Pooja Datta Pednekar

  • pednekar.po@northeastern.edu
  • United States
  • 26/06/2024
Laboratory, Field work Conservation and ecology Communication Environmental education Marine research Oceanography Water and hydrology

Personal Summary

I am a passionate and accomplished marine biologist with a Master of Science in Marine Biology from Northeastern University’s prestigious Three Seas Program. My diverse research experience spans across the New England, Caribbean, and Pacific Northwest ecosystems, where I have conducted impactful studies on nutrient enrichment in intertidal marshes and the biodiversity of marine fauna and flora. I possess advanced skills in scientific diving, underwater photography, and ecological surveying, combined with a robust background in lab techniques and data analysis using RStudio and ArcGIS.

Throughout my career, I have successfully managed research projects, led fieldwork, and developed innovative protocols that have significantly improved the accuracy and efficiency of ecological studies. My commitment to marine conservation is demonstrated through my extensive outreach and education efforts, including teaching high school students, training local citizens in marine science, and presenting at national conferences.

With certifications in scientific diving, CPR/AED/First Aid, and advanced diving, I am well-prepared for challenging underwater research and conservation tasks. My dedication to environmental education and science communication further underscores my commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems. I am now eager to leverage my expertise, passion, and innovative approach to drive meaningful conservation initiatives and contribute to the preservation of our precious marine environments.

Work Experience

Research Assistant, Helmuth Lab
Feb 2024 - Present Marine Science Center, Northeastern University

·        Manage tank cleaning and tank maintenance schedules for over 50 sea stars, urchins, and crabs.

·        Experience in raising sea star larvae and managing the care, feeding, and maintenance of various marine invertebrates in tanks.

·        Collect physical and microscopic photographic data of sea stars, including aspect ratios measurements.

·        Dissect marine organisms for morphological and physical analysis to obtain data on factors such as pollution levels, disease prevalence, and the impacts of environmental stressors on marine life.

·        Process images (ImageJ software) for further data analysis in R and develop a repository for descriptive features.

·        Collaborate with the NEU outreach team to educate high school students across greater Boston on marine biodiversity data collection techniques; facilitate exploration of intertidal ecosystems in New England.

Research Intern, Bowen Lab
Jul 2023 - Dec 2023 Marine Science Center, Northeastern University

·        Worked on an NSF funded project at two Long-term Ecological Research sites in Plum Island Ecosystems, Rowley, MA and North Inlet Estuary, SC.

·        Collected and analyzed 800 porewater samples from experimental salt marsh plots, measured the aboveground biomass and determined photosynthetic rates of the marsh plants.

·        Managed monthly field session schedules, ensuring seamless operations by preparing reagents and organizing necessary equipment for sample collection and after storage.

·        Demonstrated proficiency in laboratory procedures, conducted standardized spectrophotometric analyses for nutrients, and maintained lab equipment while adhering to safety protocols.

·        Reorganized the lab and field protocols for more effective nutrient measurements to obtain highest accuracy.

Research Assistant/Program Manager
Nov 2018 - Aug 2022 Marine Life of Palghar District

·    Mapped the biodiversity of marine fauna and flora found in the intertidal zone along west coast of India; increased the district’s research and outreach activities by 80%.

·    Led in planning, management and successful running of the project and oversaw the assignment of fieldwork duties, developed backup plans for unsuccessful field days, and presented data in front of audiences for 400 intertidal and coastal species.

·    Managed the acquisition of data through manual and photographic evidence. Focusing on two major groups: invertebrates and algal species in the coastal wetlands, including mangrove forests, and the intertidal and subtidal zone leading to baseline database.

·    Promoted citizen science by involving local students and interested citizens in marine ecosystems.

Education

Masters of Science in Marine Biology
Sep 2022 - Dec 2023 Northeastern University, Boston
Bachelors of Science in Zoology
Aug 2018 - Jun 2021 University of Mumbai

Name and surname

Pooja Pednekar

Nationality

Indian

Years of experience

1-3 years

Are you looking for a job in:

In my country of residence

Additional training

AAUS Scientific Diver (50 dives), PADI Open Water Diver (4 dives), PADI Advanced Water Diver (6 dives), Diving First Aid for Professional Divers, CPR and AED.                                                                                 

Language (indicate level)

  • English- Advanced Level
  • Hindi- Advanced Level
  • Marathi- Advanced Level
  • Konkani- Intermediate Level

Digital competences (indicate level)

  • RStudio and R-cloud data analysis (univariate statistical analysis, R markdown, querying and plotting data)- Intermediate Level
  • ArcGIS (mapping and analyses)- Intermediate Level
  • BioTek Gen5- Advanced Level
  • Microsoft Office/Office365- Advanced Level
  • Adobe Photoshop- Advanced Level
  • Adobe Lightroom- Advanced Level
  • iNaturalist, CoralNet, ImageJ- Advanced Level

Personal website / LinkedIN

https://www.linkedin.com/in/poojapednekar2243/