Shelby Anne Rinehart
Graduate Group in Ecology, University of California Davis
2350 Storer Hall, One Shields Ave, Davis CA
(W) 860 318-1746, Email: srinehar@ucdavis.edu
EDUCATION
2013-present- San Diego State University and University of California, Davis; Graduate Group in Ecology
 Doctorate in Ecology; GPA: 3.8/4.0 (SDSU); 4.0/4.0 (UCD)
 Advisors: Jeremy Long and Donald Strong
2009-2013- University of Rhode Island; College of the Environment and Life Sciences
 Bachelors of Science in Biological Sciences; GPA: 3.93/4.0
 Summa Cum Laude
 Advisors: Evan Preisser and Carol Thornber
2012- University of Edinburgh; College of Biological Sciences
 Ecology and Plant Sciences Track; GPA: 3.57/4.0
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
2014-Present- University of California, Davis; College of Agriculture
Research Assistant: Supervisor- Jeremy Long and Donald Strong
 Design experimental methods to assess ladybeetle omnivory
 Use JMP to conduct multivariate and univariate statistical analysis
 Organize and prepare data for publication in a peer-reviewed journal
2013-2014- San Diego State University; Coastal and Marine Institute Laboratory
Research Assistant: Supervisor- Jeremy Long
 Established protocols for creating non-lethal ladybeetle predators
 Built and optimized an olfactometer for use in beetle perception experiments
 Trained two undergraduates and one high school student in experimental design and statistical theory
2009-2014- University of Rhode Island; College of the Environment and Life Sciences
Research Assistant: Supervisor- Carol Thornber
 Conducted monthly algal surveys using quadrat methodology
 Developed a long-term study using settlement tiles to assess algal settlement and community dynamics
 Optimized microsatellite methods for bloom-forming algal species
 Extracted DNA using CTAB methods for over 200 samples
 Ran PCR and Gel electrophoresis on over 200 samples
 Trained 6 undergraduate students on quadrat methodology and algal species identification
Field Assistant: Supervisor- Jason Kolbe
 Monitored the mating behaviors of Anolis lizards for 30 minute increments
 Designed insect sampling regimes using sticky traps and bowel traps
 Set up industrial lighting equipment in plots to assess effect of anthropogenic light on lizard behavior
NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates: Supervisor- Laura Meyerson
 Maintained common gardens containing approximately 1000 plants in Rhode Island and Denmark
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 Designed insect cages for assessing impacts of aphids on an invasive reed
 Extracted DNA from 900 delicate herbarium samples using CTAB methods
 Built and managed a library containing over 1000 plant samples
NSF SURF EPSCoR Fellow: Supervisors- Carol Thornber and Michele Guidone
 Developed and executed algal competition experiments between two isomorphic algal species
 Demonstrated knowledge of algal species diversity in Rhode Island waters
 Conducted mass spectrometry analysis for chlorophyll concentations in algal samples
 Used a muffle furnace to determine organic content of samples
Coastal and Environmental Fellow; The Nature Conservancy: Supervisor- Chris Littlefield
 Surveyed the sexual ripeness of clams using a published condition index
 Conducted surveys of clam survival using SCUBA and quadrat methodology
 Maintained and operated a 16ft flat-bottom boat
 Developed methods and conducted a pond-wide survey of bivalve diversity using SCUBA, quadrat
methodology, and a suction sampler
PUBLICATIONS
5. Rinehart, S., and J. D. Long. Non-consumptive effects of omnivorous ladybeetles on an immobile salt
marsh Insect pest. In Prep.
4. Guidone, M., S. Rinehart, T. Schollmeier and C. Thornber. Competition between two
morphologically similar bloom-forming Ulva species in Narragansett Bay, RI. Marine Ecology Progress
Series. In Prep.
3. Meyerson, L.A., C. Lambertini, M, Lučanová, S. Rinehart, H. Brix, J. Suda, P. Pyšek, and
J.T. Cronin. Implications for invasion resulting from phylogeographically based variation
in nuclear genome size and plant defense in Phragmites. In Prep.
2. Oczkowski, A., C. Thornber, E.E. Markham, R. Rossi, A. Ziegler, and S. Rinehart. 2014.
Testing sample stability using four storage methods and the macroalgae Ulva and Gracilaria.
Limnology and Oceanography Methods. In Press
1. Rinehart, S., M. Guidone, A. Ziegler, T. Schollmeier, and C. Thornber. 2014. Overwintering
strategies of bloom-forming Ulva species in Narragansett Bay, RI. Botanica Marina 57 (4) 337-341
ORAL/POSTER PRESENTATIONS
13. Rinehart, S., and J. D. Long. “Predators going green: Flowers reduce the consumptive effects of
omnivorous beetles responsible for a trophic cascade”. UC Davis Ecology Graduate Student Research
Symposium, February 14, 2015.
12. Rinehart, S., and J. D. Long. “Predators going green: Flowers reduce the consumptive
effects of omnivorous beetles responsible for a trophic cascade”. Scientific Oral Presentation at the
Western Society of Naturalists meeting, November 15, 2014.
11. Meyerson, L.A., C. Lambertini, M, Lučanová, S. Rinehart, H. Brix, J. Suda, P. Pyšek, and J.T. Cronin.
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“Implications for invasion resulting from phylogeographically based variation in nuclear genome size
and plant defense in Phragmites” Scientific Oral Presentation at the NEOBIOTA meeting, November 4,
2014.
10. Long, J.D., S. Rinehart, L.P. Miller. “Flip it and reverse it: Intertidal elevation switches the impact of
herbivores on Spartina growth”. Scientific Oral Presentation at the Western Society of Naturalist
Meeting, November 8, 2013
9. Rinehart, S., M. Guidone, C. Thornber. “Overwintering strategies of Ulva spp. in Narragansett Bay,
RI”. Scientific Oral Presentation at the Western Society of Naturalists Meeting, November 8, 2013
8. Thornber, C., S. Rinehart, M. Guidone, and J.D. Swanson. “Ecological dynamics of Ulva
macroalgal blooms”. Scientific Oral Presentation at the Phycological Society of America Meeting,
August 4-10, 2013.
7. Rinehart, S., M. Guidone, C. Thornber. “Overwintering strategies of Ulva spp. in Narragansett Bay,
RI”. Scientific Oral Presentation at the North Eastern Algal Symposium, April 20, 2013
6. Guidone, M., S. Rinehart, and C, Thornber. “Impacts of competition and herbivory on the growth of
two bloom-forming Ulva species in Narragansett Bay, RI”. Scientific Oral Presentation at the Annual
Meeting of the Phycological Society of America, June 2012
5. Ziegler, A., S. Rinehart, M. Guidone, T. Schollmeier and C. Thornber. “Bloom-forming Ulva species
overwinter primarily as fragments in Narragansett Bay, RI”. Scientific Poster at the North Eastern Algal
Symposium, April 12, 2012
4. Guidone, M., S. Rinehart, and C. Thornber. “Competition between two morphologically similar bloomforming Ulva species in Narragansett Bay, RI”. Scientific Oral Presentation at the Benthic Ecology
Meeting, March 2012
3. Rinehart, S., M. Guidone and C. Thornber. “Competition between two Ulva species in
Narragansett Bay, RI”. Scientific poster presented at the EPSCoR poster conference,
July 30, 2011.
2. Rinehart, S., M. Guidone and C. Thornber. “Overwintering stratagies of Ulva species in
Narragansett Bay, RI”. Scientific poster presented at the North Eastern Algal Symposium,
April 16, 2011.
1. Rinehart, S., S. Kloeblen and J. Opton-Himmel. “Monitoring the hard clam, Mercenaria
mercenaria, population in Ninigret pond”. Scientific poster presented at the University of Rhode Island
Coastal Fellows Poster presentation, December 11, 2010.
INVITED TALKS
2. Rinehart, S., and J.D. Long. “Trophic interactions in southern California salt marshes”. San Diego State
University, Marine Ecology and Biology Student Association Ignite Talks, August 28, 2014
1. Rinehart,S., and J.D. Long. “Trophic interactions in the restored marsh at San Dieguito River Park”.
San Dieguito River Park, July 17, 2014
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FUNDING AWARDS
2014
Jastro-Shields Research Award; “What you can’t see can hurt you: Salt marshes, interspecific indirect
genetic effects, and omnivores” (one year, 1,592.00)
Career Discovery Fellowship, University of California, Davis; College of Agriculture (one year, 7,000.00)
SDSU Joint Doctoral Program in Ecology Research Grant “Indirect interactions in marine soft-sediment
habitats” (one year, 1,500.00)
Student Research Grant, Society of Wetland Scientists; “The role of a tri-trophic cascade in structuring
southern California salt marshes” (one year, 1,000.00)
Award in Coastal Wetland Studies, Garden Club of America; “It’s a bug-eat-bug world: the role of lady
beetles in structuring southern California salt marshes” (one year, 5,000.00)
SDSU Joint Doctoral Program in Ecology Research Grant; “The role of top-down regulation in structuring
southern California salt marsh communities” (one year, 1,000.00)
2013
California Sea Grant Traineeship; “Scale insects: Emergent threats to salt marsh restoration”
(one year, 21,298.28)
EPSCoR Undergraduate Research Funding; “The ecology of Ulva spp. blooms in Narragansett Bay, RI” (six
months, 1,500.00)
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (Honorable Mention); “Comparing the overwintering strategies of two
isomorphic bloom-forming Ulva spp. using a molecular approach”
2012
The University of Rhode Island Stanley Cobb Endowment; “Microscopic propagules as a method of Ulva
spp. overwintering” (one year, $400.00)
The University of Rhode Island Undergraduate Research Initiative; “Microscopic propagules as a method of
Ulva spp. overwintering” (one year, $1,000,00)
2011
The University of Rhode Island Stanley Cobb Endowment; “The overwintering methods of Ulva spp. in
Narragansett Bay” (one year, 500.00)
2010
The University of Rhode Island Undergraduate Research Initiative; “The overwintering strategies of Ulva
spp. in Narragansett Bay, RI” (one year, $1,000,00)
TEACHING AND MENTORING EXPERIENCE
2014- Present- University of California, Davis; College of Agriculture
Career Discovery Group Fellow
 Developed a course curriculum for a freshman seminar on success in college
 Created lesson plans on resume building, cover letter writing, and scientific communication
 Organized ‘Meet the Professionals’ career panel and career/job symposium
2014- San Diego State University; Coastal and Marine Institute Laboratory
Research Mentor
 Involved student in the foundations of experimental design and data analysis in JMP
 Instructed student in computer analysis techniques using Photoshop and Image J
 Supervised student’s independent project
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Biology Department Tutor
 Facilitated lessons highlighting key concepts and themes in ecology and biochemistry
 Designed a workshop for ecology students on aspects of scientific writing
2010-2013- University of Rhode Island, College of the Environment and Life Sciences
Senior Biology Mentor
 Advised over 1000 students in one-on-one or group settings on graduation requirements
 Created and maintained an online site with vital information for biology majors
 Constructed a booklet containing information on research and internship opportunities for biology
students
Supplemental Instruction Leader
 Developed lesson plans to reinforce concepts discussed in introductory biology lectures
 Coordinated instruction topics with introductory biology instructors
 Taught study and time management skills
URI 101 Student Mentor
 Designed activities to get freshmen students acquainted with the university
 Coordinated a beach clean-up and a volunteer experience at the universities agronomy farm
 Advised students regarding graduation requirements and extracurricular opportunities on campus
 For more information http://shelby-rinehart.wix.com/uri_101
INSTITUTIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
2014-Present- Joint Doctoral Program in Ecology (JDPE) Student Committee
Orientation Committee Chair
 Design a presentation to highlight unique aspects of the JDPE to incoming students
 Collaborate with JDPE administration to coordinate the program of events for orientation
2014-Present- University of California, Davis; Ecology Graduate Student Association
Graduate Student Association Representative
 Attend the monthly Graduate Student Association meetings
 Maintain a collection of notes to be shared at quarterly Ecology Graduate Student Association
Meetings
Ecology Graduate Student Research Symposium Volunteer
 Helped to set-up and organize on the day of the event
2013-Present- San Diego State University, Marine Ecology and Biology Student Association
Co-Chair
 Collaborate with the executive committee to plan the bi-annual seminar series
 Prepare grant proposals to fund outreach programs and seminar series
 Manage organizations webpage on Wordpress
 Coordinate panels on graduate school opportunities and careers in marine science
Open House Coordinator
 Prepared grant proposal to fund the 3rd Annual Open House Event
 Presented on behalf on organization to funding agency
 Worked with funding agency to order supplies and reimburse volunteers
 Maintained communication with all groups planning activities at the event
 Developed an exit survey to obtain quantitative data regarding visitor’s experience at the event
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2015- University of California, Davis; Graduate Group in Ecology Admissions Committee
Student Admissions Reviewer
 Provide recommendations of potential students’ admission status to admissions committee
 Review applications from applicants to the graduate program
2010-2013- University of Rhode Island, College of the Environment and Life Sciences (CELS)
CELS Ambassador
 Advised potential students regarding URI’s biology department, courses, and educational opportunities
 Organized a barbeque in the freshmen dorms for biology students, faculty, and staff
 Coordinated with CELS faculty to develop events on graduate school admissions, time management,
and study skills
Garrahy Guide
 Mentored a group of 25 students throughout their freshmen year of college
 Planned community-development type events in the freshmen dorms
Manuscript Reviewer: Ecology
OUTREACH FUNDING AWARDS
2015
Associated Students Union Board Funding; “Coastal and Marine Institute Laboratory’s Marine Science
Day” (four months, 3,000.00)
2014
Student Success Fee Academic Related Programs Award “Enhancing the Marine Ecology and Biology
Student Association’s Seminar Series” (six months, 6,000.00)
Instructionally Related Activities Fund; “Enhancing the Marine Ecology and Biology Student Association’s
Seminar Series” (one year, 1,000.00)
Associated Students Union Board Funding; “Third annual Coastal and Marine Institute Laboratory Open
House” (two months, 3,000.00)
EXTERNAL ACTIVITIES AND SERVICE
2013-Present- University of Rhode Island Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority, Beta Lambda
Alumni Chapter
Vice-President
 Developed chapter by-laws
 Coordinated the preparation of the chapter’s activation paperwork
 Maintain correspondence with all chapter alumni
2014- Ocean Discovery Institute (ODI)
STEM Speaker
 Talked to 3rd grade students about the importance of salt marsh habitats
 Lead students in exploring tidepools
 Taught students about animal adaptations to intertial habitats
2014- San Diego Natural History Museum, Botany Department
Volunteer
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Maintained a collection of several thousand pressed macroalgal specimens
Prepared the collection for digitalization through the Macroalgal Herbarium Consortium
2013- Tech Collective, GRRL Tech Interactive Technology Expo
Assistant Activity Coordinator
 Facilitated an activity highlighting marine microbial diversity
2009-2013- University of Rhode Island, Marine Science Society
Vice-President
 Coordinated trips to Aquariums throughout New England
 Planned field trips to local marine and coastal habitats
 Taught new members seining techniques, marine invertebrate and fish identification, and methods of
data collection
 Developed programs to enhance undergraduate involvement in on-campus research laboratories
Treasurer
 Developed an annual budget for events and activities
 Organized fundraising activities at university-wide events, such as Earth Day
2009-2013- University of Rhode Island, Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority, Beta Lambda
Collegiate Chapter
Scholarship Chair
 Maintained records of member’s scholastic achievement
 Guided members through scholarship and grant applications
 Organized a master-list of scholarships and grants applicable to our students
Treasurer
 Managed the checking account
 Handled all reimbursements
 Established an annual budget for all committees and chapter at large
Fundraising Chair
 Coordinated two large fundraising events
 Raised over $500 for the chapter
Alpha Class Pledge President
 Oversaw all decisions regarding event planning
 Ensured that all pledge class members met chapter requirements for sisterhood
2012- University of Edinburgh, Scottish Highland Dance Society
AWARDS
2014
Hillsborough Garden Club Scholar, Garden Club of America
Jastro-Shields Research Award, University of California, Davis Graduate Group in Ecology
2013
Alpha Research Award, URI Department of Biological Sciences
Alpha Service Award, URI Department of Biological Sciences
North Eastern Algal Society’s Presidents Award, North Eastern Algal Symposium
University Academic Excellence Award, URI Department of Biological Sciences
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R.D. Wood Memorial Award for Excellence in the Botanical Sciences, URI College of the Environment and
Life Sciences
2012
Harold Reimenschneider Award in Biology, URI Department of Biological Sciences
2011
Brett Santoro Memorial Scholarship, URI Department of Biological Sciences
J. Irvine Smir and A. Clark Scholarship, URI Department of Biological Sciences
2010
Harold Reimenschneider Award in Biology, URI Department of Biological Sciences
Browning Prize in Environmental Plant Biology, URI Department of Biological Sciences
Phi Eta Sigma Freshmen Honors Society, University of Rhode Island
SOCIETY MEMBERSHIPS
Ecological Society of America, Northeastern Algal Society, Phi Eta Sigma, San Diego Science Alliance, Sigma
Alpha, Sigma Xi, Society of Wetland Scientists, Western Society of Naturalists
SKILLS
Certifications: SCUBA Open Water Certification, Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI): Basic
Course; Investigators, Staff and Students and Basic Course: RCR for Physical Sciences Researchers
Computer: Microsoft Excel, Powerpoint, Movie Maker, JMP, SYSTAT, MYSTAT, and R Statistical Programs,
Delta Graph, Sigma Plot, HOBOware, Adobe Photoshop, and Image J.
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