Curriculum Vitae
Rozalind J. Jester
School of Pure & Applied Science
Florida SouthWestern State College
Fort Myers, FL 33919
239.489.9428 • rjester@fsw.edu
School of Pure & Applied Science
Florida SouthWestern State College
Fort Myers, FL 33919
239.489.9428 • rjester@fsw.edu
Education
Ph.D. Ocean Science, 2008
Ocean Science Department, University of California, Santa Cruz
B.S. Marine Biology with Honors, 2001
Biology Department, University of California, Santa Cruz
A.A. Liberal Arts, 1998
Oxnard Community College
Ocean Science Department, University of California, Santa Cruz
- Dissertation: “An Investigation Into The Prevalence Of Alexandrium Derived Toxins In Marine Food Webs”
B.S. Marine Biology with Honors, 2001
Biology Department, University of California, Santa Cruz
- Senior thesis: “Analysis of the seasonal diets of Euphasia pacifica and Thysanoessa spinifera using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)”
A.A. Liberal Arts, 1998
Oxnard Community College
Interests
- Marine science education - fostering student confidence in the math and sciences using interdisciplinary techniques
- Online learning - developing high quality, engaging courses for introductory level science students
- Conservation movements - especially fisheries sustainability and marine debris related issues
- Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and “red tide” ecology
Professional Experience
Teaching
2008 - Pres. / Professor of Marine Science
Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW), Fort Myers, FL
- Develop and teach online and on-campus marine science courses (Introduction to Oceanography (OCE 1001c); The Living Ocean (OCB 1000c); Marine Biology (OCB 2010/L)).
- Develop and teach research-based honors courses, including study-abroad to Costa Rica and BCS Mexico (Marine Biology Undergraduate Research - Honors (OCB 2910)) and interdisciplinary courses (Special Topics in Arts & Science (IDS 2930).
- Mentor and advise student research-based theses projects.
- Engage in college service activities, including course supervisor for all marine science courses, member Academic Technology / eLearning Committee (chair 2015-2016), member Honors Advisory Council, member Library Advisory Committee, faculty advisor for Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society (2009-2014), member Academic Standards Committee (2008 - 2013).
- Engage in community service. Coordinate and serve as site host for community cleanup and/or ecosystem restoration events in collaboration with Keep Lee County Beautiful, average 3-4 per year.
- Chaperone and mentor student groups during domestic and international travel.
2013 - 2016 / Independent Contractor
Pearson Education, Inc., San Francisco, CA
- Wrote original content for online learning platform “Mastering Oceanography”.
- Performed professional reviews of textbook updates and ancillary materials, including animations, question banks and Mastering Oceanography.
2012 - 2015 / Adjunct Graduate Faculty
Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL
- Served on two student's masters theses committees
2004 - 2006 / Teaching assistant
Ocean Science department, U of California, Santa Cruz
- Led independent class meetings weekly, assisted in curriculum development and student assessments; Life in the Sea (Ocea 80A) and Ocean Ecosystems (Ocea 240).
2001 - 2002 / Teaching assistant
Division of Physical & Biological Science, U of California, Santa Cruz
- Marine Biology Unit, California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS)
- Calculus (Math 19A/19B), Academic Center for Excellence (ACE)
- Introductory Biology (Bio 20A/20B), Modified Supplemental Instruction (MSI), Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP)
Research
2010 - Pres. / Visiting researcher
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), Sanibel, FL
- Collaborated with SCCF research scientists to develop an authentic field experience for marine science students, "Scientist for a Day". Train students to collect data for ongoing fish biodiversity study.
- Recruit and train students to participate in volunteer ecosystem restoration events as needed.
- Supervised FSW student internship for education majors (“Research Experience for Pre-service Teachers”) in collaboration with faculty at Indian River State College and SCCF scientists (2014).
June - Aug 2007 / Visiting student researcher
Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand
- Conducted laboratory experiments on the uptake of algal toxins to commercially harvested crabs.
Sept 2005 / Invited researcher
R/V Melville, ECOHAB-Pacific Northwest Research Cruise, Seattle, WA
- Responsible for execution of on-board experiment examining the behavioral affects of live fish after exposure to natural concentrations of the algal toxin domoic acid.
2002 - 2008 / Graduate student researcher
Ocean Science Dept, U of California, Santa Cruz (Dr. Mary Silver, Advisor)
- Perform basic lab technician duties as needed (see below).
- Conduct research related to dissertation.
- Skills acquired include culture establishment and maintenance, toxin extractions and analysis, microscopy, and molecular techniques for identification of HAB species.
2001 - 2002 / Lab technician
Ocean Science Dept, U of California, Santa Cruz
- Performed routine field sampling for HAB monitoring program, general lab maintenance (orders, hazardous waste, organization), data management and analysis, and preparation of oral and poster presentations for principal investigator.
Community Service
2009 - Pres. / Volunteer Site Coordinator, recruit student and community volunteers to participate in beautification and restoration projects for Keep Lee County Beautiful, Fort Myers, FL
June 2015 / Invited Speaker, "Adventures in Marine Biology", shared my path to becoming a marine biologist for biology students at Port Charlotte High School, FL
May 2015 / Invited Speaker, Sanibel Rotary Club, Sanibel, FL
Feb 2014 / Invited Speaker, "When Good Plankton Go Bad: Examining Florida Red Tide & Other Harmful Algal Blooms", Rookery Bay Lunch & Learn Lecture Series, Naples, FL
Dec 2013 / Volunteer Science Fair Judge, Canterbury High School, Fort Myers, FL
May 2013 / Guest Marine Biology Lesson, Tanglewood Elementary School kindergarten class, Fort Myers, FL
Nov 2012 / Guest Lecturer, "A West Coast Perspective on HAB's: Who's Toxic and Who's Poisoned", special lecture for graduate level course at Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL
2010 - 2012 / Board member START & Seafood Savvy, Fort Myers, FL
- Assisted with planning and executing fundraising and educational events as needed.
- Recruited and trained student volunteers for events with the goal of raising awareness and understanding of red tide and sustainable fisheries practices.
Awards and Acknowledgements
Postgraduate
- 2015 Honors Faculty Recognition for “exceptional service to our Honors Scholar Program students”
- 2013 Great American Cleanup Up Supporter of the Year, awarded by Keep Lee County Beautiful, Fort Myers, FL
- 2011 Nominee for National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Award at Edison State College
- 2010 Outstanding Advisor for Phi Theta Kappa, FSW (formerly Edison State College)
Graduate
- 2007 Chancellor’s Division Dissertation-Year Fellowship
- 2007 NSF East Asia and Pacific Summer Institute Fellow for research in New Zealand
- 2004 - 2007 Recipient National Science Foundation Graduate Student Fellowship
- 2004 Outstanding student poster award, ASLO-TOS Ocean Research conference, Honolulu, HI
- 2003 - 2004 U of California Toxic Substance Research and Teaching Program Fellow
- 2003 Institute of Marine Science, Santa Cruz, CA, Packard endowment grant, $18,000
Undergraduate
- 2003 PADI foundation research grant, $5000
- 2003 Dr. Earl and Ethel Meyers Oceanographic and Marine Biology Trust Award, $2000
- 2002 U of California Regents fellowship
- 2002 Dean’s Undergraduate Award for outstanding undergraduate senior thesis
Publications
*Last name changed from Antrobus to Jester in 2005
Jester, R., K. Baugh and K. Lefebvre (2009). Presence of Alexandrium catenella and paralytic shellfish toxins in finfish, shellfish and rock crabs in Monterey Bay, California, USA. Marine Biology, 156: 493–504.
Jester, R. and L. Rhodes (2009). Uptake of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins and spirolides by paddle crabs (Ovalipes catharus) via a bivalve vector. Harmful Algae, 8: 369-376.
Jester, R., K. Lefebvre, G. Langlois, V. Vigilant, K. Baugh and M. Silver (2009). A shift in the dominant toxin-producing algal species in central California alters phycotoxins in food webs. Harmful Algae, 8: 291-298.
Busse, L.B., E.L. Venrick, R. Antrobus, P.E. Miller, V. Vigilant, M. Silver, C. Mengelt, L. Mydlarz, and B.B Prezlin (2006). Domoic Acid in Phytoplankton and Fish in San Diego, CA, USA. Harmful Algae, 5: 91-101.
Jester, R., K. Baugh and K. Lefebvre (2009). Presence of Alexandrium catenella and paralytic shellfish toxins in finfish, shellfish and rock crabs in Monterey Bay, California, USA. Marine Biology, 156: 493–504.
Jester, R. and L. Rhodes (2009). Uptake of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins and spirolides by paddle crabs (Ovalipes catharus) via a bivalve vector. Harmful Algae, 8: 369-376.
Jester, R., K. Lefebvre, G. Langlois, V. Vigilant, K. Baugh and M. Silver (2009). A shift in the dominant toxin-producing algal species in central California alters phycotoxins in food webs. Harmful Algae, 8: 291-298.
Busse, L.B., E.L. Venrick, R. Antrobus, P.E. Miller, V. Vigilant, M. Silver, C. Mengelt, L. Mydlarz, and B.B Prezlin (2006). Domoic Acid in Phytoplankton and Fish in San Diego, CA, USA. Harmful Algae, 5: 91-101.
Oral Presentations
Jester, R., and Milbrandt, E., "Scientist for a day: Engaging community college students in field research and ecosystem restoration promotes science literacy." Ocean Research Conference, Meeting of the American Society of Limnology and Oceanography and The Oceanography Society, New Orleans, LA, Feb 2013.
Jester, R., M. Silver, G. Langlois and V. Vigilant, “Recent ecosystem shift in central California alters harmful algal bloom patterns.” 4th Symposium on Harmful Algae in the US, Woods Hole, MA, Oct 2007.
Jester, R., “Alexandrium: patterns of abundance and prevalence of toxins in food web.” Seminar, Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand, Aug 2007.
Jester, R., “My path to a graduate degree in oceanography – what inspired me and how did I get here?” Invited presentation, Freshman Discovery Seminar, U of California, Santa Cruz, Feb 2006.
Antrobus, R., K. Lefebvre, M. Silver and C. Scholin, “Genetic diversity in California populations of Alexandrium.” 11th International Conference on Harmful Algae, Capetown, South Africa, Nov 2004.
Jester, R., M. Silver, G. Langlois and V. Vigilant, “Recent ecosystem shift in central California alters harmful algal bloom patterns.” 4th Symposium on Harmful Algae in the US, Woods Hole, MA, Oct 2007.
Jester, R., “Alexandrium: patterns of abundance and prevalence of toxins in food web.” Seminar, Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand, Aug 2007.
Jester, R., “My path to a graduate degree in oceanography – what inspired me and how did I get here?” Invited presentation, Freshman Discovery Seminar, U of California, Santa Cruz, Feb 2006.
Antrobus, R., K. Lefebvre, M. Silver and C. Scholin, “Genetic diversity in California populations of Alexandrium.” 11th International Conference on Harmful Algae, Capetown, South Africa, Nov 2004.
Poster Presentations
Jester, R., Baugh, K., Adams, N., Plesha, P., Moore, S., Odell, A., Herndon, J., Cochlan, W., Foy, M., Frame, E., Lefebvre, K., “Northern anchovies (Engraulis mordax) were not impacted by exposure to natural blooms of toxic Pseudo-nitzschia.” 6th Symposium on Harmful Algae in the US, Austin, TX, Nov 2011.
Rhodes, L., Smith, K., Munday, R., Briggs, L., Jester, R., Heasman, K., and V. Beuzenberg, “Uptake of marine biotoxins by crabs and the potential for human intoxication.” New Zealand Marine Science Conference, Hamilton, New Zealand, Aug 2007.
Antrobus, R., K. Lefebvre, V. Vigilant, I. Cheung, C. Sutherland and M. Silver, “Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning and food web contamination: A California coastal example.” 12th International Conference on Harmful Algae, Copenhagen, Denmark, Sept 2006.
Cheung, I., R. Antrobus, V. Vigilant, S. Bargu and M. Silver, “Domoic acid contamination of rock crabs (Cancer spp.) in Monterey Bay, CA.” UC Toxic Substance Research & Teaching Program Symposium, San Diego, CA, Apr 2006.
Antrobus, R., K. Lefebvre and M. Silver, “Oceanographic conditions in Monterey Bay, CA as they relate to Alexandrium catenella and PSP toxins in local fisheries: A two year time series.” 3rd Symposium on Harmful Algae in the US, Asilomar, CA, Oct 2005.
Silver, M., B. Prezelin, E. Venerick, L. Busse, C. Mengelt, S. McKagen, K. Keltner, L. Mydlarz, R. Antrobus, P.E. Miller, V. Vigilant, and I. Cheung. “Pseudo-nitzschia and domoic acid variability along 500 miles of coastline.” 11th International Conference on Harmful Algae, Capetown, South Africa, Nov 2004.
Antrobus, R. and M. Silver, “Detection of paralytic shellfish toxins in central California marine fisheries.” UC Toxic Substance Reasearch & Teaching Program Symposium, San Diego, CA, Apr 2004.
Antrobus, R. and M. Silver, “Temporal dynamics of nutrients and phytoplankton biomass in central California as they relate to the presence of Alexandrium catenella, a HAB species.” Ocean Research Conference, Meeting of the American Society of Limnology and Oceanography and The Oceanography Society, Honolulu, HI, Feb 2004.
Antrobus, R., K. Lefebvre and M. Silver, “PSP Toxins in central California marine fisheries.” 2nd Symposium on Harmful Algae in the US, Woods Hole, MA, Dec 2003.
Silver, M., R. Antrobus, S. Coale, S. Fire, V. Welborn, and G. Langlois, “Cellular toxin levels in Pseudo-nitzschia and Alexandrium in field populations from coastal California.” 10th International Conference on Harmful Algae, St. Pete, FL, Oct 2002.
Antrobus, R. and B. Marinovic, “Seasonal diet of the krill species Euphausia pacifica and Thysanoessa spinifera in Monterey Bay, CA during 1999.” Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Symposium, Marina, CA, Mar 2002.
Rhodes, L., Smith, K., Munday, R., Briggs, L., Jester, R., Heasman, K., and V. Beuzenberg, “Uptake of marine biotoxins by crabs and the potential for human intoxication.” New Zealand Marine Science Conference, Hamilton, New Zealand, Aug 2007.
Antrobus, R., K. Lefebvre, V. Vigilant, I. Cheung, C. Sutherland and M. Silver, “Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning and food web contamination: A California coastal example.” 12th International Conference on Harmful Algae, Copenhagen, Denmark, Sept 2006.
Cheung, I., R. Antrobus, V. Vigilant, S. Bargu and M. Silver, “Domoic acid contamination of rock crabs (Cancer spp.) in Monterey Bay, CA.” UC Toxic Substance Research & Teaching Program Symposium, San Diego, CA, Apr 2006.
Antrobus, R., K. Lefebvre and M. Silver, “Oceanographic conditions in Monterey Bay, CA as they relate to Alexandrium catenella and PSP toxins in local fisheries: A two year time series.” 3rd Symposium on Harmful Algae in the US, Asilomar, CA, Oct 2005.
Silver, M., B. Prezelin, E. Venerick, L. Busse, C. Mengelt, S. McKagen, K. Keltner, L. Mydlarz, R. Antrobus, P.E. Miller, V. Vigilant, and I. Cheung. “Pseudo-nitzschia and domoic acid variability along 500 miles of coastline.” 11th International Conference on Harmful Algae, Capetown, South Africa, Nov 2004.
Antrobus, R. and M. Silver, “Detection of paralytic shellfish toxins in central California marine fisheries.” UC Toxic Substance Reasearch & Teaching Program Symposium, San Diego, CA, Apr 2004.
Antrobus, R. and M. Silver, “Temporal dynamics of nutrients and phytoplankton biomass in central California as they relate to the presence of Alexandrium catenella, a HAB species.” Ocean Research Conference, Meeting of the American Society of Limnology and Oceanography and The Oceanography Society, Honolulu, HI, Feb 2004.
Antrobus, R., K. Lefebvre and M. Silver, “PSP Toxins in central California marine fisheries.” 2nd Symposium on Harmful Algae in the US, Woods Hole, MA, Dec 2003.
Silver, M., R. Antrobus, S. Coale, S. Fire, V. Welborn, and G. Langlois, “Cellular toxin levels in Pseudo-nitzschia and Alexandrium in field populations from coastal California.” 10th International Conference on Harmful Algae, St. Pete, FL, Oct 2002.
Antrobus, R. and B. Marinovic, “Seasonal diet of the krill species Euphausia pacifica and Thysanoessa spinifera in Monterey Bay, CA during 1999.” Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Symposium, Marina, CA, Mar 2002.
Memberships
- Ocean Conservancy Member
- The Oceanography Society (TOS)
- National Marine Educators Association (NMEA)
- Florida Marine Science Educators Association (FMSEA)
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