SYDNEY LUITGAARDEN
Honolulu,HI
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Marine Debris Technician
Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project
Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Monument
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
Honolulu, HI
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
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
Honolulu, HI
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)
Kāneʻohe, HI
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
Ithaca, NY
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
Kāneʻohe, HI
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
Honolulu, HI
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, HI06.2024
B. S.c - Marine Biology
University of Hawaiʻi
Honolulu, HI2019
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