1. CURRICULUM VITAE
Brianna Tracy-Sawdey
Work: 647 Contees Wharf Road, PO Box 28, Edgewater, MD 21037
Phone: (442) 482-2468 e-mail: tracyb@si.edu
http://www.linkedin.com/btracysawdey
EDUCATION
MASTER OF SCIENCE, MARINE SCIENCE August 2013
University of San Diego – San Diego, CA
ADVANCED TUNICATE BIOLOGY July 2011
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute – Bocas Del Toro, Panama
Integrating Modern and Traditional Techniques for the Study of Ascidians
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, MARINE SCIENCE, cum laude May 2010
University of South Carolina – Columbia, SC
Emphasis: Biological Oceanography; Coastal Resource Management & Marine Policy
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
SMITHSONIAN ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER – Tiburon, CA/Edgewater, MD
Research Biologist, May 2015 - Present
Marine Invasions Research Laboratory Contracted Employee, March 2014 – August 2014
 Travel to Panama to assess on-going invasive species study of the Panama Canal in conjunction with the Smithsonian Tropical
Research Institute (Naos Island Laboratories and Galeta Marine Laboratory)
 Assisted in the collection and eradication of non-native European green crabs (Carcinus maenas) within an estuary located near San
Francisco Bay, CA
Marine Invasions Research Laboratory Graduate Intern, July 2013 – Dec. 2013
 Taxonomic identification of fouling community organisms (e.g. ascidians, bryozoans, bivalves, polychaetes)
 Invasive species monitoring of sampling sites along the California coast and Chesapeake Bay as part of the National Fouling Survey
 Active participant in a variety of on-going laboratory projects (e.g. Japanese Tsunami Marine Debris, National Fouling Survey
Database)
 Operation of aquaria system that simulates the effect of fluctuating environmental conditions experienced by trans-oceanic voyages
on the transport of non-indigenous marine species on the hulls of commercial ships
UNIV. OF SAN DIEGO MARINE SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES – San Diego, CA
Graduate Research, Aug. 2010 – Aug. 2013
 Organized, conducted, and analyzed interdisciplinary research using field sampling techniques to analyze fouling communities on
various spatial and temporal scales in physically and biologically dominated coastal and estuarine environments
 Thesis Title: Temporal and spatial variation in native and non-indigenous ascidian settlement within fouling
communities in Mission Bay, San Diego, California
 Thesis Advisor: Nathalie Reyns, PhD, University of San Diego
 Committee Members: Drew Talley, PhD, University of San Diego
Jeff Crooks, PhD, Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve
UNITED STATES NAVY SPACE AND NAVAL WARFARE SYSTEMS COMMAND (SPAWAR) – San Diego, CA
Research Assistant, July 2011
 Participated in a ‘Rapid Assessment’ of the San Diego Bay for ascidian collection and identification with taxonomist Gretchen
Lambert
UNIV. OF SOUTH CAROLINA MEIOBENTHIC ECOLOGY & ESTUARINE ECOTOXICOLOGY LAB – Columbia, SC
Undergraduate Research, Aug. 2008 – May 2010

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 Howard Hughes Undergraduate Project Title: Analysis and fate of single-walled carbon nanotubes and their
manufacturing byproducts in estuarine sediments and benthic organisms; Mentor: G. Thomas Chandler, Ph.D., Dean, USC Arnold
School of Public Health
 Lab Project Title: Harpacticoid copepod development and reproduction round-robin test for OECD validation of a new international
test guideline; Mentor: G. Thomas Chandler, Ph.D., Dean, USC Arnold School of Public Health
 Magellan Scholar Undergraduate Project Title: The Effects of pCO2 on Coccolithophore (Emiliania huxleyi) Calcite Shell Formation;
Mentor: Christopher Hintz, Ph.D., USC Environmental Health Sciences
UNIV. OF SOUTH CAROLINA MEIOBENTHIC ECOLOGY & ESTUARINE ECOTOXICOLOGY LAB – Columbia, SC
Research Assistant, Sept. 2007 – May 2010
 Maintained and properly identified Amphiascus tenuiremis life-stages and estuarine meiofauna for use in examining estuarine
ecotoxicology, reproductive, and endocrine disruption in invertebrates, and the effects of emerging contaminants such as
nanomaterials and pharmaceuticals on benthos
 Maintained and properly identified deep-sea foraminiferal cultures for use in questions linked to paleoceanography and climate
change
 Direct experience using instruments: Multisizer 3 Coulter Counter, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and fluorometry
 Maintained algal stocks (Rhodomonas spp., Laminariocolax spp., Isochrysis spp., Dunaliella spp.)
OTHER RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY DIVISION OF EPIDEMIOLOGY – Richmond, VA
Program Support Specialist, October 2014 – May 2015
 Coordination of Promotion and Tenure committee of faculty member and oversaw the completion of the application packet for
submission to the VCU School of Medicine
 Oversight of VCU New Faculty Recruitment/Hire process which included vetting potential applicants, creating surveys in REDCap
for Search Committee use, and organizing Search Committee meetings
 Demonstrated knowledge of accounting practices and principles, administrative office practices, state financial policies and
procedures
 Financial and grant management and organization (e.g. utilization of petty cash procedures, inventory management practices, and
general fiscal operations)
 Executed student, faculty, and staff procurement and travel procedures in an efficient and timely manner
 Training in Timekeeping Policies, Timekeeping Hands on Keying, Travel & Reimbursement – Christopherson and Chrome River
Systems, and eVA Purchasing & Banner Receiving
Temporary Graduate Programs Coordinator, August – October 2014
 Served as primary liaison for prospective students seeking information about graduate programs in public health
 Processed and maintained graduate program applicant records and alumni and student evaluation results
 Analyzed the impact of course scheduling by semester and recommended changes
 Maintained semester course schedules and managed classroom scheduling
 Assisted with the needs of Admissions, Assessment, Curriculum, and other departmental committees
UNIV. OF SAN DIEGO OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY – San Diego, CA
Graduate Assistant, Jan. 2011 – June 2013
 Managed interns, undergraduate sustainability club members, and volunteers for multiple office initiatives (e.g. Earth Day, San
Diego Mayoral Debate, National Food Day, American Lung Association Fight For Air Walk)
 Coordinated and trained students to perform home energy audits through a partnership with the University of San Diego, the City of
San Diego, and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)
 Facilitated in the management of the University of San Diego E-Waste Collection Center – the first e-Waste collection center on a
college campus and ranked #1 in 2013 Recyclemania campus challenge
 Developed and implemented a ‘Green Office Certification’ program as a joint pilot program through the University and SDG&E to
reduce both resource use and waste production
 Maintained the Office of Sustainability webpage, Facebook, and Twitter accounts
UNIV. OF SOUTH CAROLINA MEIOBENTHIC ECOLOGY & ESTUARINE ECOTOXICOLOGY LAB – Columbia, SC
Research Assistant, Sept. 2007 – May 2010

3. Brianna Tracy-Sawdey CURRICULUM VITAE Page 3 of 6
 Maintained and properly identified Amphiascus tenuiremis life-stages and estuarine meiofauna for use in examining
estuarine ecotoxicology, reproductive, and endocrine disruption in invertebrates, and the effects of emerging contaminants such
as nanomaterials and pharmaceuticals on benthos
 Maintained and properly identified deep-sea foraminiferal cultures for use in questions linked to paleoceanography and climate
change
 Direct experience using instruments: Multisizer 3 Coulter Counter, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and fluorometry
 Maintained algal stocks (Rhodomonas spp., Laminariocolax spp., Isochrysis spp., Dunaliella spp.)
UNIV. OF SOUTH CAROLINA PRESTON RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE – Columbia, SC
Peer Coordinator, Aug. 2007 – May 2010
 Facilitated in the development and implementation of activities, clubs, and organizations
 Served as a mentor for academic, co-curricular, and leadership involvement
 Served as financial liaison between undergraduate organizations and student government to manage budgets awarded for
extracurricular activities (e.g. travel grants for service trips, reimbursement for club purchases)
 Implemented and enforced University policies
 Utilized conflict management and mediation skills
TEACHING AND LECTURING
ELEMENTARY INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE – San Diego, CA
Marine Science Instructor, Sept. 2010 – 2011
 Program development and evaluation for hands-on learning activities for children ages 7-13
 Executed and evaluated teaching strategies to engage students in the scientific method utilizing hands-on experiments and lectures to
increase students’ knowledge and comprehension of a variety of science topics, including oceanography, plate tectonics, the water
cycle, geologic time, etc.
THE SEAWORLD ORLANDO EDUCATION DEPARTMENT – Orlando, FL
Education Intern, May 2009 – Aug. 2010
 Instructed elementary, middle, and high school aged-students about marine animals and ocean sciences
 Leveraged communication skills to translate science for a general audience
 Participated in The Nature Conservancy’s Oyster Reef Restoration Project at Mosquito River Lagoon in Merritt Island, FL
OGLEBAY GOOD ZOO – Wheeling, WV
Educator, May 2007 – March 2008
 Assisted in the daily upkeep of animals (e.g. husbandry, exhibit maintenance, animal enrichment, transportation)
 Development of educational programs for children ages 4-15
 Worked with zoo docents (Teen and Adult Volunteer Programs) and assisted with their scheduling and evaluation
 Led zoological facility tours
RESEARCH CRUISES
R/V ROBERT GORDON SPROUL
Sedimentary Composition Comparison in the California Continental Borderland
Sept. 2010 and 2011
 Collected and produced data for on-going study examining by leading multiple field and lab experiments
 Use of analytical instrumentation/equipment (e.g. Vario Micro Elementar CHNS Analyzer, Beckman Coulter Multisizer 3
Coulter Counter, Beckman Coulter LS200 Laser Particle Sorter (LPS), Ethos EZ Microwave Digestion System, Thermo-Jarrell
Ash Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) 61E Trace Analyzer)
R/V CAPE HATTERAS
Foraminiferal Fidelity National Science Foundation Project
May 2008
 National Science Foundation, Marine Geology and Geophysics: Fundamental investigation of glacial/interglacial deep-sea pH
and carbonate saturation effects on paired benthic foraminiferal trace element and stable isotope signatures; PIs: T.J. Shaw, G.T.
Chandler, C. Hintz, and D. McCorkle

4. Brianna Tracy-Sawdey CURRICULUM VITAE Page 4 of 6
 Collected, organized, and analyzed interdisciplinary research for 14 days off coastal United States (Kitty Hawk, North
Carolina and Charleston Bump) and Bahamas
PUBLICATIONS
Tracy, B. and N. Reyns. 2014. Spatial and temporal patterns of native and invasive ascidian assemblages in a Southern California
embayment. Aquatic Invasions. 9(4): 441-445. doi: 10.3391/ai.2014.9.4.03
Tracy, B. 2013. Temporal and spatial variation in native and non-indigenous ascidian settlement within fouling communities in
Mission Bay, San Diego, California. University of San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
CONFERENCE ABSTRACTS
Tracy, B. and N. Reyns. 2013. Spatiotemporal patterns of native and invasive ascidian assemblages in Mission Bay, San Diego, CA,
USA. Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation.
Reyns, N., D. Martinez, and B. Tracy. 2013. The effects of environmental conditions on growth rates of the invasive ascidian
Botrylloides violaceus in a southern California bay. Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation.
Tracy, B. 2012. Temporal and spatial variation within fouling communities in Mission Bay, San Diego, California. California
Estuarine Research Society.
Tracy, B. 2012. Temporal and spatial variation in native and non-indigenous ascidian settlement within fouling communities in
Mission Bay, San Diego, California. Southern California Academy of Sciences.
PRESENTATIONS
Tracy, B. and N. Reyns. 2013. Spatiotemporal patterns of native and invasive ascidian assemblages in Mission Bay, San Diego, CA,
USA. Oral presentation. Presented at Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation, San Diego, CA, November 7, 2013.
Tracy, B. Temporal and spatial variation in native and non-indigenous ascidian settlement within fouling communities in Mission
Bay, San Diego, California. Oral presentation. Master’s thesis defense at the University of San Diego, San Diego, CA, June
20, 2013.
Tracy, B. 2012. Temporal and Spatial Variation Within Fouling Communities in Mission Bay, San Diego, California. Oral
presentation. Presented at the California Estuarine Research Society, California State University, Long Beach, CA,
September 27, 2012.
Tracy, B. 2012. Temporal and Spatial Variation in Native and Non-indigenous Ascidian Settlement Within Fouling Communities in
Mission Bay, San Diego, California. Presented at the Southern California Academy of Sciences, Occidental College, Los
Angeles, CA, May 4, 2012.
Tracy, B. 2011. Ascidians on Natural vs. Artificial Substrate in the Bocas Research Station Bay. Oral presentation. Presented at the
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Bocas del Toro, Panama, June 29, 2011.
Tracy, B. 2011. Temporal and spatial variation in native and non-indigenous ascidian settlement within fouling communities in
Mission Bay, San Diego, California. Oral presentation. Presented at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Bocas del
Toro, Panama, June 20, 2011.
Tracy, B. and T. Chandler. 2010. Analysis and fate of single-walled carbon nanotubes and their manufacturing byproducts in
estuarine sediments and benthic organisms. Oral presentation. Presented at University of South Carolina Discovery Day,
Columbia, SC, April 30, 2010.
RESEARCH SUPPORT
2012 USD Marine Science Graduate Research Grant
2011 NSF OISE-1034665, PASI: Advanced Tunicate Biology course
2010 – 2013 University of San Diego Research Funding
2008 – 2010 Howard Hughes Undergraduate Research Program
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
2015 Photography – Ascidian (Diplosoma listerianum) photographs for forthcoming field guide of the marine
fauna of Ecuador
2015 Literature Review – Sierra Club Virginia Chapter. "Natural Gas Hydrofracking in Virginia."
2014 Literature Review – Sierra Club Virginia Chapter. "Climate Disruption & Virginia’s Native Species."
2013 Peer Review – Sheffield, Caroline C., Ingrid S. Weiland, and Steven S. Lapham. 2013. "Ducks Ahoy!
Plastic Debris and Ocean Currents." National Council for the Social Studies Publication: Middle Level
Learning 46: 1-16.

5. Brianna Tracy-Sawdey CURRICULUM VITAE Page 5 of 6
2013 Field Work – Settlement plate deployment for dissertation project [Lord, J. P. 2014. Effect of
Temperature Changes on Competitive and Predator-Prey Interactions in Coastal Epi-Benthic Communities.
University of Connecticut. Doctoral Dissertations. Paper 461.]
2012 Photography – Ascidian (Molgula ficus and Botrylloides perspicuum) photographs for National Estuarine
and Marine Exotic Species Information System (NEMESIS) database
HONORS AND DISTINCTIONS
2013 USD Marine Studies Stephen Sullivan Memorial Scholarship
2012 USD Sister Dale Brown Marine Science Scholarship
2010 – 2013 University of San Diego Dean Merit Award
2008 – 2010 USC Magellan Scholar
2006 – 2010 USC McKissisk Scholar
2009 – 2010 USC President’s Honor Roll
2006 – 2010 University of South Carolina Dean's List
2006 – 2010 Stifel Scholarship Recipient
2006 – 2010 Beneke Distinguished Scholar Recipient
2006 Foodland Distinguished Scholar Award
2006 Nadia Szymialis (Student Athletic Trainer of the Year) Award
COMMITTEES
2013 USD College of Arts and Sciences Dean Search Committee
2013 USD Marine Science Department External Review Graduate Representative
2013 USD Graduate Student Events Chair
2012 – 2013 USD Graduate Student Philanthropy Co-Chair
2012 – 2013 USD Graduate Student Activity Fee Increase Committee
2012 – 2013 USD Graduate Student Council Secretary
2012 USD Board of Trustees Academic Affairs Graduate Representative
2011 – 2013 USD Be Blue Go Green Sustainability Club Coordinator
2011 – 2012 USD Graduate Student Council Marine Science Representative
2011 – 2012 University of San Diego American Lung Association Fight for Air Team Co-Coordinator
2008 Preston Residential College Field Day Coordinator
2007 USC Homecoming Commission
2007 – 2010 USC Preston Residential College Peer Coordinator
2006 – 2007 University of South Carolina Freshman Council
MENTORSHIP
2013 Co-mentor (with Nathalie Reyns) to David Martinez on USD senior project: The effects of temperature and
salinity on growth rates of the invasive ascidian Botrylloides violaceus in Mission Bay, California
2012 – 2013 University of San Diego Marine Science Club – mentor to undergraduate students regarding graduate
school application process
2012 Co-mentor (with Nathalie Reyns) to Daisy Mercado on Pre-Undergraduate Research Experience (PURE)
program project observing colonial ascidian reattachment and growth patterns
COMPUTER AND SOCIAL MEDIA SKILLS
Social Media Management: Facebook, Linkedin, YouTube, Twitter
Website Content Management: HTML + CSS, Wordpress, Blogger, TerminalFour
Statistical Software: Primer, SPSS, R
Administrative Software: Central Desktop, Ellucian Banner Forms (INB), eVA, Chrome River, Christopherson , IBM Lotus,
Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap), Effort Certification and Reporting Technology (ECRT)
Other: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access), ImageJ, proficient in both Mac and Windows environment
RELEVANT COURSEWORK
Geological Oceanography (G)
Biological Oceanography (G)
Statistics (G)
Data Collection & Analysis (G)
Marine Geochemistry (G)

6. Brianna Tracy-Sawdey CURRICULUM VITAE Page 6 of 6
Freshwater Ecology (G)
Coastal Zone Management (G)
Animal Behavior (G)
Principles of Ecology (G)
Ecology & Evolution
Cell & Molecular Biology
Fundamental Genetics
Science & Environmental Policy
Environmental Pollution & Health
Physical & Chemical Oceanography
Biology of Marine Organisms
Calculus I & II
(G) Denotes Graduate Level Courses
EQUIPMENT AND SAMPLING TECHNIQUE EXPERIENCE
YSI-85
Refractometer
Secchi Disk
Clod Cards
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
Fluorometry
Vario Micro Elementar CHNS Analyzer
Beckman Coulter Multisizer 3 Coulter Counter
Beckman Coulter LS200 Laser Particle Sorter (LPS)
Ethos EZ Microwave Digestion System
Thermo-Jarrell Ash Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical
Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) 61E Trace Analyzer
Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP)
Box Corer
CTD Rosette
Sediment Traps
Mark and Recapture
Tethering
Settling Plates
Drift Fences
Clod Cards
Minnow Traps
Biopsy Samples for DNA
Radio Telemetry
CERTIFICATIONS AND TRAINING
SSI Open Water SCUBA
American Heart Association Infant/Child/Adult CPR
American Heart Association Child/Adult AE
American Heart Association Child/Adult First Aid
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF)
Boating Safety Education
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the
International Air Transport Association (IATA):
Transportation of Hazardous Materials by Ground and Air
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)
Researchers, Wildlife Research, and Working with Fish in
Research Settings courses
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Fraternity
Marine Technology Society
Carolina Alumni Association
American Association for the Advancement of Science