Erin Horkan
Lab Technician/Researcher
Education
University of Washington (2013-2017)
B.S. Oceanography
B.A. Spanish
Experience
Marine Science Educator, Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reservce (2019-present)
- Led marine science education programs for 5-17 year olds on a remote island reserve
- Collected and identified fish for display aquariums
Shellfish Hatchery Technician, Washington Conservation Corps, Puget Sound Restoration Fund (Fall 2017-2018)
- Monitored development, growth and survival of larval, juvenile and adult Olympia Oysters in a hatchery setting
- Assisted with husbandry efforts for Pinto Abalone and Olympia Oysters
- Helped monitor and maintain over 40 tanks of juvenile sea cucumber and Pinto Abalone
- Researched and designed a feeding trial experiment to develop feeds for sea cucumbers
- Cultured microalgae to feed shellfish
Stream Sampling Technician, King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (Summer 2017)
- Worked with a field team of 5 to sample over 150 streams in King County, Washington
- Collected benthic macroinvertebrates using a Surber Net
- Measured stream flow, sediment composition, riparian cover, and identified invasive plants
Pelagic Ecosystems Research Apprentice, University of Washington, Friday Harbor Laboratories (Fall 2016)
- Counted and identified marine birds and mammals from a 58’ boat
- Deployed a Van Veen Grab from a 12’ boat to sample sediment and collect benthic fish
- Designed and conducted a manipulative variable experiment studying the effect of increased temperature on fish behavior and condition
- Wrote a formal scientific paper and gave a formal presentation of findings
Oregon Sea Grant Summer Scholar, Environmental Protection Agency, Hatfield Marine Science Center (Summer 2016)
- Reviewed scientific literature studying the impact of ocean acidification on crustaceans to develop pH tolerance thresholds for different species of crabs
- Created a scientific poster and gave a formal presentation of findings
Additional Skills and Certifications
- Certifications: Wilderness First Responder (2018), PADI Open Water Diver (2018), Washington State Boater Safety Card (2011), First Aid and CPR (2017)
- Lab/Research: CTD deployment, Microalgae culture, Van Veen grab deployment, Plankton net deployment, Beach seine sampling, Surber Net sampling, Microscopy
- Software: Microsoft Excel, R Studio, Image