Amy Burgess
Education/Research Experience Curriculum Vitae
EDUCATION
2011-Present: PhD in Marine Biology, University of Oregon, Oregon Institute of Marine
Biology, Charleston, OR.
2009-2011: M.S. in Environmental Science, Marine and Estuarine Science Program,
Western Washington University, Shannon Point Marine Center, Bellingham &
Anacortes, WA.
Graduation: December 2011
2004-2009: B.S. in Integrative Biology, Brigham Young University (BYU), Provo, UT
Graduation: August 2009
2008: Marine Science Coursework, Western Washington University, Shannon Point
Marine Center (MIMSUP), Anacortes, WA
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
2012-present: Larval morphotype identification and quantification from deep-sea cold
seep sites in the Barbados Accretionary Prism (OIMB, Charleston, OR)
2012: Early life history development of the Nemertean Prochepalotrix spiralis (OIMB,
Charleston, OR)
2011: Larval and adult identification of Nemerteans using molecular techniques (OIMB,
Charleston, OR)
2011: Research Assistant: Padilla Bay eelgrass biomass monitoring project.
(Padilla Bay NERR, Bay View, WA)
2009-2011: Vectoring algal toxin in marine planktonic food webs: sorting out
nutritional deficiency from toxicity effects (SPMC, Anacortes, WA) *Masters
Thesis
2010 Research Assistant: The effects of ocean acidification on zoeal development
(SPMC, Anacortes, WA)
2009: Research Assistant: Behavioral responses of various barnacle species to the
presence of a predator (BYU, OIMB, Charleston, OR)
2008: The effects of starvation on the nutritional value of brine shrimp nauplii as prey
for larval crabs (SPMC, Anacortes, WA)
2007: Directed Research: Brook Trout life history and species interaction (BYU, Provo,
UT)
2007: Research Assistant: Barnacle morphology and development (OIMB, Charleston,
OR)
2006: Directed Research: Predator/Prey interactions focusing on limpets (OIMB,
Charleston, OR)
INSTRUCTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Teaching Assistantships:
2012, 2013 & 2014: Marine Biology: Subtidal and Deep-Sea Ecology (BIOL 457) UO;
attended lectures, graded assignments, prepared for classes and field work.
2011 & 2012: Marine Environmental Issues (BIOL 457), UO; attended lectures, graded
assignments, oversaw student project work.
2011: Marine Invertebrates & Their Environment (ESCI 426), WWU; assisted in lab
section of class, assisted in boat field trips.
2011 & 2010: Biostatistical Analysis (ESCI 340), WWU; attended lectures, graded
homework assignments, prepared project material, held office hours.
2010: Natural History of the Pacific Northwest (ESCI 330), WWU; attended lectures,
graded assignments, held office hours, instructed students during field trips
2010: Biogeochemistry of Marine Sediments (ESCI 444), WWU; attended various
lectures, prep for lab, collected field samples for lab
2010: Estuarine Ecology (ESCI 522), WWU; scan articles, prep lab material
2009: Oceanography Lab (ESCI 322), WWU; attended/assisted labs, graded
assignments, prepared lab materials, held office hours.
2009: Environmental Studies: A Scientific Approach (ESCI 101), WWU; attended
lectures, graded assignments and exams.
2009: Introduction to Marine Biology (Bio 352), BYU: attended lectures, prepared
lecture material, held office hours, graded assignments/exams.
2008: Advanced Invertebrate Zoology (Bio 442), BYU: attended lectures, prepared
lecture material.
2007-2009: Animal Diversity (Inbio 341/Bio 220A), BYU: attended lectures, prepared
lecture material, graded exams
2007 & 2009: Marine Ecology (Inbio 452), BYU, OIMB: assisted with field studies,
lectures and grading.
2007 & 2009: Development of Marine Animals (Inbio 453), BYU, OIMB: assisted with
lectures, grading and embryology projects.
2007 & 2009: Marine Biology Directed Research (Inbio 494R), BYU, OIMB: directed and
oversaw undergraduate research.
2005: Principles of Biology (Biol 100), BYU: attended lecture, instructed weekly lab
group, gave quizzes, graded assignments & exams, held weekly office hours.
Other:
2010: Research Mentor: assisted in advising research of a community college student
from COSEE program.
2007-2009: Lab Coordinator for Animal Diversity (Inbio 341/Bio 220A), BYU: Set up
labs, organized class instruction for each lab, oversaw graduate and
undergraduate TAs
GRANTS, HONORS, AWARDS, & SCHOLARSHIPS
2013: Neil Richmond Fellowship, Oregon Sea Grant $1000
2013-present : Student Representative – TOS Council, elected by members of TOS
2012-2015: ASLO Student Board Member, elected by members of ASLO for a three
year position on the ASLO board
2011, 2012, 2013, 2014: ASLO Multicultural Program Participant, funding to cover all
fees (registration, lodging, food, travel) to participate and present at the
ASLO/OS meetings
2011-present: Graduate Teaching Fellowship, UO, full tuition, research stipend
2012: University of Oregon Sustainability Fund, grant awarded to help make the
Oregon Institute of Marine Biology a more sustainable campus through recycling
and community gardening efforts ($4304)
2011: DeSSC (Deep Submergence Science Committee) travel award ($300) for
attendance at the fall meeting as part of the early career DeSCC scientists
2011-2012: Graduate School Promising Scholar Award, UO, scholarship for past
experiences and showing promise for outstanding new students ($6600)
2011-present: Student representative (The Oceanography Society) to the organizing
committee for 2012 Ocean Science Meeting (TOS/ASLO/AGU)
2009-2011: Full Teaching Assistantship, WWU, tuition wavier, research stipend
2009-2011: MSPHDs member, NSF/NASA funded program for minorities pursuing
higher degrees in earth system sciences
2010-2011: WAML (Western Association of Marine Laboratories) travel award
recipient: $500 for travel to a conference to present research.
2010: Ross Travel Grant: $250 for travel to a conference to present research
2010: Blinn Scholarship for a graduate student studying marine science, WWU, Huxley
College ($1500)
2009: Speaker at BYU Graduation Convocation, Life Sciences College
2009: Strut Your Stuff Internship “Most Creative Display Award” ($250)
2008: BYU Academic Scholarship: half tuition
2008: Office of Research and Creative Activities (ORCA) grant ($1500): for
undergraduate research on brook trout
2008: Multicultural Initiative in the Marine Sciences: Undergraduate Participation
(MIMSUP), National Science Foundation grant: Marine Science instruction and
research experience
2005: Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society member: for academic excellence at BYU
2004-2009: BYU Multicultural Student Services Academic & Leadership Scholarship:
full tuition & books
PRESENTATIONS
2012: Poster Presentation: Ocean Science Meeting. “Vectoring algal toxin in marine
planktonic food webs: a look at nutritional deficiencies, feeding rates, and toxicity
effects“ Salt Lake City, UT.
2011: Poster Presentation: Deep Submergence Science Committee (DeSSC).
“Vectoring algal toxin in marine planktonic food webs, current and future
research” San Francisco, CA.
2011: Oral Presentation: Western Society of Naturalists. “Vectoring algal toxin in marine
planktonic food webs: a look at nutritional deficiencies and toxicity effects”
Vancouver, WA.
2011: Oral Presentation: Western Washington University. “Vectoring algal toxin in
marine planktonic food webs: sorting out nutritional deficiency from toxicity
effects” Master’s Thesis presentation. Bellingham, WA.
2011: Oral Presentation: Padilla Bay NERR. “Vectoring algal toxin in marine planktonic
food webs: a look at feeding rates, selective feeding, nutritional deficiencies, and
toxicity effects” Bay View, WA.
2011: Poster Presentation: National Science Foundation. “Vectoring algal toxin in
marine planktonic food webs: sorting out nutritional deficiency from toxicity
effects” Washington, DC.
2011: Oral Presentation: National Science Foundation. “Amy Burgess: an update on
research and education” Washington, DC.
2011: Poster Presentation: Huxley Graduate Research Conference: “Vectoring algal
toxin in marine planktonic food webs: sorting out nutritional deficiency from
toxicity effects” Bellingham, WA
2011: Oral Presentation: ASLO meeting. “Vectoring algal toxin in marine planktonic
food webs: sorting out nutritional deficiency from toxicity effects” San Juan,
Puerto Rico
2010: Poster Presentation: WSN meeting. “Vectoring algal toxin in marine planktonic
food webs: sorting out nutritional deficiency from toxicity effects” San Diego, CA
2009: Poster Presentation: Strut Your Stuff Internship. “MIMSUP: Preparing for
Graduate School.” Provo, UT
2008: Poster Presentation: Pacific Estuarine Research Society (PERS). “The effects of
starvation on the nutritional value of brine shrimp nauplii as prey for larval crabs.”
Newport, OR
2008: Oral Presentation: NOAA, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine
Fisheries Service. “The effects of starvation on the nutritional value of brine
shrimp nauplii as prey for larval crabs.” Seattle, WA
2008: Poster Presentation: Sigma Xi Research Poster Session. “The nutritional value of
starved brine shrimp nauplii as prey for larval crabs.” Bellingham, WA.
2008: Oral Presentation: MIMSUP Symposium. “The nutritional value of starved brine
shrimp nauplii as prey for larval crabs.” Anacortes, WA.
2006: Oral Presentation: BYU/OIMB Symposium. “Defensive mechanisms of the limpet
Collisella limatula to various cohabiting species.” Charleston, OR.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
2012-present: Volunteer: Volunteer scientific SCUBA diver for the Oregon Coast
Aquarium. Help with cleaning and maintenance of tanks and exhibits at the
aquarium
2012: Outreach: Speaker at local high school. Discussed higher education
opportunities with high school students from underrepresented groups.
2011 & 2012: Outreach: Octoberfish, helped run plankton building station and touch
tanks for local community members.
2011 & 2010: Outreach: Bivalve Bash, prepared and helped run invertebrate touch
tanks, answered questions, transported critters & other volunteers to & from the
marine center.
2011 & 2010: Outreach: Kids are Best Fest, prepared and helped run a booth about
Shannon Point Marine Center and marine science, helped with seaweed &
invertebrate touch tanks, answered questions.
2011: Outreach: Assistant for local eco-cruise. Helped 6th grade students learn
oceanography tools (plankton tows, water quality, watershed) aboard the R/V
Snowgoose.
2011: Outreach: Judge for the local Anacortes home school science fair. Judged
science fair projects for kids ranging from 1st-12th grade.
2010: COSEE workshop: helped with logistics of workshop (food planning, copies for
workshops), attended various sections of the workshop, assisted with field trips.
2010: Outreach: Helped students from Seattle intercity high schools press algae, learn
about the marine environment and learn about college.
2009: Freshman Retreat: Mentored BYU multicultural freshman during a weekend
retreat. Discussed the importance of culture and a college education, ran
workshops for communication and study skills.
2008: Outreach program: Developed and taught weekly marine science units to 2nd
grade students in the Anacortes School District. Topics included tides, marine
organisms, marine habitats and conservation.
2007: Utah Federation of the Blind: Taught visually impaired grade school students
about marine organisms, hands on lab work.
2006: BYU Marine Aquaria: Cleaned tanks, regulation of salinity, temperature, & water
flow. Fed critters.
MEMBERSHIPS, ORGANIZATIONS, CLUBS
ASLO (Association of the Sciences of Limnology & Oceanography) – Elected as ASLO
student board member (2012-2015)
TOS (The Oceanography Society) – Student Representative for Ocean Science
Meeting 2012
AGU (American Geophysical Union)
WSN (Western Society of Naturalists)
OMSA: Oregon Marine Student Association – Co-president (2014-present)
Past Membership:
WIS – WWU Chapter (Women in Science)
GRASP (GRAduate students at Shannon Point) – Western Ambassador
GRWG (Graduate Research Working Group) - WWU
SKILLS
SCUBA Certification:
AAUS (American Academy for Underwater Sciences)
Open Water
Advanced Open Water
Rescue Diver
Nitrox
Red Cross CPR, First Aid & EMS
Laboratory Skills: basic lab skills & culture maintenance, Gas Chromatography,
Elemental Analysis, otolith-aging techniques, SEM basics, epiflourescence
microscopy, mass algal culturing/media maintenance, experienced dissection
skills, DNA extraction, PCR, confocal microscopy
Photography & Image Analysis: image capture, length measurements, macrophotography
Computer Programs: Excel, SigmaPlot, ImagePro Software, PowerPoint, Access,
SPSS, PAUP, Photoshop, MicroSuite, GIS basics, Codon Code Aligner,
MOCNESS
Field Methods: CTD, HAPS corer, MOCNESS, XBT
Special Field Methods:
Research Cruise (off Barbados, May 2011), R/V Oceanus, CTD, XBT, mooring
deployment, larval identification & sorting.
Phantom ROV: intensive training in operation & maintenance of Phantom
DHD2+2 ROV.
Research Cruise (Barbados, May-June 2012), R/V Atlantis, MOCNESS tech,
CTD, XBT
Research Cruise (off North Carolina, October 2012), R/V Cape Hatteras, deepsea mooring deployment, XBT
Research Cruise (Gulf of Mexico, November 2013) R/V Pelican, CTD, mooring
deployment
Suspended Particulate Rosette Sampler (SUPR): intensive training in operation
& maintenance of SUPR Sampler used in conjunction with AUV Sentry
Research Cruise (Gulf of Mexico, May/June 2014) R/V Atlantis, MOCNESS tech,
SUPR Sampler, Alvin dive