Marni Farrel
Toledo,Oregon
Overview
1
1
Certification
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Faculty Research Assistant
Oregon State University
02.2022 - Current
- Lead oyster nursery operations, overseeing the care, organization, and maintenance of nursery systems and equipment.
- Coordinate and oversee oyster spat counting events to supply animals for USDA-ARS research experiments, field plantings, and disease challenge studies.
- Supported infrastructure maintenance and large infrastructure replacement projects (e.g. SEAPA systems, oyster tagging equipment, Tomales Bay shed upgrades, nursery upgrades, conditioning system upgrades).
- Led and organized student interns from Oregon Coast Community College, providing training and hands-on guidance in aquaculture practices and laboratory procedures to enhance their skills and contribute to research efforts.
- Trained new Faculty Research Assistants and laboratory personnel in complex laboratory procedures and field research protocols, promoting consistency, accuracy, and adherence to established methodologies.
- Operated iLab equipment to help retrofit 90 trout hatching jars for Hatfield Ultra Dense Larval Rearing System (HUDLS).
- Led the implementation of computer-automated water monitoring systems (GHL), including method testing, system optimization, and integration of USDA-ARS best practices for aquaculture operations.
- Led the transition from chemically induced oyster setting to natural settlement methods across all POGS oyster spawning operations, aligning protocols with industry standards.
- Assisted in design, development, and implementation of a new oyster spat nursery system, resulting in improved production capacity and operational efficiency for ongoing research.
- Led the design, procurement, fabrication, and installation of nursery expansion equipment, including nursery bins, nesting sieves.
- Supported the USDA-ARS Pacific Oyster Genomic Selection (POGS) program by contributing to five consecutive years of successful oyster cohort production.
- Coordinated deployment of annual oyster cohorts to industry partners across California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska, ensuring timely delivery and supporting industry collaboration.
- Conducted field trials involving live animal deployments, experimental monitoring, and biological data collection at commercial partner farms.
- Collaborated with industry stakeholders and research teams to support oyster breeding programs, genomic selection efforts, and applied aquaculture research.
- Performed field and laboratory operations under variable environmental conditions, including inclement weather, while maintaining research protocols and operational standards.
- Managed oyster broodstock operations, including inventory organization, routine maintenance, health monitoring, and repository management to support ongoing USDA-ARS breeding and research programs.
- Independently supported the microalgae lead in the setup, operation, dismantling, and cleaning of POGS photobioreactors (PBRs) to maintain efficient microalgae production operations.
- Supported graduate research projects within the Langdon Lab by maintaining aquatic animal husbandry and assisting with experimental procedures and research protocols.
- Developed, revised, and maintained Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to improve consistency, safety, and efficiency across laboratory and aquaculture operations.
- Served as the lab’s lead on the operation and maintenance of the Coulter Counter.
- Maintained and operated saltwater systems supporting POGS oyster research programs, including routine system cleaning, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance.
- Performed routine preventive maintenance on the USDA-ARS POGS truck to ensure vehicle reliability, operational readiness, and minimal downtime.
- Coastal Oregon Marine Experimental Station
- Streamlined research workflows by improving tracking systems and standardizing recurring tasks.
- Coordinated lab activities such as equipment maintenance, inventory management, and scheduling experiments to ensure smooth daily operations.
Shellfish Hatchery Manager
The Pacific Aquaculture & Coastal Resources Center
09.2019 - 12.2021
- Supervised student-operated oyster hatchery focused on Crassostrea gigas production for commercial distribution to U.S. West Coast customers, enhancing local aquaculture supply.
- Managed oyster broodstock, conditioning broodstock for spawns, and research needs.
- Reared oyster larvae.
- Produced microalgae on a commercial scale.
- Cultivated oyster larvae in controlled environments to ensure optimal growth.
- Managed oyster broodstock and conditioned for spawns while addressing research needs to support hatchery operations.
- Supported the PACRC Research Manager in research and development of pearl oyster hatchery operations and native oyster cultivation systems.
- Coordinated laboratory setup and preparation for University of Hawai‘i aquaculture courses, ensuring instructional spaces and materials were ready for hands-on learning.
- Operated land-based oyster fattening system while coordinating with Department of Health to ensure regulatory compliance and meet permitting requirements.
- Led aquaculture and coastal resource initiatives, aligning program priorities with research and conservation goals.
- Oversaw project budgets, schedules, and deliverables to maintain consistent program execution.
- Managed partnerships with government, community, and industry contacts to strengthen collaboration.
- Mentored staff and interns, strengthening team performance and knowledge of aquaculture practices.
Support Member
Hilo Aquaculture Cooperative
06.2019 - 12.2021
- Supported maintenance efforts the regular maintenance of test cages of oysters and macroalgae in the Hilo Bay.
- Conducted water quality readings using secchi disk, supporting compliance with DAR special activities permit.
- Coordinated daily support tasks to keep aquaculture operations organized and responsive.
- Monitored equipment and facility conditions to identify issues before workflow disruptions.
- Assisted team members with stock handling, sorting, and production support activities.
Student Research Assistant
The Pacific Aquaculture & Coastal Resources Center
08.2017 - 08.2019
- Performed various lab activities, including microalgae inoculations, media prep, nutrient prep, starting 400L bags, and algae counts.
- Oversaw the operations of oyster FLUPSYs, ensuring optimal conditions for growth.
- Managed the care and husbandry of oyster larvae and seed across flow-through, downweller, and upweller systems to support healthy growth and survival.
- Supported oyster harvesting and sales operations for Hilo Fish Company, contributing to product handling and commercial distribution.
Education
Bachelor's degree - Agriculture, Aquaculture
University of Hawai‘i at Hilo
Hilo05-2019
Skills
- Aquaculture research
- Hatchery systems R&D
- Microalgae growout
- Water quality testing
- Conditioning index preparation
- Field data collection
- Marine conservation outreach
- Plumbing and pumps
- Light construction
- Travel coordination
- Oregon state driver's license
Certification
Oregon state driver's license
Publications
Co-Author, Genetic analysis identifies the Ostrea stentina/aupouria/equestris oyster species complex in Hawai‘i, and resolves its lineage as the western Pacific O. equestris.
Community/Outreach
- Volunteer at Hatfield Marine Science Day 2023
- Wailui Ocean Festival PACRC oyster booth volunteer 2017-2019.
- Puna Canoe Club paddling coach for children ages 6-10, 2017-2019
Timeline
Faculty Research Assistant
Oregon State University
02.2022 - Current
Shellfish Hatchery Manager
The Pacific Aquaculture & Coastal Resources Center
09.2019 - 12.2021
Support Member
Hilo Aquaculture Cooperative
06.2019 - 12.2021
Student Research Assistant
The Pacific Aquaculture & Coastal Resources Center
08.2017 - 08.2019
Bachelor's degree - Agriculture, Aquaculture
University of Hawai‘i at Hilo