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Kevin A. Zelnio
Duke Marine Lab – Beaufort, NC USA

EDUCATION

August 2009: M.Sc. Biology at Pennsylvania State University (advisor: Dr. Charles R. Fisher)
June 2004: B.Sc. Evolution & Ecology (additional coursework in Geology) at UC-Davis
December 1999: Diploma in Audio Engineering at Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences
January 1997: High School Diploma from Bettendorf High School, Iowa

EMPLOYMENT

September 2008-present: Research Technician at the Marine Conservation Molecular Facility, Duke Marine Lab
February 2007-Present: Co-author of Deep Sea News, founder and author of The Other 95%
July 2004-July 2008: Teaching and Research Assistant, Department of Biology, Penn State
August 2002-April 2004: Student Assistant III, Dr. James Richards, Dept. of Land, Air and Water Resources and Dr. Richard Grosberg, Section of Evolution and Ecology, UC-Davis
Prior work experience was as a cook, chef’s apprentice, kitchen manager, audio engineer, musician, sales associate and math tutor

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Penn State: Laboratory Instructor for Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity (BIOL 110) Taught 7 classes, including one honors class and one LEAP class, impacting over 150 students. Co-instructor and teaching assistant for Symbiosis (BIOL 406), impacting over 30 students.
Monterey Peninsula College: Tutor in Math (basic arithmetic to beginning calculus) at Academic Support Services. Impacted more than 25 students from various backgrounds, including many with special needs, one-on-one and in group settings.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Marine invertebrate systematics, molecular ecology and evolution, biogeography
Deep-sea biodiversity & exploration
History of science and exploration
Taxa studied in detail: Anemones, zoanthids, caridean shrimp, gastropods, siboglinid polychaetes, bathymodiolin mussels, thoracican barnacles

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

September 2009: DNA barcoding of fish and invertebrates, K-12 student and teacher science outreach, international workshop organization and media campaign organization aboard the Brazilian tall ship Tocorimé. Supported by Tocorimé and The HMS Beagle Project through a grant from the British Council. (10 days)
November – December 2006: Taxonomic training and research on anemones from hydrothermal vents at Lau Basin in the lab of Dr. Marymegan Daly, Ohio State University. Supported by the Census of Marine Life’s ChEss TAWNI initiative with additional support from the Cnidarian Tree of Life project. (6 weeks)
September 2006: Research cruise to the Lau Basin hydrothermal vents in the Southwest Pacific. PI: Charles Fisher, R/V Melville, Jason II ROV. Supported by NSF. (4 weeks)
June 2005: Research cruise to the Lau Basin hydrothermal vents in the Southwest Pacific. PI: Charles Fisher, R/V Melville, Jason II ROV. Supported by NSF. (4 weeks)
July 2004: Research cruise to the Gulf of Mexico methane seeps. PI: Charles Fisher, R/V Seward Johnson II, Johnson Sea Link II submersible. Supported by the USDI Mineral Management Service. (2 weeks)
November 2003: Research cruise to the East Pacific Rise Hydrothermal Vents, latitudes 8-13°N. PI: Janet Voight, R/V Atlantis, Alvin submersible. Supported by UC-Davis Geology Department and the Chicago Field Museum. (4 weeks)
August 2003-June 2004: Researcher in Dr. Richard Grosberg’s Lab, UC-Davis. Worked on projects involving self-nonself recognition systems in a colonial marine hydroid, the evolutionary ecology of neretid snails and population genetics of a deep-sea stalked barnacle.
May-August 2003: Internship in Dr. Richard Grosberg’s Lab, UC-Davis. Maintained colonies of hydroids for research.
April-June 2003: Internship in Dr. E. Lee Fitzhugh’s Lab, Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries and Conservation Biology, UC-Davis. Worked on a project involving correlations of puma attacks and human population growth since 1850.
August 2002-June 2003: Researcher in Dr. James Richards‘ Lab, Dept. of Land, UC-Davis. Studied the restoration ecology of a dry lake in a high-altitude desert in Southern California, heavy metal and stable isotope analyses involving three salt-tolerant plants.
December 2001-May 2002: Volunteer tracker with Sea Otter Research and Conservation (SORAC), Monterey Bay Aquarium.
June 2001-July 2002: Volunteer caretaker of 15 South African Blackfooted Penguins at Monterey Bay Aquarium.

CURRENT TOOL KIT

Computer Skills:

Operating systems – Mac OSX, Windows
Analytical software – Minitab, SAS, Stata, R, Primer, EstimateS, MEGA, PHYLLIP, CLUSTAL, Geneious, Genemarker, CodonCode
Productivity software – OpenOffice, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, EndNote, Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop and Illustrator, iMovie, Final Cut Pro, GarageBand, Audacity, Cubase
Web Tools – Movable Type, Wordpress, Blogger, Typepad, Audio/Video Editing, HTML, CSS, iWeb, Quicktime Pro, Podcasting

Science Skills:

Genetics – PCR troubleshooting, ABI 3730XL maintenance/repair, Sanger sequencing, cloning, primer design, microsatellite development
Taxonomy – Light microscopy, identification, dissection, knowledge of fixation and preservation methods for a variety of taxa and research aims, working from and writing identification keys
Stable Isotope Analysis – carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, Carlo Erba, ICP-AES
Statistics – ANOVA, regression, multivariate, non-parametric tests, sampling strategies

Other Skills:

Lab management, including training and management of undergraduate student projects

GRANTS & AWARDS

Zelnio, K.A. 2006. “Systematics, phylogenetics and food sources of anemones from hydrothermal vents at the Lau back-arc basin.” $4000 TAWNI (Training AWard to New Investigators) award to train with a taxonomic expert in anemones (Dr. Marymegan Daly at Ohio State) from the Census of Marine Life’s Biogeography of Deep-Water Chemosynthetic Ecosystems (ChEss) field project.

HONORS

Homer Braddock Scholarship from Pennsylvania State University 2008 $1200
Ridge2000 travel award 2005 $800
Homer Braddock Scholarship from Pennsylvania State University 2004 $1000
Outstanding Senior Award from UC-Davis 2004
Dean’s Honors 1 semester and Dean’s High Honors 2 semesters at Monterey Peninsula College 2001-2002
Dean’s list at Vista Community College, 2000

PUBLICATIONS

1. Thaler, A.D., K.A. Zelnio, R. Jones, J. Carlsson, C.L. Van Dover, T.F. Schultz (2010) Characterization of 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci in Ifremeria nautilei, a chemoautotrophic gastropod from deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Conservation Genetics Resources Published online doi:10.1007/s12686-010-9174-9 (html | pdf).
2. Zelnio, K.A., E. Rodríguez, M. Daly (2009) Taxonomy and ecology of the sea anemone fauna (Anthozoa: Actiniaria) from hydrothermal vents in the South-western Pacific. Marine Biology Research 5(6): 547-571 doi:0.1080/17451000902729662 (html | pdf)
3. Podowski, E.L., T.S. Moore, K.A. Zelnio, G.W. Luther III, and C.R. Fisher (2009) GIS-based analysis of realized distributional patterns of diffuse flow megafauna on the Eastern Lau Spreading Center, Tonga. Deep-Sea Research I 56(11): 2041-2056 doi:doi:10.1016/j.dsr.2009.07.002 (html | pdf)
4. Zelnio, K.A., S. Hourdez (2009) A new species of Alvinocaris (Crustacea: Decapoda: Alvinocarididae) from hydrothermal vents at the East-Lau Spreading Center, Western Pacific. Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington 122 (1): 52-71 doi:10.2988/07-28.1 (html | pdf)

Submitted:

1. Sinniger, F., K.A. Zelnio, M. Taviani, J.D. Reimer. Presence of Abyssoanthus sp. (Anthozoa: Zoantharia) in the Mediterranean Sea: indication of a new cold seep or of ecological tolerance of Abyssoanthus to non-chemosynthetic environments? Submitted to Cahiers Biologie Marine.
2. Zelnio, K.A., A.D. Thaler, R.E. Jones, W. Saleu, T.F. Schultz, C.L. Van Dover, J. Carlsson. Characterization of 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci in Chorocaris sp. (Crustacea: Caridea: Alvinocarididae) from deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Submitted to Conservation Genetics Resources.

In Preparation:

1. Zelnio, K.A., P. Davoodi, J.P. Montoya, C.R. Fisher. A bioassay for hydrocarbon seep primary production of particulate organic matter at a Gulf of Mexico Brine Pool.
2. Zelnio, K.A., L.L. Miles, M. Steele, C.R. Fisher. Community structure of hydrothermal vent communities at the East-Lau Spreading Center, southwest Pacific.
3. Zelnio, K.A., E. Rodriguez, F. Sinnger, J. Reimer, M. Daly. A new zoanthid (Cnidaria: Hexacoralia) from hydrothermal vents in the western Pacific and the higher level taxonomy of the Zoanthidea.
4. Collins, P., K.A. Zelnio, R.E. Jones, M. Mungkaje, C.L. Van Dover. Community Structure at active and inactive hydrothermal vents at the Manus Basin.
5. Godet, L., K.A. Zelnio, C.L. Van Dover. The value of hydrothermal vents as a living library.

Popular Press and Reports:

1. Zelnio, K.A. (2010). Deep sea corals and methane seeps: a link? In The Open Laboratory 2009: The Best Science Writing on the Web. Cortunix, Chapel Hill. (html)
2. Zelnio, K.A. (2008). Why I do science: on the allure of the ocean’s novelty. SEED Magazine. August Issue: 34. (html | pdf)
3. Zelnio, K.A. (2008). Anemones raise a tentacle in support of evolution. In The Open Laboratory 2007: The Best Science Writing on the Web (R.A. Cartwright ed.). Cortunix, Chapel Hill: 120-123. (html)
4. Voight, J.R., R.A. Zierenberg, J. McClain, P. Batson, K. Beers, M. Daly, B. Dushman, S. Gollner, B. Govenar, T.A. Haney, S. Hourdez, L.H. Liow, K. Von Damm, J. Zekely, K.A. Zelnio (2004) FIELD cruise to the Northern EPR: discoveries made during biological investigations from 8°37′N to 12°48′N. Ridge 2000 Events 2:22–24 (archived here)
5. Von Damm, K., C. Parker, K. Beers and the FIELD03 Science Party (2004). Update on the hydrothermal and biological status of the EPR ISS “Bull’s-Eye” at 9°50″N. Ridge 2000 Events 2(1): 25-26 (Member of the FIELD03 Science Party). (archived here)

PRESENTATIONS

Talks:

1. Zelnio, K.A. (2010). “Ex omnia conchis: Darwin and his beloved barnacles” Duke Marine Laboratory Darwin Day Seminar. Beaufort, NC 12 February.
2. Zelnio, K.A., M. Goldstein, B. Beck, J. Ives, K. James (2010). “Broader impacts done right”. Science Online 2010. Research Triangle Park, NC, 17 January.
3. James, K., K.A. Zelnio (2010). “Darwin and the Adventure – the (i)Movie”. Science Online 2010. Research Triangle Park, NC, 17 January.
4. Zelnio, K.A. (2009). “Darwin and the Adventure: Sailing, Science and Outreach in South America” Duke Marine Laboratory. Beaufort, NC, 23 October.
5. Zelnio, K.A., K. James, R. MacPherson, T. Page, A.-M. Hodge, M. Barrett, V. Woods (2009). “Blogging adventure: posting from strange locations.” Science Online 2009. Research Triangle Park, NC, 17 January.
6. Zelnio, K.A., D. Bennu (2009). “Nature writing online.” Science Online 2009. Research Triangle Park, NC, 18 January.
7. Zelnio, K.A., M.A. Wilson (2008). “A Natural History of Unintelligent Design.” Biology Department Graduate Student Association Special Darwin Day Seminar. Penn State University, 15 February.
8. Zelnio, K.A., R. MacPherson, K. James, P. Etnoyer, J. Robertshaw (2008). “Real-Time Blogging in the Marine Sciences”. North Carolina Science Blogging Conference. Research Triangle Park, NC, 19 January.
9. Zelnio, K.A. (2007). “300 Years of Linnaeus.” Biology Department Graduate Student Association Seminar. Penn State University, 23 March.
10. Zelnio, K.A. (2006). “Critters Living on Critters: Community Ecology of Lau Basin Hydrothermal Vents.” Biology Department Graduate Student Association Seminar, 27 October.
11. Zelnio, K.A. (2006). “Hooker, Huxley, Haeckel: Darwin’s Apostles.” Biology Department Graduate Student Association Special Darwin Day Seminar. Penn State University, 10 February.
12. E. Podowski, C. Fisher, G. Luther, S. Kim, T. Waite, T.Moore, K.A. Zelnio, B. Zook, G. Telesnicki, H. Hsu, A. Paschal, S. Hourdez, D. Desbruyères (2005). “Understanding the Composition and Distribution of Megafauna at Diffuse Flow Sites in the East Lau Basin Back-Arc Spreading Center.” Fall American Geophysical Union Meeting. San Francisco, 14 December.
13. E. Podowski, G. W. Luther, T. Waite, T. Moore, A. Paschal, H. Hsu-Kim, K.A. Zelnio, C. R. Fisher (2005). “Influence of chemical and biological factors on the composition and distribution of megafauna at the Lau Basin back-arc spreading center evaluated using GIS and photomosaics.” RIDGE2000 Progress and Planning Meeting. Vancouver BC Canada, 31 October.
14. Zelnio, K.A. (2005). “Sir Charles Lyell’s and Geology’s Influence on Darwin’s Theories.” Biology Department Graduate Student Association Seminar. Penn State University, 14 October.
15. Zelnio, K.A., P. Davoodi, J.P. Montoya, C.R. Fisher (2005). “A Bioassay for Seep Primary Production of Particulate Organic Carbon and Nitrogen in a Gulf of Mexico Brine Pool.” Benthic Ecology Meeting. Williamsburg, VA, 6-10 April.
16. Zelnio, K.A., Charles R. Fisher, P.Davoodi, Joseph P. Montoya (2005). “Using Stable Carbon and Nitrogen Isotopes to Differentiate Consumption of Chemosynthetic Primary Production from Photosynthetic Particulate Matter in a Gulf of Mexico Methane Seep”. Northeast Ecology and Evolution Conference. University Park, PA, 18-20 March.

Posters:

1. Zelnio, K.A., P. Collins, M. Mungkaje, R. Jones, C.L. Van Dover (2009). “Community Structure at active and inactive hydrothermal vents at the Manus Basin.” 4th International Symposium on Chemosynthetic-Based Ecosystems. Okinawa, Japan, 28 June- 3 July.
2. Sinniger, F., K.A. Zelnio, M. Taviani, J.D. Reimer (2009). “Presence of Abyssoanthus sp. (Anthozoa: Zoantharia) in the Mediterranean Sea: indication of a new cold seep or of ecological tolerance of Abyssoanthus to non-chemotrophic environments?” 4th International Symposium on Chemosynthetic-Based Ecosystems. Okinawa, Japan, 28 June- 3 July.
3. Carlsson, J., T. Schultz, R. Jones, A. Sobel, A. Thaler, K.A. Zelnio, C.L. Van Dover (2009). “Facilitating small-scale population genetic studies at the Manus Basin hydrothermal vent fields (Bismarck Sea)” 4th International Symposium on Chemosynthetic-Based Ecosystems. Okinawa, Japan, 28 June- 3 July.
4. Zelnio, K.A., E. Rodríguez, M. Daly (2008). “New Species Of Anemone And Zoanthid From Hydrothermal Vents At The East-Lau Spreading Center And Global Vent And Seep Anemone Diversity And Distribution.” ASLO Ocean Sciences Meeting, Census of Marine Life Special Session. Orlando, FL, 2-7 March.
5. Zelnio, K.A., P. Davoodi, J.P. Montoya, C.R. Fisher (2005). “A Bioassay for Seep Primary Production of Particulate Organic Carbon and Nitrogen in a Gulf of Mexico Brine Pool.” Hydrothermal Vent and Seep Biology Symposium. La Jolla, CA, 11-16 September.

OUTREACH

August 15-16, 2009: Night nature hike leader for incoming Duke University freshmen as part the P-Waves program (Duke Marine Lab, Beaufort, NC)
May 19, 2008: Judge for Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science 74th annual meeting (PSU campus)
August 3, 2006: Diversity of seeps and vents tour/presentation for Life in Extreme Environments teacher’s workshop. (PSU campus, teachers)
May 15, 2006: Judge for Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science 72nd annual meeting (PSU campus, grades 8 & 10)
April 22, 2006: Volunteer with Ridge2000 exhibit at the 2006 PSU Space Days exhibition (general public)
April 2006: Filmed for National Geographic Channel’s Naked Science series, episode: The Deep. Aired June 2006.
May 17, 2005: Lab tour and presentation (junior high school students)
May 16, 2005: Judge for Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science 71st annual meeting (PSU campus, grades 7, 11 & 12)
April 2, 2005: Volunteer with the Ridge2000 exhibit at the 2005 PSU Space Days (general public)
March 21, 2005: Lab tour and presentation (high school students)
November 2, 2004: Interviewed by the Daily Collegian about research
January 2003-June 2004: Wrote several position papers as Policy committee chair for the Davis Chapter of Society for Conservation Biology (politicians and general public)
June 2001-July 2002: Volunteer caretaker and science interpreter for 15 South African Blackfooted Penguins at Monterey Bay Aquarium (general public and school tours)

SERVICE

January-August 2008: Recruitment subcommittee for the Biology Dept. Graduate Student Association
January 2007-August 2008: Graduate Student/Faculty Laison for the Biology Dept. Graduate Student Association
January 2005-January 2007: Secretary of the Biology Dept. Graduate Student Association
January 2003-June 2004: Policy Committee Chair for UC-Davis Chapter, Society for Conservation Biology

Reviewed Manuscripts for: Biological Bulletin, Marine Biology Research

MEMBERSHIP

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS)
Biological Society of Washington (BSW)
National Association of Science Writers (NASW)
National Geographic Society (NGS)
Online News Association (ONA)
Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology (SICB)