Monica Gonzalez Castrillon
Vigo
Summary
Dedicated and results-driven professional skillful in data collection, analysis and research within the field of fisheries. Resourceful and adaptable individual with the ability to work collaboratively in team settings, comfortable handling complex issues, meeting strict deadlines and adjusting to rapidly changing conditions. Passionate about contributing to the management and preservation of marine ecosystems through participation in environmental assessments and consulting.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Assistant
Spanish Oceanographic Institute (IEO)
04.2024 - Current
- Research assistant in the field of reproductive biology of commercially important fish species.
- Assisted in the publication of research articles in peer-reviewed journals by reviewing literature and contributing to writing.
- Conducted fish sampling and data collection for stock assessment purposes.
- Applied biostatistics in R to analyze data and generate insights into fish reproductive and population dynamics, in the context of environmental change and anthropogenic pressures.
- Delivered speeches at the VI Sibecorp Congress, presenting research findings to the scientific community.
- Participated in the IBERAS oceanographic campaign, focusing on sardine recruitment, and assisted with data collection and fieldwork.
- Provided support and guidance to junior lab staff.
Research Assistant
South African Shark Conservancy (SASC)
09.2023 - 02.2024
- Analyzed BRUV (Baited Remote Underwater Video) data, compiling results and writing detailed scientific reports.
- Assisted in administrative tasks such as preparing reports, articles, and other scientific publications.
- Contributed to public outreach activities, including delivering talks and conducting tours for educational purposes, increasing public awareness about shark conservation issues.
- Assisted, advised, and mentored interns and students on their projects, providing guidance and support.
- Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
- Gained hands-on experience in marine animal husbandry by maintaining aquaculture systems and ensuring proper care for various species of shy sharks.
ERASMUS + Internship
Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA)
10.2022 - 05.2023
- Supported research projects across multiple departments, assisting with laboratory work and field sampling.
- Performed fish histology and sampling in laboratory settings and at local fish markets along the Portuguese coast. Assisted in the collection of biological data for fisheries stock assessments.
- Analyzed pollutants and heavy metals in water, sediments, and marine organisms using advanced laboratory techniques (ICP-MS). Determined micro-plastics in commercially important fish species.
Administrative Assistant (Summer Year)
RC Celta
08.2022 - 08.2022
- Streamlined administrative tasks such as processing registrations, withdrawals and/or modifications of associates and customers.
- Helped to maintain files and handle administrative requirements.
- Facilitated ticket sales and provided customer service, addressing any concerns or inquiries promptly.
Graduate Research Assistant
Spanish Oceanographic Institute (IEO)
09.2021 - 07.2022
- Completed Master's thesis on Reproductive Ecology of Blue Whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) in the North-East Atlantic: From South-West to the Coast of Galicia, as part of an internship in the Fisheries Department.
- Conducted histological and image analyses for maturity staging and fecundity calculations as part of the thesis project.
- Utilized advanced statistical software to analyze large datasets, uncovering key insights for studying the reproductive biology of the blue whiting.
- Participated in field sampling, data collection, and analysis of commercially important marine species, focusing on environmental change and stock assessments.
- Assisted in oceanographic campaigns (PELACUS), contributing to research on pelagic fish populations and their ecological dynamics.
Scuba Diving Intern
Diving Islas Cíes
05.2021 - 10.2021
- Guided scuba diving trips to diverse locations along the Vigo coast, exposing costumers to unique underwater environments and enriching their diving experience.
- Assisted in teaching courses (Open Water, Advance, Rescue Diver and Nitrox) for aspiring divers, contributing to their skill development and facilitating certificate completion.
- Maintained high equipment standards, conducting thorough pre-dive inspections and regular maintenance.
- Performed environmental stewardship during guided dives by educating customers on marine conservation issues and responsible diving practices.
- Gained valuable industry experience, applying theoretical knowledge to practical work situations.
- Provided excellent customer service by greeting customers at counter, managing high volume of calls, and assisting with paperwork.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)
01.2019 - 06.2019
- Worked as a laboratory technician in the Plant Physiology and Virus Department, supporting research on plant immune responses to viral infections.
- Completed Bachelor’s thesis on The effect overexpression of a negative immune repressor (BIR-1) has on plants (Arabidopsis) when infected with a virus.
- Attended several biotechnology lectures, expanding knowledge in plant biology and biotechnology techniques.
Undergraduate Research Intern (Summer Year)
Zoo Aquarium Madrid
06.2018 - 09.2018
- Assisted with daily animal diet preparations and maintained aquatic habitat cleanliness.
- Maintained optimal living conditions for various freshwater fish species by monitoring and adjusting temperature, pH, and filtration systems.
- Implemented a comprehensive quarantine process for new arrivals minimizing risks of introducing diseases into established aquatic communities.
- Safeguarded aquatic life by rapidly responding to emergencies such as leaks or filter failures.
Education
Master of Science - Marine Biology
University of Vigo (UVigo)
Vigo, Spain07.2022
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University Complutense of Madrid (UCM)
Madrid, Spain06.2019
Skills
- Research and analysis
- Fieldwork and laboratory experience
- Public outreach and education
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Analytical thinking and time management
- Problem-solving capacities
- Data analysis (R Studio)
- Microsoft office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Mapping software (ArcGis, QGis)
Languages
Spanish
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
German
Elementary (A2)
Others
- Assistant to the Iberian Symposium on Modelling and Assessment of Fisheries Resources (SIMERPE) organized by the Spanish Oceanographic Institute (IEO), 10/21
- Poster participant in the IXVII Research in Health, Veterinarian and Biomedical Science Congress for Pre-graduates organized by the Universidad Complutense of Madrid (UCM), 02/18 - 06/18
Timeline
Research Assistant
Spanish Oceanographic Institute (IEO)
04.2024 - Current
Research Assistant
South African Shark Conservancy (SASC)
09.2023 - 02.2024
ERASMUS + Internship
Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA)
10.2022 - 05.2023
Administrative Assistant (Summer Year)
RC Celta
08.2022 - 08.2022
Graduate Research Assistant
Spanish Oceanographic Institute (IEO)
09.2021 - 07.2022
Scuba Diving Intern
Diving Islas Cíes
05.2021 - 10.2021
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)
01.2019 - 06.2019
Undergraduate Research Intern (Summer Year)
Zoo Aquarium Madrid
06.2018 - 09.2018
Master of Science - Marine Biology
University of Vigo (UVigo)
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University Complutense of Madrid (UCM)
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