Hi, I’m
MADELYN GILROY
Kailua-Kona,USA
Overview
12
years of professional experience
8
Certification
Summary
Research Scientist with 8+ years of experience specializing in mixed-methods analysis. Expert at translating high-volume data into strategic narratives for executive stakeholders and investors. Proven ability to anticipate project risks through behavioral observation and qualitative synthesis, ensuring data-driven decisions align with long-term business goals.
Key Qualifications
Key Qualifications
- Research Methods: Mixed-methods Research Design, Behavioral Observation, Qualitative Interviewing, Experimental Design, User Segmentation, and Longitudinal Studies.
- Quantitative Analysis: R/RStudio (Tidyverse, ggplot2), Statistical Modeling (ANOVA, Regression, Non-parametric), R-Markdown, and AI-Assisted Data Synthesis.
- Strategic Impact: Data Storytelling for Executives, Stakeholder Management, Project Lifecycle Management, Resource Allocation, and Risk Mitigation & Forecasting.
- Software & Tools: Microsoft Excel (Advanced: Pivot Tables, Power Query, XLOOKUP), ArcGIS/QGIS, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), and CRM/Product Analytics tools (familiarity).
- Project Leadership: Grant Writing, Procurement & Logistics, Multi-phase Research Coordination, and Cross-functional Team Collaboration.
Skills
Data Analysis & Research
Statistical Modeling: Proficient in R (Univariate analysis, ANOVA, Regressions, R Markdown) and ImageJ (Quantitative biological analysis)
Advanced Mac Excel: Expert in data architecture, PivotTables, XLOOKUP, Power Query, and building automated reporting dashboards
Technical Writing: Experienced in grant proposal development, regulatory reporting, and scientific manuscript preparation
Laboratory & Clinical: Anesthetization calculations, drug dosage administration, genetic biopsy collection (PIT/satellite tagging), and Vibrio plating
Project & Operations Management
Workflow Systems: Advanced use of Notion for documentation and Microsoft Plannerfor task orchestration and agile project tracking
Logistics & Leadership: Over 360 days of sea service and 5,000nm logged; experienced in resource allocation, personnel scheduling, and remote facility maintenance
Regulatory Compliance: Skilled in maintaining standards for NOAA, SC DNR, and AAUS scientific diving protocols
Facility Engineering: Practical knowledge in plumbing, electrical wiring, and carpentry for research system expansion
Digital Communications & Design
Content Management: End-to-end website architecture and SEO management via Squarespace
Strategic Outreach: Managed multi-channel communications (LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, Meta) to translate complex research into stakeholder-facing content
Creative Suite: Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Lightroom for technical graphic design and scientific visualization
Video Annotation: Skilled in National Geographic Tatorfor high-volume video data analysis
Education
Northeastern UniversityBoston, MA
Master of Science from Marine Biology
01.2020
University Overview
- Three Seas Program: Accelerated immersive field-based study in MA, Panama, and Washington.
- Thesis: Evaluating deep-sea sharks' biodiversity and community structure in the subtropical Atlantic.
St. Lawrence UniversityCanton, NY
Bachelor of Science from Conservation Biology
01.2016
University Overview
Work History
OCEAN ERA INC.Kailua-Kona, HI
Macroalgae Researcher III
05.2024 - 12.2025
Job overview
- Strategic Project Management: Lead a multi-phase research project, managing end-to-end lifecycles including resource allocation, cross-functional collaboration with academic partners, and timeline optimization.
- Data Translation: Serve as the lead "data storyteller," converting R-based statistical outputs into actionable insights for executive stakeholders and project investors.
- Mixed-Methods Analysis: Integrate quantitative environmental datasets with qualitative field observations to proactively identify and mitigate project risks.
- Strategic Communication: Manage the project's digital presence and external-facing documentation, ensuring scientific accuracy is accessible to non-technical audiences.
OCEAN ERA INC.Kailua-Kona, HI
Fin-Fish Research Technician
04.2023 - 05.2024
Job overview
- Managed daily care and health monitoring for finfish in land-based Aquaculture Systems, ensuring optimal water quality and biosecurity measures.
- Oversaw enumeration, harvesting, and nutritional quality control of live feed cultures to support larval and juvenile development.
- Executed facility expansion projects involving complex plumbing, carpentry, and electrical work; maintained mechanical filtration systems to prevent downtime.
- Coordinated research activities while adhering to budgetary and personnel constraints; ensured accurate technical field data collection and maintained digital records.
- Integrated biological and environmental datasets to produce comprehensive reports for stakeholders; contributed technical writing for grant proposals and project summaries.
- Adapted to shifting priorities by supporting cross-functional teams with tasks such as field sampling and equipment fabrication.
KONA DIVING COMPANYKailua-Kona, HI
Scuba Diving Instructor & Divemaster
01.2022 - 02.2024
Job overview
- Facilitate nature-based tourism experiences for thousands of visitors annually, providing ecological interpretation and safety briefings.
- Communicate scientific conservation concepts to diverse audiences, supporting stewardship and public education.
HAWAI'I ISLAND HAWKSBILL TURTLE PROJECT (PCSU/NPS)Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI
Project Leader
05.2021 - 10.2021
Job overview
- Oversaw field operations, staff scheduling, and logistics for wildlife monitoring program.
- Ensured accurate collection of nesting and environmental data; conducted analyses for seasonal reporting.
- Documented visitor interactions on protected nesting beaches to manage human-wildlife conflicts.
- Identified funding opportunities to support habitat monitoring and protection initiatives.
- Trained and managed interns to enhance program efficiency.
MOUNT SUNAPEE RESORTNewbury, NH
Alpine Ski Coach & Communicator
12.2013 - 03.2021
Job overview
- Managed logistics and safety for youth athletic programs in a high-volume winter recreation resort.
BENEATH THE WAVESRemote / Herndon, MA
Deep-Sea Shark Data Analyst (Masters thesis)
05.2020 - 10.2020
Job overview
- Analyzed extensive BRUV (Baited Remote Underwater Video) datasets to assess biodiversity trends across depth gradients using National Geographic's Tator software.
- Employed R for ANOVA, GLM, regression, and multivariate methods to evaluate deep-sea shark biodiversity.
- Managed data integrity in a fully remote workflow; performed literature review to contextualize findings for master's thesis.
SOUTH CAROLINA DEPT. OF NATURAL RESOURCESGeorgetown, SC
Sea Turtle Technician
05.2019 - 09.2019
Job overview
- Executed state-agency monitoring protocols for loggerhead sea turtle populations; managed nesting datasets and genetic sampling (DNA).
- Patrolled public beaches to identify nesting activity, directly managing the intersection of wildlife habitat and public recreational use.
NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUMQuincy, MA
Clinical Sea Turtle Rescue Intern II
11.2018 - 03.2019
Job overview
- Administered injections, conducted physical exams, and performed blood draws on sea turtle patients.
- Calculated and prepared necessary drug dosages and medications based on individual animal needs.
SUGARBUSH RESORTWarren, VT
Communication Assistant
01.2018 - 05.2018
Job overview
- Executed daily social tasks, administrative duties, competitive analysis, and log charitable contributions.
- Posted blogs, served as a part-time snow reporter, and assisted with corporate email editing and marketing.
THE FLORIDA MANTA PROJECTPalm Beach County, FL
Manta Ray Research Assistant
05.2017 - 08.2017
Job overview
- Participated in manta ray population monitoring and photo-ID surveys to track migration and health.
- Collected and analyzed data that contributed to the publication of findings identifying the third known manta ray species globally.
- Assisted with field logistics, vessel operations, equipment management, and environmental data recording.
FLORIDA LEATHERBACK INC.Martin County, FL
Research Intern
05.2017 - 07.2017
Job overview
- Conducted nightly ATV beach surveys to identify nesting leatherback sea turtles.
- Tagged (flipper and PIT tags), measured, and collected biopsy samples from nesting females for genetic analysis.
NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUMQuincy, MA
Clinical Sea Turtle Rescue Intern I
11.2016 - 05.2017
Job overview
- Provided daily husbandry for critical care patients (Kemp's ridley, green, and loggerhead turtles), strictly adhering to quarantine and biosecurity protocols.
- Maintained detailed hospital records including water quality parameters, daily food intake, swim charts, and treatment sheets.
- Restrained animals for veterinary procedures, assisted with necropsies, and supported intake processing for hypothermic turtles.
Certification
- Conservation & Safety: Leave No Trace Master Educator (2014); Wilderness First Responder (Coursework); AAUS Scientific Diver (Inactive); Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).
- Professional: PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor; PADI Emergency First Responder Instructor.
Presentations
Presentations
- Aquaculture America 2025, New Orleans, LA, Enhancing Macroalgae Digestibility with PDMA: Decarbonizing Animal Feed and Promoting Sustainable Aquaculture.
- Northeastern University 2020, Nahant, MA, Evaluating deep-sea sharks' biodiversity and community structure in the subtropical Atlantic. - Master's Thesis
- St. Lawrence University 2016, Canton, NY, Silent Invaders: Biodiversity Decline as a Result of zebra and quagga mussel over a population. - Capstone
Timeline
Macroalgae Researcher III
OCEAN ERA INC.
05.2024 - 12.2025
Fin-Fish Research Technician
OCEAN ERA INC.
04.2023 - 05.2024
Scuba Diving Instructor & Divemaster
KONA DIVING COMPANY
01.2022 - 02.2024
Project Leader
HAWAI'I ISLAND HAWKSBILL TURTLE PROJECT (PCSU/NPS)
05.2021 - 10.2021
Deep-Sea Shark Data Analyst (Masters thesis)
BENEATH THE WAVES
05.2020 - 10.2020
Sea Turtle Technician
SOUTH CAROLINA DEPT. OF NATURAL RESOURCES
05.2019 - 09.2019
Clinical Sea Turtle Rescue Intern II
NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM
11.2018 - 03.2019
Communication Assistant
SUGARBUSH RESORT
01.2018 - 05.2018
Manta Ray Research Assistant
THE FLORIDA MANTA PROJECT
05.2017 - 08.2017
Research Intern
FLORIDA LEATHERBACK INC.
05.2017 - 07.2017
Clinical Sea Turtle Rescue Intern I
NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM
11.2016 - 05.2017
Alpine Ski Coach & Communicator
MOUNT SUNAPEE RESORT
12.2013 - 03.2021
Northeastern University
Master of Science from Marine Biology
St. Lawrence University
Bachelor of Science from Conservation Biology