Sandra Costa

Marine Scientist with a Master’s degree with intensified studies in coral biodiversity assessment and genetic analysis, and experience in GIS population dynamics studies, biodiversity assessment, phylogenetic studies, and genetic studies using Next Generation Sequencing and Nanopore technologies.Highly passionate about environmental issues, conservation-related studies, and campaigns related to marine restoration and protection. Also committed to excellence in research and analysis. Very knowledgeable and concerned about ocean climate change and highly skilled in documenting the health, survival, and growth of coral reefs. Excels at getting strong results due to effective coordination, facilitation, and planning abilities, as well as diligent attention to detail.

CENTER OF MARINE SCIENCES (CCMAR), Faro, PORTUGAL

Master's student- Dissertation Project                                                       09/2020- 01/2022

-Dissertation project in deep-water coral biodiversity studies in Portugal using a barcoding approach and long-range PCR to sequence mitochondrial genomes of coral samples and phylogenetic analysis. (This paper will be submitted for publication)

-Developed coral-specific primers to amplify the mitogenomes and expand the available genetic libraries of coral specimens.

-Experience utilizing microbiological and molecular techniques including DNA extraction and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify coral species.

-Maintained logs of required daily procedures.

-Nanopore next-generation sequencing using flongle and typical MinION flow cell.

ZOOMARINE, Albufeira, PORTUGAL

Environmental and Marine Educator                                           Summer 2019- Summer 2021

-Promote pedagogical activities related to the oceans and raise awareness to take ecological and environmentally friendly measures.

-Sensitize towards the environment, ecology, biodiversity, and conservation by promoting pro-environmental behaviors.

ZOOMARINE, Albufeira, PORTUGAL

Aquarist Intern                                                                                                        Fall 2020

-A scientific study of the predatory responses and feeding behavior of Elasmobranchs in a controlled environment. (This paper will be submitted for publication)

-Provide daily care of marine animals including diet preparation, feeding, general care, and maintenance of aquatic display in accordance with established protocols.

-Assist with specimen transports, water quality testing, quarantine, diagnosis, and treatment of fish disease. 

CENTRAL CARIBBEAN MARINE INSTITUTE (CCMI), Little Cayman, CAYMAN ISLANDS 

Rutgers CCMI Coral Reef Internship in Marine Ecology & Conservation            Summer 2017

-Coral reef research at a research station includes field data collection during scientific dives and analysis using different underwater field methods (transects /roving surveys).

-Caribbean fish, coral, and algae identification. Lionfish dissections. Sea turtle nesting surveys.

-Workshops in principles of tropical ecology, sustainability, and management.

-Coral nursery maintenance- participation in the construction, implementation, and maintenance of marine restoration structures, as well as documenting the survival, health, and growth of corals in nurseries and transplantation of corals into their natural environment.

ALGARVE UNIVERSITY, Faro, PORTUGAL

MSc. Marine Biology                                                                                  

-Scientific studies of spatial patterns of size-frequency of deep-sea corals in Portugal using GIS.

-Intensified studies of deep-sea corals including triage, species identification through the observation of sclerites, photograph specimens, and size measurements through image analysis using ImageJ software.

-Advanced multidisciplinary studies and training in marine biology.

-Competences for analysis and understanding the oceans through specialized approaches from molecular techniques to remote sensing.

RUTGERS UNIVERSITY, New Brunswick, NJ

B.S. Marine Science- Biological Oceanography                                

-Intense coursework in biology and chemistry-related classes including labs.

-Study Abroad-Coral Reef  Internship at CCMI in Little Cayman