Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certifications
Additional Information
Hobbies
Timeline
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SYDNEY LUITGAARDEN

Honolulu,HI

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience

Work History

Marine Debris Technician

Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project
05.2022 - 10.2023
  • Free diving removal of large net conglomerates from reefs
  • Operations of small boats in variable weather and open ocean conditions
  • Swimming surveys of remote reefs
  • Remote area boat navigation
  • Launching and recovery of small boats from the ship
  • Boat maintenance and outboard motor repair
  • Troubleshooting outboard engine issues
  • Repairs of inflatable boat hull
  • Boat built out and and modifications to meet mission needs
  • Total of 120 days at sea

Head Teaching Assistant

Hawaiʻi Pacific University
01.2021 - 05.2022
  • Grade assignments and tests
  • Host classes to explain general topics in biology
  • Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain positive learning environment
  • Tutored struggling students individually and in small groups to reinforce learning concepts.

Beach cleanup coordinator assistant

Surfrider Oʻahu
02.2021 - 06.2023
  • Organization of beach cleanups and data collection
  • Collection of marine debris data including weight, type, and origin
  • Supervision and organization of beach cleanups
  • Collection of environmental data
  • Educating the public and volunteers about marine debris

Data specialist

Ballast Water Biofouling Program, Kupu AmeriCorps
09.2019 - 08.2020
  • Collection and analysis of data from field surveys
  • Perform biosecurity risk assessments
  • Statistical analysis
  • Retrieval and monitoring of settlement plates
  • Taxonomic Identification of coral, algae, and invertebrate species
  • Collection and identification of phytoplankton and zooplankton

Independent Researcher

Our Projects In Hawaii's Intertidal (OPIHI)
08.2018 - 05.2019
  • Managed team of researchers to complete given surveying and data collection tasks
  • Performed research on mullet diet to increase knowledge and to provide valuable contributions
  • Invasive species research
  • Habitat rehabilitation and restoration
  • Isotope analysis of benthic samples and mullet species tissue
  • Water nutrients analysis
  • Capture of native and invasive species through traditional Hawaiian net throwing
  • Benthic surveying


Research Technician

Cornell University
06.2018 - 07.2018
  • Dissection of different surgeonfish species digestive systems
  • DAPI and BAC light staining of digestive system samples
  • Designing primers for carbohydrate active enzymes through geneious
  • Testing designed primers on unknown samples of DNA
  • Worked both independently and collaboratively in fast-paced laboratory environment.

Research Assistant

Hawaiʻi Institute Of Marine Biology
01.2018 - 05.2018
  • Population structure of intestinal parasites in Acanthurus triostegus
  • Tobo lab at Hawaiʻi Institute of marine Biology
  • Collection of parasitic nematodes

Endangered Species Responder

Hawaiian Marine Mammal Association
09.2016 - 05.2018
  • Responding to sightings of Hawaiian monk seals
  • Analyzing the severity of human disturbance
  • Placing a secured area around hauled-out monk seals
  • Providing education to the public
  • Collecting health data and Hawaiian monk seal identification


Education

M.S. - Marine Science

Hawaiʻi Pacific University
Waimanalo, HI
06.2024

B. S.c - Marine Biology

University of Hawaiʻi
Honolulu, HI
2019

Skills

  • Microsoft Office
  • R studio
  • Linux
  • Geneious

Certifications

  • AAUS Scientific Diver
  • Motorboat Operator Training Course
  • Open Water Module
  • Diving First Aid for Professionals
  • Performance Freediving International

Additional Information

  • 2022 Recipient, of the International Women's Fish Association Diane Locke Memorial Scholarship
  • 2022 MSMS Symposium awards for Best Oral Presentation

Hobbies

  • Hiking, camping, backpacking, and rock climbing
  • Epoxy work, woodwork, and painting
  • Scuba diving and freediving

Timeline

Marine Debris Technician

Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project
05.2022 - 10.2023

Beach cleanup coordinator assistant

Surfrider Oʻahu
02.2021 - 06.2023

Head Teaching Assistant

Hawaiʻi Pacific University
01.2021 - 05.2022

Data specialist

Ballast Water Biofouling Program, Kupu AmeriCorps
09.2019 - 08.2020

Independent Researcher

Our Projects In Hawaii's Intertidal (OPIHI)
08.2018 - 05.2019

Research Technician

Cornell University
06.2018 - 07.2018

Research Assistant

Hawaiʻi Institute Of Marine Biology
01.2018 - 05.2018

Endangered Species Responder

Hawaiian Marine Mammal Association
09.2016 - 05.2018

M.S. - Marine Science

Hawaiʻi Pacific University

B. S.c - Marine Biology

University of Hawaiʻi

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SYDNEY LUITGAARDEN