ANDRES S.

LESTER-COLL
Curriculum Vitae

Villas De Playa II
Dorado, Puerto Rico 00646
1.401.787.2373
dlestercoll@gmail.com
EDUCATION
2015 (Expected)

M.S., Marine Biology and Marine Coastal Zone Management

Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida
Thesis: The Taxonomy and Ecology of the Caecidae in Broward County
Mollusca Gastropoda
Supervisor: Dr. Charles Messing

2010

B.A., Marine Biology

Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida

PUBLICATIONS
Forthcoming

The need for management of solitary sociable cetaceans case study.

Research supported by the Whale Stewardship Project. Publication to
appear on www.Kerulos.org/animalfocus

EXPERIENCE
2014 Present

Lead Marine Scientist and Coordinator

Costal Marine Conservation Program, Paso Pacifico, Ostional, Nicaragua
Coordinating a group of park rangers responsible for the monitoring and
protection of nesting sea turtles in Ostional, Nicaragua. Raising marine
turtle hatchlings and relocating or excavating marine turtle nests.
Providing the scientific foundation to starting and developing a sustainable
aqua culture oyster co-op. Coordinating scientific projects for marine
coastal projects in surrounding coasts. Assisting junior ranger program by
teaching locals and children the knowledge and skills required to
becoming park rangers or gladiators for conservation.

2011 Present

Research Assistant
Invertebrate Research Lab, Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida
Revising the current taxonomic understanding of marine caecums.
Performing morphological and genetic studies to construct a phylogenic
tree. Describing newly identified species. Investigating the effects of
artificial and natural substrates on species diversity and richness

2013 2014

Laboratory Technician
Facultad de Ciencias Ambientales, Universidad de Puerto Rico, San Juan,
Puerto Rico
Maintained lab including coordinating maintenance and equipment orders.
Conducted laboratory meetings and held promotional seminars for
ongoing research.

2013 2014

Research Assistant
Facultad de Biologa, Universidad of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Investigated the population genetics of Green Sea Turtles that aggregate in
Peruvians waters

2011 2013

Laboratory Assistant
Biology Department, Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida
Took down and had set up biology, invertebrates, and zoology
laboratories. Provided undergraduate students knowledge of how to apply
to real life experiences outside the academic environment. Included lecture
material and proper lab techniques during lab sessions.

2013

Sagemont Marine Science and Zoo Camp

Sagemont Preparatory School, Weston, Florida
Designed curriculum and managed marine and zoo camps. Taught two
weeks of marine camp and two weeks of zoo camp to students between
forth and eighth grade.

2012

Research Assistant
Edmaktub Association, Barcelona, Spain
Used acoustics to investigate the marine mammals found in the Balearic
Islands of Spain. Supplemented acoustics with 12 hours per day of visual
surveys to determine the marine mammals found in the Balearic Islands of
Spain.

2011

Student Researcher
Coastal Ecology of Alaska, Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida
Investigated the biology and ecology of coastal Alaskan marine
environments. Performed intertidal surveys of costal biology by foot.
Surveyed benthic biology of coastal waters through otter trawls. Collected
specimens from surveyed environments for proper identification at lab.

2011

Research Assistant
Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, Texas
Investigated the behavioral ecology of sperm whales and dusky dolphins
in Kaikoura, New Zealand. Employed photo identification method.
Conducted independent project on the behavior of New Zealand fur seal
pups. Examined the unique use of a nearby river nursery system.

2010

Research Team Member

Gender Lab, Molecular and Biology Department, Brown University,
Providence, Rhode Island
Trained for behavioral coding of human mother-infant interactions.
Conducted videotaped coding and transferred data for statistical analyses.

2009

Research Team Member

Marine Mammal and Cognition Lab, University of Southern Mississippi,
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Collected physical environmental data in the Gulf of Mexico. Took photo
identification and behavioral data of wild dolphin populations. Performed
statistical analysis of wild dolphin population behavioral data.

2008

Behavioral Researcher
Whale Stewardship Project, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Performed behavioral research on beluga whales. Coded observed
behaviors in categories of welfare and stress. Illustrated the necessity for
management of future solitary sociable cetaceans with the Whale
Stewardship.

2007

Student Researcher
School for Field Studies, Turks and Caicos Island, South Caicos
Researched the biological, economic, and social aspects of marine
protected areas. Conducted population statistical studies of herbivore reef
fish using transect lines: using gill nets to catch and tag lemon shark pups,
and catching and tagging hawks bill and green turtles.
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CONFERENCES AND PRESENTATIONS

2014

Poster Presentation
International Sea Turtle Society Symposium, New Orleans, Louisiana
Submitted abstract based on original research investigating the recruiting
locations of green sea turtles that aggregate in Peruvian waters. Invited to
present a poster of conducted research and most recent results.

2008

Invited Participant
Irish Dolphin Conference, Dingle, Ireland

2008

Trans-species Psychology Presentation

Oregon Southern University, Medford, Oregon

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
2012 2013

Science Alive
Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida
Welleby Elementary School, Sunrise, Florida

2012

Peer Mentor
Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center, Dania Beach,
Florida

2002 2006

Volunteer Zoo Keeper

Roger William Park Zoo, Cranston, Rhode Island

2005

Humanitarian Volunteer
Viviendas Len, Len, Nicaragua

CERTIFICATIONS
2012

Lifeguard Certification

2011

Advanced Open Water Scuba Diving Certification, PADI

2011

AAUS Scientific Diver, Nova Southeastern University

2011

Rescue Scuba Diving Certification, PADI

2011

Nitrox Scuba Diving Certification, PADI

2000

Open Water Scuba Diving Certification, PADI

OTHER EMPLOYMENT
2012

Lifeguard
Aquatics, Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida
Life guarded at three facilities: leisure pool, competition pool, and
residential pool.

RELATED PROFESIONAL SKILLS

Laboratory research, analysis, and cultures including synthesis reactions involving
condensations, titrations, filtrations, and multiple evaporation methods; and inducing spawning
in sea urchins, culturing sea urchin larvae and culturing algal cells.
Proficient in statistical models, fluke photo identification, theodolite tracking, sediment coring
and recording behavioral data using ethograms.
Adept in the use of isotopic ratios of 13C and 15N to investigate ecological processes including
primary production and trophic level positions.
Proficient in the use of Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Internet searches, as
well as statistical packages including JMP.
Experienced in the full spectrum of laboratory population genetic studies from DNA extraction
from vertebrate tissue to sequencing and analyzing haplotypes for population genetics.
Proficient in the extraction, relocation, and excavation of various species marine turtles nest for
conservation purposes.
Highly experienced in the raising of marine sea turtle nests and hatchlings in a protected
hatchery.
LANGUAGES
Fluent in Spanish and English
Intermediate in Portuguese

REFERENCES
Dr. Amy Hirons
Assistant Professor
Department of Biology, Nova Southeastern University
3625 College Avenue, Davie, Florida 33314
1.954.262.7972
Hirons@nova.edu
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Dr. Charles Messing

Professor
Division of Math, Science, and Technology
Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences, Nova Southeastern University
3625 College Avenue, Davie, Florida 33314
1.954.262.8311
messingc@nova.edu
Dr. Emilly Schmitt
Associate Professor
Division of Math, Science, and Technology
Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences, Nova Southeastern University
3625 College Avenue, Davie, Florida 33314
1.954.262.8349
eschmitt@nova.edu
Dr. Riccardo Papa
Assistant Professor
Department of Biology, Universidad de Puerto Rico
Avenida Juan Ponce De Len
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00931
1.787.764.0000 ext. 7764
rpapa.lab@gmail.com
Dr. Sarah Otterstrom
Executive Director
Paso Pacifco
P.O. Box 1244
Ventura, California 93002
1.805.643.7044
sarah@pasopacifico.org