Sharein Hassan El-Tourky

1227 SW 3 Ave Apt. 401 Miami, FL 33130 (631) 790-7841 Seltourky@rsmas.miami.edu

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EDUCATION
PhD in Biological Oceanography
August 2010- Present
University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, Miami, FL
GPA 3.88
Thesis title: Spatial and Temporal Patterns in the Production, Abundance, and Distribution of
Farranula gracilis in the Florida Straits.
Advisers: Dr. Gary Hitchcock and Dr. Sharon Smith
In this study, I will quantify the spatial and temporal patterns of F. gracilis distribution from the samples
used to establish F. gracilis as the primary prey of larval billfish. This relationship between F. gracilis and
larval billfish was established by scientists in the laboratory below my own, so the samples are readily
available to me. Due to my proximity to the Florida Straits, I also have access to the live samples I will use
to determine production rates. In order to quantify the carbon available for utilization by larval billfish,
respiration and egg production rates will be calculated from live samples collected from the Florida Straits
as indexes to the secondary production of F. gracilis. Primary production will be simultaneously quantified.
Additionally, molecular techniques will be employed to identify the prey selectively consumed by
F.gracilis. Finally, I will combine secondary production data with primary production data from the Florida
Straits in order to describe the flow of energy between trophic levels from phytoplankton to larval billfish.
Bachelors of Science in Marine Biology
August 2006- May 2010
Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
GPA: 3.77
Undergraduate Minors: Spanish and Marine Ecology
Thesis Title: Video Analysis of Eusocial Behavior in Gammeridian Amphipods
Adviser: Dr. James Darwin Thomas
In marine systems, there is a paucity of data on organisms that are potentially eusocial, a rare and complex
social structure exhibited by bees. I elected to use an amphipod, Anamixis cavatura, which lives
commensally within tunicates, for my study because I could collect samples via snorkel and I could film
amphipod behavior through the transparent tunicates. Since no studies on eusociality in amphipods had
been previously conducted, it took three months of trial and error for me to make the necessary
microaquaria and devise a successful methodology and mode of video capture. My research definitively
showed a partitioning of functions and a hierarchy within amphipod colonies consistent with eusociality and
kin selection. I was able to identify 19 previously undescribed behaviors including aggressive displays
against invading amphipods from neighboring colonies.

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
NOAA South Florida Bimonthly Hydrographic Survey
2011-2012
P.I.: Dr. Chris Kelble and Dr. Nelson Melo. I participated in 4 of these week-long research cruises. On the
cruise, I assisted NOAA in collecting their water monitoring data, running their CTDs, and conducting
their neuston tows. I also used my time aboard to collect samples for my own research; namely to quantify
primary production and collect F. gracilis for egg production experiments (as an index to secondary
production).
Learned how to perform and interpret a CTD scan
Designed and began an ongoing copepod egg production experiment
Provided three undergraduates in my laboratory with an opportunity to perform research at sea for
the first time.

Sharein Hassan El-Tourky

1227 SW 3 Ave Apt. 401 Miami, FL 33130 (631) 790-7841 Seltourky@rsmas.miami.edu
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Ecology and Oceanography of Harmful Algal Blooms (ECOHAB) Cruise

2010
P.I.: Cindy Heil. On this cruise, I collected samples as part of a collaborative effort to monitor the coastal
waters of West Florida for harmful algal blooms. Specifically, I was collecting time-series data on primary
productivity and looking for specimens of Karenia Brevis, the dinoflagellate responsible for red tide.
Learned how to obtain DIC and DO measurements
Performed light and dark incubations in order to obtain primary productivity estimates for the purpose
of time series monitoring of the coastal waters for Karenia brevis.
Taught myself how to perform alkaline phosphatase analyses.
Impact of Typhoons on the Ocean in the Pacific (ITOP) Cruise
2010
P.I.: Dr. Hans Graber. The youngest member of the team, and the only biologist, I set sail from Taiwan with
a team of physical oceanographers in order to setup and deploy two moorings in the South Philippine Sea
and to collect my own data on the effect of tsunami waves on spatial distribution, abundance, and
productivity of plankton.
Collaborated with scientists outside of my field
Collected biological and chemical data that I hope to relate back to physical data collected by the
mooring buoys to test the hypothesis that the vertical mixing caused by typhoons increases the
productivity and biomass of the plankton community and influences the spatial patterns of their
distribution.
My ongoing analysis of this data will be used as the foundation for an additional component to my
thesis work on the effect of eddies on zooplankton in the Florida Straits.
Video Analysis of Eusocial Behavior in Gammeridian Amphipods
2009-2010
Divisional Honors Undergraduate Research Thesis, Adviser: Dr. James Thomas. I conducted my research at
the Keys Marine Laboratory. I collected tunicates via snorkel from mangrove roots. The majority of the
funds from the grant awarded to me by the university ($2000 US) was spent on boating costs.
Learned to independently design my own experiment, write a research and budget proposal, and
defend my thesis to a committee
Developed efficient video capture setup that it is still used by my thesis Adviser
Composed an undergraduate dissertation for publication that is accessible to the community both
online and in hard copy at the public library.
Biocode Project, Member of the Marine Invertebrate Team
2009-2010
I was co-awarded the Presidents Faculty Research and Development Grant to conduct research in Moorea
as part of the invertebrate team for the Biocode Project. The goal of the Biocode project is to create an
exhaustive library database of genetic markers and a comprehensive specimen library for every
nonmicrobial organism on the island and in the surrounding waters of Moorea, Tahiti. The purpose of the
Biocode library database is that inventories and genetic markers of all the specimens collected are available
online to scientists worldwide.
Had the opportunity to collaborate with scientists from all over the world
Collected amphipods via SCUBA, identified and photographed each specimen, and partitioned
samples for preservation and DNA analysis
I was the only undergraduate member of our research team
I aided in the discovery of several new species of amphipods
Collected specimens that were photographed and included in a National Geographic article.

Sharein Hassan El-Tourky

1227 SW 3 Ave Apt. 401 Miami, FL 33130 (631) 790-7841 Seltourky@rsmas.miami.edu
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Seasonal Variation in Fish Populations and Species Diversity at the Lantana Beach
2007-2008
Directed Independent Research, Adviser: Dr. Paul Arena
In this study we monitored the variation in species diversity and abundance of fish over time in hard bottom
and sabellarid worm rock habitats using 3 visual counting methods. We then performed statistical analysis
to compared the data using each census method, ultimately identifying the strengths and pitfalls of each and
identifying the best method overall. Our research ultimately brought public attention to the anthropogenic
impacts of a recent beach renourishment that occurred near the reef site mid-study

TEACHING AND MENTORSHIP EXPERIENCE

Science Made Sensible Fellow
Summer 2012- Present
University of Miami: Dr. Michael Gaines
The SMS program is a joint initiative between the University of Miami and Miami-Dade County Public
Schools. The goal of the program is to pair graduate student fellows in STEM (science, technology,
engineering, mathematics) disciplines with local middle school science teachers. As a fellow, I am
responsible for working with Middle School Teachers to foster interest in STEM fields within the classroom
and to make science come alive for these students. I provide a rare opportunity for these kids to interact
with a real scientist and I am able to use my own experience as a low-income student and first generationcollege graduate to show them that they too can pursue a STEM degree
Science Made Sensible- Zakhele Primary School Teacher
Summer 2012
Mamelodi, South Africa: Dr. Michael Gaines
I was awarded the opportunity to go to South Africa with one other fellow to teach science at a local
primary school in a poverty stricken region outside of Pretoria. I taught science at the 4th-8th grade levels
every day for more than two weeks. Using the limited resources available, I strove to make science come
alive for my students. I left my lesson plans with the local teachers per their request. After my return, the
local teachers sent me an e-mail to inform me that the students tested highly on the material I had covered. I
also assisted with the celebration of National Science Week at the University of Pretoria.
MSC325 Biological Oceanographic Methods
2012
University of Miami, Instructor: Dr. Gary Hitchcock
I was responsible for teaching two lectures on zooplankton sampling methods, grading papers and exams,
assisting students with any questions they may have about the material, and supervising the experiments
students conducted on the class field trips. I was also responsible for setting up all laboratory experiments
and performing all laboratory demonstrations. Finally, I assisted the professor in creating the final exam.
Undergraduate Mentoring
2011-Present
University of Miami: Dr. Gary Hitchcock
I currently mentor two undergraduate students, but I have mentored a total of 11. I provide the students with
guidance both with their experiments and by answering any questions they may have about pursuing a
career in marine science. I also provide these students with hands-on experience at sea by taking them on
the R/V Walton smith and other UM vessels to assist me in conducting plankton production experiments.
As a mentor, I have learned a lot about leadership working with the diverse students in my lab.
MBIO 2500 Oceanography Teaching Assistant
2010
Nova Southeastern University, Instructor: Dr. James Thomas
As an oceanography TA, I graded all lab reports, exams, and research papers. I also led all of the laboratory
classes, set up the laboratory experiments, and met with students who required homework assistance. In
addition, I taught classes when Dr. Thomas was absent.

Sharein Hassan El-Tourky

1227 SW 3 Ave Apt. 401 Miami, FL 33130 (631) 790-7841 Seltourky@rsmas.miami.edu
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Peer Leader
2008- 2010
Nova Southeastern University: Dr. Joel Nemes
During the first year, I assisted faculty in developing an original and successful peer mentorship program.
The mission of the program was to increase student retention university wide by providing students with
resources that would increase their academic success. After the overwhelming success with a small pilot
group, all incoming freshmen were enrolled into the program the following year and I was entrusted with
the management of two mentoring groups and a total of 80 freshmen. Not only did the program actively
increase student retention, but also the average freshman GPA and involvement in campus events.

ACADEMIC HONORS
Grants and Scholarships
International Light Tackle Tournament Association
University of Miami Career Development Grant
Mary Roche Fellowship
NSF Science Made Sensible Fellowship
Captain Harry Vernon Scholarship
Ford Fellowship Honorable Mention
Distinguished Honor Scholarship
Deans Office Scholarship
Presidents Faculty Research and Development Grant
Divisional Honors Research Thesis Grant
Stolzenberg-Doan Scholarship Fund
Honor Societies
Alpha Chi National Honor Society
Beta Beta Beta, Biology Honor Society
Rho Rho Rho Marine Biology Honors Society
President and founder of Beta Chapter
NSU Honors Program
Deans List Scholar

2013
2013
2013
2012-2013
2012
2012
2007-2010
2007-2010
2009
2009
2009
2009
2009
2008-2010
2006-2010
2006-2010

LEADERSHIP HONORS
Scholarships and Awards
Leadership Roundtable Scholarship, Nova Southeastern University
Patrick W. Halloran Scholarship, Order of Omega
Lambda Theta Phi Female Leader of the Year
Student Leadership and Civic Engagement Freshman Leader of the Year Award
Honor Societies
Omicron Delta Kappa, Leadership Honor Society
Order of Omega, Greek Leadership Honor Society
Academy of Servant Leaders
Leadership Positions of Note
MBF Academic Committee Representative
Rho Rho Rho Marine Biology Honor Society; Beta Chapter Founder and President
NSU Academic Integrity Committee Undergrad. Rep.
Founder of the NSU Hunger Coalition
NSU Student Government Association; Senator

2006-2010
2009
2007
2007
2009
2009
2008
2012-Present
2008-2010
2008-2010
2008-2009
2006-2008

Sharein Hassan El-Tourky

1227 SW 3 Ave Apt. 401 Miami, FL 33130 (631) 790-7841 Seltourky@rsmas.miami.edu
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SKILLS
Laboratory Equipment
Run CTD Scan and read CTD profile
Use automatic titration system, fluorometer and spectrophotometer
Laboratory Methodologies
Perform Winkler titration for dissolved oxygen (DO)
Perform NH4 analysis
Perform dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and Total Alkalinity analysis via titration
Perform Chlorophyll pigment analyses
Perform alkaline phosphatase analyses
Obtain in situ estimates of primary production using light and dark bottle incubation
Perform zooplankton identification; specializing in cyclopoid taxa
Determine total zooplankton abundance by determining displacement volume or species abundance
by splitting zooplankton samples and counting subsamples
Visual counting methods for coral cover, fish abundance, or benthic invertebrates (e.g. roving diver
method, quadrats, photo quadrats, and line transects)
Film in situ amphipod behavior by devising my own technological setup and microaquaria
Computer
Microsoft Office- Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher, PowerPoint.
Pinnacle- Video Editing Systems 9 and 12
Apple Macintosh OS and Microsoft Windows operating systems
Basic knowledge of R Software for statistical computations
Language
English - Read, Write, Speak Fluent
Spanish- Read, Write, Speak Intermediate with advanced reading and writing proficiency
Egyptian Arabic- Read, Write, Speak Basic proficiency
Diving Certifications
PADI Open Water, Advanced, Nitrox, and both PADI and SSI Rescue Diver Certifications
NSU Scientific Diver (AAUS)
DAN First Aid For Professional Divers

PRESENTATIONS
El-Tourky, Sharein. Mesozooplankton in the Straits of Florida: An investigation into patterns in
biomass and distribution as and explanation for larval billfish gut contents. ASLO 2015 Aquatic
Sciences Meeting. Granada, Spain. February 2015. Oral Presentation.
El-Tourky, Sharein. Mesozooplankton in the Straits of Florida: Patterns in Biomass and Distribution.
WASET International Conference of Marine Biology and Ecology. Dubai, UAE. January 2015.
Oral presentation.
El-Tourky, Sharein. " Mesozooplankton in the Florida Straits: Patterns in Biomass and Distribution."
ASLO 2013 Aquatic Sciences Meeting. New Orleans. February 2013. Poster Presentation.
El-Tourky, Sharein. " Mesozooplankton in the Florida Straits: Patterns in Biomass and Distribution."
Rosenstiel School Of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences Student Seminar. University of Miami.
RSMAS, Miami. 19 Oct 2012. Presentation of Research.

Sharein Hassan El-Tourky

1227 SW 3 Ave Apt. 401 Miami, FL 33130 (631) 790-7841 Seltourky@rsmas.miami.edu
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El-Tourky, Sharein. "Spatial and Temporal Patterns in the Production, Abundance, and Distribution of
Farranula gracilis in the Florida Straits. " Rosenstiel School Of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences
Student Seminar. University of Miami. RSMAS, Miami. 09 Sep 2011. Presentation of Research.
El-Tourky, Sharein. "Video Analysis and Documentation of Eusocial Behavior in Commensal
Amphipod Crustaceans." Nova Southeastern University Student Symposium. Farqhuar College of
Arts and Sciences. NSU, Davie, FL. April 2011. Poster Presentation.
El-Tourky, Sharein. "Analysis of Pomacentrid Aggression in the Great Barrier Reef." Australia Study
Abroad Research Seminar. NSU. PADI Live-Aboard Vessel, Cairns, Australia. May 2009.
Speech. Presentation of short term Research.

PUBLICATIONS
El-Tourky, Sharein. ""Video Analysis and Documentation of Eusocial Behavior in Commensal
Amphipod Crustaceans." Diss. Nova Southeastern University, 2010. Print and Web.
<http://www.fcas.nova.edu/programs/undergraduate_honors/completed_projects.cfm>.
Four publications from my graduate work are in the process of being submitted for publication and will
be either submitted or published upon my graduation in May 2015.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Graber, Hans. "Deployment of Buoys to Measure Air and Sea Interactions in Typhoons Launched from
Taiwan." Science Daily. 10 Aug 2010: n. page. Web. 14 Nov. 2011.
Thomas, James, and Traudl Krapp-Schickel. "A new species of Leucothoid Amphipod, Anamixis
bananarama, sp. n., from Shallow Coral Reefs in French Polynesia (Crustacea, Amphipoda,
Leucothoidae)." Zookeys. 92. (2011): 1-8. Web. 28 April 2011. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pm
c/articles/PMC3084542/>.

WORK EXPERIENCE
Resident Adviser
Nova Southeastern University, Davie FL

2007--2010

Lifeguard
Splish Splash Water Park in Riverhead, New York

2005 2006

Camp Counselor, Lecturer, and Animal Caretaker

Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Research and Education Center, Southold, N.Y.

2002 2004

STUDY ABROAD
Galapagos Islands Study Abroad
2009
Studied the marine and land ecology, geology, history, and culture of the archipelago exploring these topics
first hand on 8 of the islands in the archipelago.
Australia Study Abroad
2008
Studied the marine and land Ecology, geology, history, and culture of the continent. Developed and
conducted a mini-research project entitled A Survey of Territorial Aggression of Pomacentrids on Norman
Reef and presented and defended my observations.