Rebecca A Howard

Rebecca A Howard

Ph.D. Student in Ocean Ecology & Biogeochemistry

Oregon State University

About Me

I am a Ph.D. student at Oregon State University in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences in the Fisheries Oceanography Lab. I received my master’s in Marine Resource Management at OSU in September 2020 and I am continuing on with my research as a PhD student in Ocean Ecology and Biogeochemistry. My current research focuses on forecasting the spawning distributions of larval groundfishes in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska using the Bering 10K ROMS-NPZ. Some of my research interests include using statistical modeling approaches to understand how groundfish populations respond to changes in ocean conditions over time and space, investigating how different fishery data sources can be used to study population dynamics, and the connections between science and management.

Interests

  • Fisheries Management
  • Climate-biology relationships
  • Spatiotemporal population dynamics

Education

  • Ph.D. in Ocean Ecology and Biogeochemistry, 2025 Expected

    Oregon State University

  • M.S. in Marine Resource Management, 2020

    Oregon State University

  • B.S. in Aquatic Biology, 2015

    University of California, Santa Barbara

Projects

Forecasting Bering Sea Groundfish Distributions

Forecasting Bering Sea Groundfish Distributions

We are using the Bering10K ROMS model to forecast groundfish distributions in the Bering Sea

Oregon Fishery-Independent and -Dependent Data

Oregon Fishery-Independent and -Dependent Data

We investigated how different data sources can be used for Oregon fisheries management.

Groundfishes and Oceanic Drivers

Groundfishes and Oceanic Drivers

We looked at how Northern California Current groundfishes are influenced by climate and oceanography.

Experience

 
 
 
 
 

Graduate Research Assistant (North Pacific Research Board)

Oregon State University

Oct 2020 – Present Corvallis, Oregon
Assessing how past and projected climate variability impacts distribution and timing of groundfish spawning in the Bering Sea using the Bering10k ROMS model
 
 
 
 
 

Graduate Research Assistant (Oregon Sea Grant)

Oregon State University

Oct 2018 – Sep 2020 Corvallis, Oregon
Used statistical models to investigate the effects of oceanography and climate on groundfish long-term distribution and abundance in the northern California Current. Studied the overlap of fishery-independent (NMFS survey) and -dependent (logbook and landings) data sources on the Oregon continental shelf and their potential utility for assessment of nearshore flatfishes. Two manuscripts are in preparation. Analyses completed using R.
 
 
 
 
 

AmeriCorps Volunteer

Watershed Stewards Program - Placed at NOAA SWFSC

Oct 2016 – Aug 2017 Santa Cruz, California
Collected data for population assessment of endangered Central California Coho salmon and threatened steelhead trout by stream surveys, juvenile trapping, and tagging. Created maps using ArcGIS for conference poster and future publications. Archived historical biological samples. Taught watershed curriculum to 3rd grade students and put on restoration event at a state park.
 
 
 
 
 

North Pacific Groundfish Observer

Alaskan Observers, Inc.

Jul 2015 – Nov 2017 Seattle, Washington
Collected biological, safety, and effort data aboard commercial bottom trawlers in the Bering Sea. Biological data included maturity scans, otoliths, and salmon genetic samples. Worked with observers, NMFS scientists, fishermen, and processing plants.
 
 
 
 
 

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Marine Science Institute, University of California Santa Barbara

Jul 2014 – Jun 2015 Santa Barbara, California
Tested the swimming duration of Watersipora subtorquata to determine potential to spread as invasive species in the Santa Barbara Channel. Participated in SCUBA settlement plate surveys for presence of recently settled W. subtorquata. Conducted SCUBA surveys for eelgrass presence.
 
 
 
 
 

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Earth Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara (CEIN)

Jun 2014 – Oct 2014 Santa Barbara, California
Built settlement plate frames to study colonization of fouling organisms on different antifouling paint treatments, as well as leaching of zinc and copper particles into the surrounding environment from the paints. Tested different formulations of copper nanoparticle paint.
 
 
 
 
 

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology Department, University of California Santa Barbara

Jul 2013 – Nov 2014 Santa Barbara, California
Led and helped design research projects under guidance Dr. Peter Collins at UCSB. Collected rockfish (Sebastes spp.) and cabezon (Scorpaenichthys marmoratus) specimens by angling. Trained new interns and presented research findings. Used photomicroscopy to document the development of cabezon eggs
 
 
 
 
 

Aquarist and Educator

Research Experience and Education Facility (REEF)

Oct 2012 – Jun 2015 Santa Barbara, California
Built settlement plate frames to study colonization of fouling organisms on different antifouling paint treatments, as well as leaching of zinc and copper particles into the surrounding environment from the paints. Tested different formulations of copper nanoparticle paint.

Skills

R

Statistics

GIS

AAUS Research Diver

Markdown

Contact