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Brian Cheng |
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Education
University of California, DavisPh.D. Graduate Group in Ecology, Degree expected Spring 2013
San Diego State UniversityM.S. Biology (emphasis in Ecology), December 2008
University of California, Santa BarbaraB.S. Aquatic Biology, December 2001
Research Experience
Gulf of the Farallones NMSClimate Change Site Scenario Coordinator, 11/08 - Present
- Writing a federal climate change assessment report for the Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries (NMS)
- Synthesizing relevant climate change literature
- Coordinating site scenario meetings with oceanographic and ecological experts
San Diego State UniversityMaster's Thesis Research, 09/05 - 12/08
- Developed mensurative and manipulative field experiments to test the effect of native predators on an abundant invasive bivalve (Musculista senhousia)
- Collected sub-tidal field data using SCUBA and small craft
- Performed all data analyses and was primary author on manuscript
San Diego State UniversityScientific Research Diver, 07/05 - 09/05
- Employed acoustic telemetry equipment to track California spiny lobster (Panulirus interruptus) nocturnal movement patterns
- Surveyed spiny lobster habitat using SCUBA and small craft
- Deployed tethered lobsters to assess relative predation rates inside a MPA
Palmer Station, AntarcticaAssistant Project Leader, 10/03 - 01/04
- Lead research shift onboard R/V Laurence M. Gould (230' vessel)
- Trained crew in zooplankton identification and sampling technique
- Collected under ice Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) using SCUBA
- Sampled zooplankton with acoustics and net tows (19' Zodiac)
- Organized logistical cargo and biological specimens for transit
Palmer Station, AntarcticaResearch Technician, 12/01 - 01/02
- Organized logistical cargo and biological specimens for transit
- Sampled mid-water zooplankton using net tows and acoustics
- Conducted fecundity and growth experiments on Antarctic krill
- Deployed oceanographic sampling equipment
Marine Science Institute, UC Santa BarbaraScientific Research Diver, 06/00 - 09/00
- Deployed sub-tidal field experiments on marine gastropod (Kelletia kelletii)
- Field sites: Santa Barbara Channel, Monterey Bay, Catalina Island
Publications
- Cheng, B.S. and K.A. Hovel. Biotic resistance by an exploited native species: consequences for predator loss. (Manuscript submitted)
Presentations
- Cheng, B.S. and K.A. Hovel. Biotic resistance by an exploited native species: consequences for predator loss. 2008. Western Society of Naturalists, Vancouver, Canada. (Best student paper)
- Cheng, B.S. and K.A. Hovel. Invasion resistance to a non-native bivalve in Southern California. 2007. Western Society of Naturalists, Ventura, CA.
- Cheng, B.S. and K.A. Hovel. Relative influence of predation and recruitment on the invasive Asian mussel. 2007. 5th Annual Conference on Marine Bioinvasions, Cambridge, MA.
- Cheng, B.S. and K.A. Hovel. Relative influence of predation and recruitment on the invasive Asian mussel. 2007. Benthic Ecology Meeting, Atlanta, GA.
- Cheng, B.S. and K.A. Hovel. Relative influence of predation and recruitment on the invasive Asian mussel. 2007. Southern California Unified Malacologists, San Diego, CA. (Invited talk)
Funding & Awards
Best Student Paper - Western Society of Naturalists Annual Meeting, Vancouver, Canada, 2008
$700Student Research Grant - Western Society of Malacologists, 2007
Antarctic Service Medal - National Science Foundation, 2006
$1,000Robert L. Wiegel Scholarship for Coastal Studies, 2006
$5,900Edna Bailey Sussman Foundation, 2006
$1,000Mabel Myers Memorial Scholarship, 2006
Teaching & Professional Experience
Teaching Assistant
Oversaw all aspects of class management: lecturing, lab experiments, field trips, data analyses, grading
- Introduction to Biology (UC Davis, Fall 2008),
- Biostatistics (SDSU, Fall 2007),
- Marine Ecology (SDSU, Spring 2007, Spring 2008)
- World of Animals (SDSU, Fall 2007)
- General Biology Laboratory (SDSU, Fall 2006, Spring 2007)
Guest Lecturer
- "Invasive Species" for Conservation of Wildlife, February 14, 2008
- "Conservation Solutions" for Marine Ecology, May 7, 2007
Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach, CAAquarist, 05/04 - 06/05
- Executed quarantine protocol for captive fish and invertebrates
- Utilized small craft in collection of local marine flora/fauna (24' Parker)
- Maintained 8,000 gallon life support systems
- Educated and managed volunteer husbandry staff and divers
Ocean Institute, Dana Point, CALead Aquarist, 04/02 - 09/03
- Established and maintained 15,000 gallon seawater system
- Managed (3) aquarists and (15) volunteers
- Executed small craft collection trips (22' Whaler)
Professional Associations
- Western Society of Naturalists (WSN)
- Ecological Society of America (ESA)
- American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS)
Relevant Skills
- AAUS Research Diver (60 foot certification)
- 500 Completed Research/Collecting Dives
- SDSU Small craft and boat trailer certified
- NAUI Safety Rescue Diver
- AAUS Dry-suit certified
- AGA Full Face Mask Trained
Academic Service
- UC Davis, Graduate Student Association Representative, 2008
- SDSU Faculty Search Student Representative - Marine Ecologist, 2007
- SDSU Departmental Seminar Series Student Organizer, Fall 2007
- SDSU Faculty Search Student Representative - Ecotoxicologist, 2006
- WSN Secretariat Student Volunteer, 2005 - 2008
- International Association Landscape Ecology Organizing Committee, 2006