Margaret Schaffzin
Brooklyn,USA
Summary
Recent graduate with a strong background in data analytics, laboratory research, and environmental monitoring. Dedicated to studying ecosystem health and biodiversity. Skilled in conducting independent research, performing SCUBA-based surveys, and analyzing environmental data to develop effective conservation strategies. Hands-on experience in coral restoration, invasive species management, and ecological monitoring. Passionate about addressing the impacts of climate change and promoting sustainable marine conservation. Excited to contribute to environmental research and conservation efforts through fieldwork and scientific inquiry.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Volunteer Scientific Diver
Vantuna Research Group
09.2023 - Current
- Participate in CRANE methodology scientific dive surveys at over 30 coastal Los Angeles & Channel Island sites.
- Use 2 x 30m transects and uniform point contact surveys at 4 depth zones to record percent cover of primary space holders on reefs.
- Engage in roving collection of invertebrate species at sites for measurement data.
- Maintain dive and laboratory equipment on and off the research vessel.
Aquarist
Occidental College, Biology Department
09.2022 - Current
- Assisted with daily zebra fish, guppy, and cone snail animal diet preparations and tank quality testing.
- Maintained aquatic habitat cleanliness in preparation for animal research and visitors.
- Assisted with development of animal behavior modification plans.
- Managed inventory, ordered new supplies and maintained optimal storage to meet expected needs.
- Mentored and provided support to new aquarist staff.
Research Assistant
Vantuna Research Group
09.2022 - Current
- Oversaw weekly Microsoft Excel dive data input.
- Identified and labeled fish specimens.
- Sorted seasonal ichthyoplankton samples.
- Assisted in field with plankton selection and water sampling tests.
- Coordinated and managed plankton sorting laboratory projects.
- Provided mentorship and support to fellow junior laboratory volunteers.
Undergraduate Research Fellow
Occidental College Undergraduate Research Center
05.2024 - 08.2024
- Led a 10-week, independent research initiative investigating the impact of habitat type and turbidity on Gorgonian abundance in temperate rocky reef ecosystems.
- Conducted rigorous weekly SCUBA scientific dive surveys at over 10 sites in the SCB, using CRANE surveying methodology. Maintain dive and laboratory equipment on and off the research vessel.
- Analyzed comprehensive historical data spanning 2004-2023 in R to compare Gorgonian densities between natural reefs and artificial reefs.
- Synthesized findings in a detailed scientific report and presented insights at Occidental College’s 2024 Undergraduate Research Conference.
Richter Research Scholar
Dr. Amber Stubler, Occidental College
01.2024 - 01.2024
- Conducted extensive literature reviews on previous coral tile recruitment studies investigating the impact of sedimentation on ecosystem succession in Jamaican reefs (Stubler et al., 2017).
- Met bi-monthly to discuss successional patterns historically observed in Jamaica reefs.
- Received funding from the Richter Scholar Fund at Occidental College to conduct fieldwork from 01/2/2024-01/14/2024 at Discovery Lab Marine Laboratory (in conjunction with Stonybrook University) in Jamaica.
- Engaged in 30+ SCUBA scientific dive surveys to collect previous terracotta tiles at three different reef sites along northern shore of Jamaica
- Established 120+ new tiles along each site to be monitored annually for organism presence.
- Recorded photographic data from each tile collected and analyzed images using a self-taught computer image recognition program.
Intern
Whale Shark Oceanic Research Center
06.2023 - 08.2023
- Collected data on international citizen science databases for REEF.
- Monitored and cleaned Acropora cervicornis coral nurseries at two different sites.
- Conducted invasive Lionfish (Pterois volitans & P. milis) species removal, dissection, & data collection.
- Treated and monitored 3 dive sites against the Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease.
- Successfully proposed, developed, and presented synthesis of the scientific work of elasmobranch scientists Dr. Clare Prebble and Dr. Stephanie Venables within a 4-week period.
- Attended lectures by Honduran marine biologists on: Coastal Ecosystems & Marine Biota, Invasive Species & Lionfish, Mangrove Restoration, Biology of Sharks, Rays & Skates, and Coral Reef Ecology & Restoration.
Teacher's Assistant
Occidental College, Biology Department
01.2023 - 05.2023
- Helped prepare BIO 105 lab work and lab materials and assist students with lab procedures and related concepts.
- Graded pre- and post-lab assignments for students.
- Supported student learning objectives through personalized and small group assistance.
- Kept classrooms clean, neat, and properly sanitized for student health and classroom efficiency.
- Worked with lead teacher to monitor class schedule and take attendance.
- Assisted lead teachers with lesson plan creation and materials development.
- Supported classroom activities, tutoring, and reviewing work.
Senior Camp Counselor
YMCA Camp Tockwogh
05.2022 - 08.2022
- Supervised waterskiing boating area.
- Instructed counselors in safe boat driving protocols.
- Taught water-skiing and water safety to campers from ages 8 – 14.
- Worked with children of varying age, interest, skill, and developmental levels.
- Assisted with maintenance and upkeep of campgrounds to promote clean environment.
- Trained staff members on conducting events and following safety procedures.
- Monitored participation in recreational activities to provide assistance to participants.
Office Assistant
Writing Center, Occidental College
01.2022 - 05.2022
- Coordinated communication between students and faculty.
- Created communications materials for Writing Center.
- Purchased and maintained office supplies.
- Coordinated and scheduled meetings and appointments.
- Informed and supported faculty leaders through consistent communication and administrative support duties.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Biology
Occidental College
05-2025
Skills
- Field research
- Scientific Diving
- Research reporting
- Visual data representation
- Computer programming
- Literature review
- Data interpretation
- Mastery in Microsoft office
- FLUENT IN SPANISH
- R-Studio Analyses
- Nature education
- Staff development
- Chemical handling
- Fish & Invertebrate Identification/Data Collection
Certification
· AAUS Scientific Diver (Ocean Studies Institute) (200+ dives)
· DAN First Aid for Professional Divers Certification
· Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) Level 2 Surveyor
· PADI Rescue Diver SCUBA Dive Certification
· Ellis Lifeguard and First Aid Certification
Timeline
Undergraduate Research Fellow
Occidental College Undergraduate Research Center
05.2024 - 08.2024
Richter Research Scholar
Dr. Amber Stubler, Occidental College
01.2024 - 01.2024
Volunteer Scientific Diver
Vantuna Research Group
09.2023 - Current
Intern
Whale Shark Oceanic Research Center
06.2023 - 08.2023
Teacher's Assistant
Occidental College, Biology Department
01.2023 - 05.2023
Aquarist
Occidental College, Biology Department
09.2022 - Current
Research Assistant
Vantuna Research Group
09.2022 - Current
Senior Camp Counselor
YMCA Camp Tockwogh
05.2022 - 08.2022
Office Assistant
Writing Center, Occidental College
01.2022 - 05.2022
· AAUS Scientific Diver (Ocean Studies Institute) (200+ dives)
· DAN First Aid for Professional Divers Certification
· Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) Level 2 Surveyor
· PADI Rescue Diver SCUBA Dive Certification
· Ellis Lifeguard and First Aid Certification
Bachelor of Arts - Biology
Occidental College
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