Morgan Arrington
Environmental Research Scientist/Analyst
Seattle,WA
How wonderful it is we need not wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.
Anne Frank
Summary
Analytical Research Specialist with experience in experimental research and data analysis. Detail-oriented and methodical professional successful in developing in-depth research projects. Reliable team player with excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
Overview
10
10
Years of experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Graduate Student Researcher
University of Washington
Seattle, WA
09.2017 - 03.2020
- Led research on the life history of a Pacific marine species, the Longnose Skate. Developed laboratory and statistical methods to utilize near infrared spectroscopy to more rapidly estimate the age of a batoid species.
- Using R and TMB, utilized a combination of established and novel statistical analysis methods to estimate life history parameters and explore complex spatial relationships among the biological variables of growth and maturity. Applied these life history concepts to support assessment and management of fishery resources.
- Developed spatial analysis in ArcGIS 10.6 that identified nursery habitat and
ecosystem covariates. - Authored a two-chapter thesis that filled data gaps in stock assessments.
- Presented scientific findings at seven oral or poster presentations to technical experts, stakeholders, and members of the public.
Co-Chair
Students Explore Aquatic Sciences Outreach Group
Seattle, WA
09.2017 - 03.2020
- Volunteered for SEAS, a student-run outreach group with a mission to increase diverse representation in science through community engagement.
- Led a team of 12 to implement an open house outreach event at the University of Washington including planning, marketing, recruiting, and day-of execution.
- Open House culminated in an event with over 30 volunteer led outreach activities and attendance of over 550 members of the general public.
- Co-developed a strategic plan for SEAS outreach group.
- Engaged in regular outreach opportunities with local K-12 schools.
- Reviewed outreach activities under development.
Contract Project Coordinator
National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration
Santa Cruz, CA
04.2015 - 12.2015
- Coordinated a large conservation project involving scientists, local government agencies, and stakeholder groups to achieve social change in fishing practices.
- Implemented community outreach plan to gather community input and increase sustainable fishing practices.
- Engaged over 1,000 stakeholders and members of the public and administered over 550 surveys, all in under five months.
- Collaborated with social scientists to design dockside intercept survey.
- Recruited, trained, and mentored project interns.
- Developed a multi-mode approach to communication including producing project videos and a project website that has received over 7,000 views.
Environmental Science Intern
National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration
Santa Cruz, CA
10.2014 - 12.2015
- Sampled salmonids using electrofishing and surveyed streams for redds.
- Collected and processed invertebrate samples using drift net and gastric lavage.
- Collected rockfish on hook and line surveys and collected biological samples.
Assistant Research Scientist
University Of Washington
Seattle, WA
03.2020 - Current
- Utilized expertise in ecology, biology, biochemistry, and quantitative analysis to research life history of fish species to inform sustainable resource management, all while working 80% remotely.
- Collect biological and biochemical data (age, maturity stage, and near infrared spectra of fish ovaries, otoliths, and vertebrae) from Gadus chalcogrammus, Merluccius productus, and Raja rhina.
- Analyze collected data in R using multivariate statistics to more efficiently estimate animal age and reproductive status relative to traditional methods. Shared code with a national group of over 30 collaborators.
- Collaborating with colleagues using GitLab to develop R package for biological applications of Raman spectroscopy.
- Perform research into study topics to increase knowledge and ability to provide valuable contributions.
- Provided input and development support for study protocol and data analysis carried out by other members of the research team.
- Produce, write, and deliver key scientific findings on feasibility of near-infrared spectroscopy methods to produce data for population assessments used to inform sustainable resource management.
Volunteer Project Manager/Scientific Consultant
Math Engineering And Science Acheivement (MESA)
Seattle, WA
09.2018 - 03.2020
- Volunteered to oversee the development of a lesson plan about environmental conservation in the Salish Sea to be taught in local schools and support MESA's mission to prepare underserved students to achieve success in STEM studies and careers.
- Spearheaded effort along with MESA staff to create paid undergraduate internship opportunity funded through the Puget Sound Rockfish Conservation Plan (EIS).
- Recruited and supervised an undergraduate employee.
- Identified plans and resources required to meet project goals and objectives by setting realistic timelines and checkpoints.
- Forged relationships with local agencies, NGOs, and public schools.
- Connected with local educators and inspired them to incorporate lesson plan into their curriculum.
Assistant Teacher
University Of Washington
Seattle, WA
09.2019 - 12.2019
- Partnered with teacher to implement curriculum, goals, and philosophies for a class of over 50 students enrolled in “Conservation and Management of Aquatic Resources”.
- Taught lectures on environmental conservation.
- Led weekly 3-hour laboratory sessions including a short lecture and hands-on learning activities.
- Provided mentorship and support through weekly office hours and one-on-one meetings. Tutored struggling students individually and in small groups to reinforce learning concepts.
- Graded all assignments and provided detailed feedback to facilitate learning.
Contract Laboratory Technician
National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration
Seattle, WA
01.2016 - 09.2017
- Assisted in collaborative research between NOAA and the fishing industry on the biology of a Pacific marine species, the Atka mackerel.
- Collected and processed biological data and samples including gonads, stomachs, and tissue samples.
- Conducted histological analysis of oocyte development in the laboratory; analyzed diet and identified prey species including zooplankton and small fishes.
- Co-authored a publication that found evidence for competition-driven growth of Atka mackerel.
Education
Master of Science - Aquatic And Fishery Sciences
09.2017 - 03.2020
- Thesis: "Growth and maturity of Longnose Skates (Raja rhina) along the North American west coast"
- Advisor: Dr. Timothy Essington
Bachelor of Arts - Biology, English
01.2011 - 05.2014
- Graduated magna cum laude
- Majored in Biology / Minored in English
- Elected Captain of Western Equestrian Team
- Awarded Abby Howe Turner Award for outstanding research in Biological Sciences.
- Awarded Miller Worley Center for the Enviornment Fellowship for the study of diverse and inderdisciplinary environmental issues.
Skills
Statistical analysis and data visualization in R
Project Coordination
Experiment Design
Collaboration
Database design and management in MS Access
Spectroscopy
ArcGIS and TMB
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Accomplishments
- Matta, M.E., K. Rand, M.B. Arrington , B. Black. “Competition-driven growth of Atka Mackerel in the Aleutian Islands ecosystem revealed by an otolith biochronology.” Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Sciences (2020).
- Bellquist, L., S. Beyer, M.B. Arrington , J. Maeding, A. Siddall, P. Fischer, J. Hyde, N.C. Wegner. “Effectiveness of descending devices to mitigate the effects of barotrauma among rockfishes (Sebastes spp.) in California recreational fisheries.” Fisheries Research 215 (2019).
In Preparation: - Arrington, M.B. , T.E. Helser, I. Benson, T.E. Essington, M.E. Matta, A. Punt. “Rapid age estimation of Longnose Skate (Raja rhina) vertebrae using near infrared spectroscopy.” Anticipated submission: 2021.
- Arrington, M.B. , T.E. Essington, M.E. Matta, A. Punt, T.E. Helser, C. Gburski. “Spatial variability in the growth and maturity of Longnose Skates (Raja rhina) along the North American west coast.” Anticipated submission: 2021.
Timeline
Assistant Research Scientist - University Of Washington
03.2020 - Current
Assistant Teacher - University Of Washington
09.2019 - 12.2019
Volunteer Project Manager/Scientific Consultant - Math Engineering And Science Acheivement (MESA)
09.2018 - 03.2020
University Of Washington - Master of Science, Aquatic And Fishery Sciences
09.2017 - 03.2020
Graduate Student Researcher - University of Washington
09.2017 - 03.2020
Co-Chair - Students Explore Aquatic Sciences Outreach Group
09.2017 - 03.2020
Contract Laboratory Technician - National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration
01.2016 - 09.2017
Contract Project Coordinator - National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration
04.2015 - 12.2015
Environmental Science Intern - National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration
10.2014 - 12.2015
Mount Holyoke College - Bachelor of Arts, Biology, English
01.2011 - 05.2014