Michael Bollinger | Marine Scientist
Skills
I have spent decades refining my skills. I think that I am versatile and adaptable to many different work place environments and I view that as one of my biggest strengths. The skills I bring to the table get the job done and can help improve any workflow.
Work Experience
Nov 2018 - Present
Marine Geospatial Scientist Beaufort, NC
CSS-Dynamac Inc.
NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science
CSS inc contracted to the NOAA's National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science's (NCCOS) Seascape Ecology and Analytics branch. I focus on optical analyses annotating substrate and biological cover of the seabed, using stereo imagery for 3D fisheries analyses, and structure from motion (SfM) photogrammetry for mapping essential fish habitat and characterization of the seabed. I operate, repair, and fabricate field equipment using CAD, SLS 3D printing, and CNC. I am an active NOAA diver, a NOAA small boat operator checked out on vessels from 18-33' length in addition to operating and maintaining uncrewed maritime system platforms.
Projects:
• Ground validation work using fabricated drop-cameras, ROVs or micro AUVs
• Reef mapping using SfM. Field image collection, model creation and export analyses
• Design parts for field equipment in CAD to be produced with 3D printing and CNC
• Stereo video fish measurements, plotting fish locations in 3D, and chevron fish trap selectivity analyses
• Creation of the Coral Conservation and Management Dashboard on ArcGIS Online to display live and historical observations of coral cover, bleaching, disease and locations of coral reef SfM imagery
July 2018 - Oct 2018
July 2018 - Oct 2018
Biological Scientist St. Petersburg, FL
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commision
Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
Biological Scientist St. Petersburg, FL
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commision
Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
Worked with the Molluscan fisheries group on various projects to monitor the density, reproductive capacity and restoration of Bay Scallops along Florida's west coast and panhandle.
Projects:
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Scallop Density Surveys
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Scallop gonad analysis for reproductive staging
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Maintained scallop restoration cages
Worked with the Molluscan fisheries group on various projects to monitor the density, reproductive capacity and restoration of Bay Scallops along Florida's west coast and panhandle.
Projects:
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Scallop Density Surveys
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Scallop gonad analysis for reproductive staging
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Maintained scallop restoration cages
May 2016 -
July 2018
Biological Scientist II Marathon, FL
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commision
Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
Worked with the Restoration Ecology team on various projects to help to restore a degraded coral reef and tropical bay ecosystems. Coordinated studies on various aspects of marine tropical ecology.
Projects:
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Staghorn Coral (Acropora cervicornis) Nursary, Outplanting and Monitoring
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Orange Cup Coral Surveys, Settlement Experiments
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Coralivore Experiments
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Diadema Surveys and Larval Settlement Monitoring
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Coral Disease Monitoring and Sampling
Jan 2016 - Present
Divemaster Marathon, FL
Captain Hooks Marina and Dive Center
Provided diving and snorkeling expertise for a wide variety of customers during dive or snorkel expeditions. Helped to maintain boats and diving equipment.
Aug 2013 -
Dec 2015
Graduate Research Assistant Brownsville, TX
Unversity of Texas Rio Grande Valley
I completed my masters thesis on “Validating side scan sonar as a fish survey tool.” I gained experience maintaining research vessels, managing aquaria, scuba diving, wiring devices and creating new technology protocols. I also developed skills in using bioacoustics techniques.
Feb-Aug 2013
Marine Science Educator Wallops Island, VA
Chincoteague Bay Field Station
I worked with learners of all levels, including K-12 students, college students, and adult learners. Managed aquaria and field equipment. Acquired boat crew and boat safety skills. Group leadership in laboratory and field settings, and marine husbandry experience.
June-Aug 2012
Summer Camp Intern Wallops Island, VA
Chincoteague Bay Field Station
I coordinated student activities for ages 5-18 year olds and assisted in field logistics for camps. Designed an 8 weeklong citizen science project for students to participate in. Also planned and executed an intensive Budding Marine Biologists Camp for 10-12 year olds.
Sept 2009-
May 2012
Undergraduate Research Assitant University Park, PA
Pennsylvania State University
Member of Jennifer Miksis-Olds Bioacoustics Laboratory. Projects included active acoustic monitoring of fish movements in a local lake and vertical analysis of biota under a seasonal ice sheet in the Bering Sea.
Jan-May 2012
Teaching Assistant University Park, PA
Pennsylvania State University
Assisted Dr. Tim White and Dr. Rob Crane in instructing the Science Diving Program’s Coral Reefs Systems course and NAUI Basic Scuba course. Assisted with the SCUBA gear related issues, led dive teams, and coordinated scientific surveys of the reefs. Provided fish and invertebrate species identification.
May-Sept 2010
Habitat Management Intern Pleasant Gap, PA
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
Member of the Lake Habitat Management Section. Duties included preparing for and participating in field work, analyzing hydroacoustic data, and general office work.
Sept 2012 -
Feb 2013
Summers: 2011,
2009, 2007
Machine Operator York, PA
Marine Tech Wire and Cable
Oversaw aspects of assembly process for multiconductor cables. Duties included efficiently operating multiple machines specializing in twisting, taping and sealing wire and cable, troubleshooting mechanical issues, and coordinating product output within a team.
Certifications/Honors
Uncrewed Maritime Systems Certification - USM
RTsys AUV Training
NOAA Diver
Scientific Diver– AAUS
Divemaster - PADI
Boating Safety – PA Fish and Boat Commission
Rescue Scuba Certified – NAUI
Nitrox Scuba Certified ‐ NAUI
Advanced Scuba Certified – NAUI
NCCOS Innovation Award - Team (Taylor, Costa, Battista, Bollinger) (2021)
Nominee - FWRI Award - "Best in Field Work" (2028)
Student Transportation Award, Acoustical Society of America (2015)
Student Travel Award - Gulf Estuarine Research Society (2014)
Travel Assistantship - SeaBASS, Bioacoustics Summer School (2014)
Penn State Science Diving Success Story
Undergraduate Research Exposition Award – Acoustical Society of America, San Diego Meeting (2011)
NOAA Small Boat Operator
Eagle Scout
First Aid/CPR/AED ‐ NAUI
Oxygen Administration - NAUI
Teaching Assistant - NAUI
Deep Diver – NAUI
Activities
Beaufort Little League
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President (2023-Present)
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Secretary (2021-2022)
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Coach (2019, 2023-Present)
Lookout Ultimate Frisbee
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Captain (2022)
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Member (2018-Present)
Marathon Ultimate Frisbee
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Coordinator (2017)
RiSA – Rio Grande Science and Art Festival
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Exhibitor Coordinator (2015)
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Community Days Planning Committee (2014)
Brownsville Ultimate Frisbee
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Founder (Spring 2013)
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President (Fall 2013 – Present)
UTB Restoration Ecology Club
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Webmaster (Fall 2013 – Spring 2014)
Wallops Island Ultimate
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Founder (Summer 2013)
Penn State Marine Science Society
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President: (Fall 2011 - Spring2012)
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Vice President: (Fall 2009 – Spring 2010; Fall 2010)
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Member (Fall 2008 – Spring 2012)
Penn State Club Ultimate Frisbee
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B-team Co-Captain: (Fall 2010)
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Player: (Fall 2009 – Spring 2012)