Maddelyn Harden
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Experienced biologist and research associate with over 11 years of expertise in natural resource management, regulatory compliance, and ecological restoration. Proven ability to lead large-scale biological programs, manage budgets and contracts, and implement nature-based solutions to enhance critical habitats and ecosystem resilience. Skilled in CEQA, NEPA, and Clean Water Act compliance, with extensive experience collaborating with regulatory agencies and stakeholders. In-depth knowledge of environmental laws and regulations. Passionate about advancing sustainable resource management through innovative conservation strategies.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Research Associate
University of Southern California, USC
08.2024 - Current
- Led and designed complex molecular biology research projects, analyzing over 500 kelp genotypes and identifying genetic markers for heat tolerance, contributing to two first-author publications and restoration strategies.
Ph.D. Research and Teaching Assistant
University of Southern California, USC
08.2019 - 08.2024
- Led a multi-institutional project on kelp heat stress tolerance (2020–2024): Managed collaborations across four institutions, analyzed over 500 kelp genotypes, and developed genomic tools to inform climate-adaptive restoration strategies, culminating in a publication in Communications Biology.
- Collaborated with regulatory agencies and stakeholders: Developed adaptive management solutions to facilitate critical habitat restoration and implement nature-based strategies for ecosystem resilience.
- Advanced sustainable aquaculture: Co-led a $100K NOAA and South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) project (2020–2024), resulting in genomic tools to identify ecologically significant kelp strains for restoration and industry applications.
Staff Biologist
Bargas Environmental Consulting, LLC
01.2017 - 07.2017
- Prepared and reviewed Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs): Ensured compliance with CEQA and NEPA for 2 major Bay Area construction projects, addressing mitigation measures for critical habitats and endangered species.
- Conducted nesting bird surveys: Successfully implemented mitigation strategies for protected species, collaborating with a team of 6 to ensure regulatory compliance and secure project approvals within a six-month timeline.
Scientific Aid
California Department Of Fish And Wildlife
07.2015 - 02.2017
- Conducted long-term ecological monitoring in the San Francisco Estuary: Collected and identified over 20,000 fish and zooplankton specimens for the Summer Townet Survey (STN) and Fall Midwater Trawl (FMWT), contributing to datasets used in fisheries management and conservation planning.
Processed and analyzed biological data: Generated insights from over 5,000 field samples, presenting novel findings at the Interagency Ecological Program Annual Conference to inform state policies and improve ecosystem management strategies.
At-Sea Fisheries Observer
Saltwaterinc
12.2014 - 04.2015
- Collaborated with NOAA staff in Alaska: Ensured accurate reporting and regulatory compliance for fisheries catch under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act during one full C. opilio (snow crab) fishing season, spending approximately 455 days at sea.
- Conducted biological sampling and data collection: Collected and analyzed over 5,000 fish specimens and verified data for over 100 tons of harvested snow crab, contributing critical information for federal stock assessments and sustainable fisheries management.
- Completed rigorous Coast Guard safety and leadership training: Demonstrated operational expertise and compliance with federal fisheries policies, enabling safe execution of over 200 at-sea surveys in challenging conditions.
Education
Ph.D. - Molecular And Computational Biology
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA08-2024
Bachelor of Science - Marine Science
University of Maine
Orono, ME05-2013
Skills
- CEQA and NEPA Compliance
- Critical Habitat Management
- Nature-Based Solutions & Adaptive Management
- Program Oversight and Budget Administration
- Stakeholder and Regulatory Agency Collaboration
- Blue Carbon and Functional Uplift Strategies
- Long-Term Ecosystem Monitoring and Restoration
- Technical Expertise: Data Analysis (R, Python, Bash)
Accomplishments
- Published pioneering research on seaweed germplasm banking (PLOS Biology) and heat stress tolerance (Communications Biology), advancing conservation, restoration strategies, and marine genomics.
- Designed and led innovative academic programs, including an Honors Biology CURE lab and international study abroad course, showcasing excellence in program management and education.
Affiliations
- Genetics Society of America, Early Career Leadership Program
- American Fisheries Society, California-Nevada Chapter Executive Committee
- International Union for the Conservation of Nature, Commission on Ecosystem Management
Certification
- Graduate Certificate, Sustainable Policy ad Planning from the USC Price School of Public Policy, 2024
- AAUS, Scientific Diver, 2019
- Electrofishing Principles and Safety, Smith-Root, Inc., 2017
- Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) - Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Timeline
Research Associate
University of Southern California, USC
08.2024 - Current
Ph.D. Research and Teaching Assistant
University of Southern California, USC
08.2019 - 08.2024
Staff Biologist
Bargas Environmental Consulting, LLC
01.2017 - 07.2017
Scientific Aid
California Department Of Fish And Wildlife
07.2015 - 02.2017
At-Sea Fisheries Observer
Saltwaterinc
12.2014 - 04.2015
- Graduate Certificate, Sustainable Policy ad Planning from the USC Price School of Public Policy, 2024
- AAUS, Scientific Diver, 2019
- Electrofishing Principles and Safety, Smith-Root, Inc., 2017
- Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) - Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Ph.D. - Molecular And Computational Biology
University of Southern California
Bachelor of Science - Marine Science
University of Maine
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