological and environmental data using statistical methods
- GIS & Spatial Analysis — mapping and analyzing spatial data (eg, species distributions, sampling sites)
- Laboratory Protocols — experience with standard lab techniques and equipment relevant to biology and environmental testing
- Environmental Systems Understanding — grasp of ecosystem dynamics, nutrient cycles, and environmental interactions
- Environmental Policy & Regulations Awareness — familiarity with environmental laws and conservation frameworks
- Environmental Impact Assessment — evaluating effects of projects or conditions on ecosystems
- Sustainability Principles — applying concepts of sustainable resource management and conservation
- Scientific Writing & Reporting — drafting lab reports, research summaries, and environmental assessments
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving — interpreting data and solving research or project challenges
- Project Organization & Time Management — planning and completing research and field tasks efficiently
- Teamwork in Research Groups — collaborating with peers on field and lab projects
- Oral Presentation & Outreach — communicating scientific findings to peers (or public audiences)
- Interpersonal Communication — working effectively with customers, employees, management
Related Coursework
- CHEM 40A, 40B, 43A: Organic Chemistry for Life Sciences 1 and 2, Organic Chemistry Lab
- SIO 104: Paleobiology and History of Life
- SIO 119: Physics and Chemistry of the Oceans
- BIEB 102: Intro to Ecology/ Organisms and Habitats
- BIPN 100: Human Physiology 1
- SIO 124: Marine Natural Products
- SIO 136: Marine Biology Laboratory
- SIO 181: Marine Biochemistry and Physiology
- SIO 134: Intro to Biological Oceanography
- SIO 187: Stat Methods in Marine Biology
- BICD 100: Genetics
Timeline
Volunteer
Birch Aquarium
04.2025 - Current
Volunteer
Furballs Furever Pet Rescue
01.2025 - Current
Aquarist Intern
OdySea Aquarium
06.2024 - 09.2024
Bachelor of Science - Marine Biology, Minor-Environmental Sciences
Scripps Institute of Oceanography