Biology Department
Monmouth University
West Long Branch, NJ 07764
(732) 571-4432 (office); (732) 263-5243 (fax)
e-mail: [email protected]
EDUCATION
Ph.D., Marine Biology/Biochemistry
Graduate College of Marine Studies, University of Delaware, Lewes, DE Advisor: Dr. Timothy Targett
Dissertation: Nursery habitat quality for juvenile paralichthyid flounders: experimental analyses of the effects of physicochemical parameters.
M.S., non-thesis, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
B.S., Biology, with College Honors
Lebanon Valley College of Pennsylvania, Annville, PA
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Assistant Professor
Biology Department, Monmouth University, West Long Branch, NJ (2006 to present) Current teaching load of 18 credits per academic year, with additional summer courses.
Scholarship reduction of 6 credits per academic year. Teaching responsibilities include majors’ Introductory Biology lectures and laboratory, non-majors’ Biology lecture, majors’ Ecology lecture and laboratory, majors’ Biological Oceanography course, majors’ Ecosystems Analysis capstone course, and majors’ Marine Biology capstone course. Departmental responsibilities include advising approx. 25 biology majors per school year.
Instructor, Full-time
Biology Department, Monmouth University, West Long Branch, NJ (2002 to 2006) Taught 24+ credits per academic year, with additional summer courses. Most courses were majors’ biology courses, with one biology non-majors’ course.
Instructor, Adjunct
New Jersey Marine Science Consortium, Sandy Hook, NJ. (2003 to present)
Taught Marine Science Education, a course designed to teach elementary and secondary school teachers how to teach marine science. An intensive training course incorporating both lecture and field components.
Instructor, Adjunct
University of Maryland University College (2002 to 2003)
Taught on-line Marine Biology course for non-majors. Participated in intensive five-week on-line training program to learn the University’s proprietary software and recommended on-line
National Research Council Post-Doctoral Research Associate National Marine Fisheries Service, Highlands, NJ (2000 to 2002)
Conducted independent research on the ecology and life history of the American goosefish, Lophius americanus, including experiments on temperature-dependent egg and larval
development, analyses of historical ichthyoplankton distribution patterns, evaluations of aging techniques, and behavioral observations and experiments on adult fish. Advisor: Dr. R. C. Chambers.
Research Associate
Graduate College of Marine Studies, University of Delaware, Lewes, DE (1994 to 2000) Doctoral research to examine the physiological and behavioral ecology of two species of paralichthyid flounder (summer flounder Paralichthys dentatus and southern flounder P. lethostigma), which co-occur in South Atlantic Bight estuaries. Research incorporated both laboratory and field components. Supervised undergraduate summer technicians assisting in laboratory and field work.
Lecturer and Laboratory Instructor
Biology Department, Henson School of Science and Technology, Salisbury State University, Salisbury, MD (1997)
One-semester contract. Taught Introductory Biology majors’ course on zoology, genetics and evolution to approximately 50 students in lecture and two laboratories.
Teaching Assistant
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE (1992 – 1995) Taught introductory Biology labs for majors and non-majors (separate from Laboratory Supervisor position listed below). Responsible for 2-3 laboratory sections per semester. Laboratory Supervisor
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE (1992 – 1994) Full-time salaried staff position for large-enrollment freshman biology laboratories (1000+ students per semester). Responsible for supervising 30 – 40 laboratory sections per semester of introductory biology laboratories, including majors’ Introductory Biology I and II, Honors Biology, and non-majors’ Introductory Biology.
Teaching Assistant
Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ (1989 – 1991)
Taught Marine Biology and General Biology laboratories. Collected and maintained live
specimens for Marine Biology laboratory. Led field trips into Sonoran desert in Arizona and to a marine field station in Mexico.
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES & PRESENTATIONS
Keynote Speaker
Bringing Coastal Watersheds Into the Classroom. 2007. Coastal Watershed Seminar Series, Urban Coast Institute, Monmouth University.
Estuarine Ecology. “Explore Your Estuary” Day. 2003. New Jersey Marine Science Consortium, Sandy Hook, NJ.
Invited Seminars
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Effects of Physicochemical Parameters on the Ontogeny of Larval and Juvenile Fishes. 2008. Retirement Symposium for Dr. Paul L. Wolf, Department of Biology, Lebanon Valley College, Annville, PA.
Summer and Southern Flounder: Ecology of Flatfishes. 1999. Philanthropic Educational Organization, Chapter J Fall Meeting, Lewes, DE.
Research Presentations (* denotes presenter)
Shaw, M.O.* and U.A. Howson. 2009. Effects of sub-lethal concentrations of methylmercury on morphology in larval mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus. Benthic Ecology Meeting, Corpus Christi, TX (Poster) and at School of Science, Technology and Engineering Annual Student Research Symposium, Monmouth University, West Long Branch, NJ (Poster).
Stokley, J.* and U.A. Howson. 2009. Distribution, diversity, and abundance of marine sponges in Cape Eleuthera, The Bahamas. Benthic Ecology Meeting, Corpus Christi, TX. (additional data added to poster since presentation in 2008) (Poster) and at School of Science, Technology and Engineering Annual Student Research Symposium, Monmouth University, West Long Branch, NJ. (Poster).
Eldridge, J.L.,* P. DaSilva, A. Ventriglia, M.O. Shaw, and U.A. Howson. 2008. Correlation of macroinvertebrate and fish species diversity with sediment grain size and total organic matter in an anthropogenically impacted estuary. Metropolitan Association of College and University Biologists, 41st Annual Conference, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ. (Poster). Stokley, J.* and U.A. Howson. 2008. Distribution, diversity, and abundance of marine sponges in
Cape Eleuthera, The Bahamas. Metropolitan Association of College and University Biologists, 41st Annual Conference, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ. (Poster).
Shaw, M.O.* and U.A. Howson. 2008. Spatial and temporal variability in fish community structure in an urban estuary. School of Science, Technology and Engineering Annual Student Research Symposium, Monmouth University, West Long Branch, NJ (Poster).
Ventriglia, A.* and U.A. Howson. 2008. Distribution and community structure of macroinvertebraes in an urban estuary. School of Science, Technology and Engineering Annual Student Research Symposium, Monmouth University, West Long Branch, NJ (Poster).
Shaw*, M.S., J.A. Tiedemann, and U.A. Howson. 2007. Spatial and temporal variability in fish community structure in an urban estuary. Presented at Estuarine Research Federation Biennial Conference, Providence, RI. (Poster Presentation)
Shaw*, M., S. Nealer*, and U.A. Howson. 2007. Distribution and community structure of fish assemblages in an urban estuary. Presented at the STE Student Research Symposium, Monmouth University, and at the Undergraduate Research Symposium, William Paterson University. (Poster Presentation).
Howson*, U. A. and R. C. Chambers. 2004. Inference of temporal and spatial occurrence of spawning in goosefish Lophius americanus. New Jersey Academy of Science Annual Meeting. Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison, NJ. (Oral Presentation).
Witting*, D.A., U.A. Howson*, F. Flores, A.H. Hashinaga, N. Stolpe, S. Phillips and R.C.
Chambers. 2001. Reproduction, growth and development of goosefish, Lophius americanus. 25th
Annual Larval Fish Conference. Monmouth University, West Long Branch, NJ. (Poster Presentation).
Howson*, U.A, T.E. Targett and P.A. Grecay. 2000. Foraging in juvenile summer and southern flounder: Effects of light, turbidity and prey type. National Marine Fisheries Service, Flatfish Biology Workshop, Mystic, CT. (Poster Presentation).
Howson, U.A.* and T.E. Targett. 1999. The effects of temperature and salinity on the feeding, growth and survival of summer flounder and southern flounder, with a comparison of salinity preference. Larval Fish Conference, National Marine Fisheries Service Beaufort Laboratory, Beaufort, NC.
Howson, U.A.* and T.E. Targett. 1999. Ecology of summer flounder Paralichthys dentatus and southern flounder Paralichthys lethostigma in the South Atlantic Bight. American Fisheries Society Chapter Meeting, Mid-Atlantic Chapter, Richard Stockton College, Pomona, NJ. Howson, U.A.* and T.E. Targett. 1998. The effects of temperature and salinity on the feeding,
growth and survival of summer flounder and southern flounder. Flatfish Biology Workshop, Mystic, CT.
PUBLICATIONS
Howson, U.A. 2001. Nursery habitat quality for juvenile paralichthyid flounders: experimental analyses of the effects of physicochemical parameters. Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Delaware, Lewes.
In Revisions
Howson, U. A. and T.E. Targett. Comparison of thermohaline optima in juveniles of two sympatric paralichthyid flounders: ecophysiological evaluation of estuarine nursery conditions Pending submission, Transactions of the American Fisheries Society.
Howson, U.A., T.E. Targett and P.A. Grecay. Foraging by juvenile summer and southern flounder: effects of light, turbidity and prey type. Pending submission, Marine Ecology Progress Series.
Howson, U.A. and T.E. Targett. Effects of salinity on behavior of juvenile summer and southern flounder. Pending submission, Marine Biology.
Howson, U.A., D.A. Witting and R.C. Chambers. Patterns of movement, feeding and reproduction in adult goosefish, Lophius americanus.
In Preparation
Howson, U.A. and R.C. Chambers. Using laboratory-based developmental rates of goosefish, Lophius americanus, early life-stages to refine estimates of goosefish spawning in nature. Stokley, J.M. and U.A. Howson. Distribution, diversity and abundance of marine sponges in Cape Eleuthera, the Bahamas.
Works in Progress
Howson, U.A. and R.C. Chambers. Temperature-dependent growth and development during the early life stages of laboratory-spawned goosefish Lophius americanus.
Howson, U.A., J.L. Eldridge, M.O. Shaw, and J.A. Tiedemann. Seasonal patterns in distribution and community structure of benthic macroinvertebrate and fish assemblages in an urban estuary. Howson, U.A. and M.O. Shaw. Effects of sub-lethal concentrations of methylmercury on
morphology and behavior of fishes.
GRANTS
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• Howson, U.A. 2009.Spatial and Temporal Assessment of Finfish Abundance and Habitat Use in Coastal Monmouth County Waterways. NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife, Conserve Wildlife Program. $9969. Not funded.
• Howson, U. A. 2008. Sub-lethal effects of contaminants on ontogeny of larval fishes. Monmouth University Faculty Grant-in-Aid for Creativity. $2000. Partially funded ($750). • Howson, U. A. 2008. Sub-lethal effects of contaminants on ontogeny of larval fishes: effects
of changes in morphology and behavior on predation risk. New Jersey Sea Grant Development Grant. $5000. Funded.
• Howson, U.A. and J. Coyle. 2008.
UBM-Group Interdisciplinary Research for
Undergraduates: Connectivity in Sub-Tropical Marine and Estuarine Habitats.
$210,000. Not funded.
• Howson, U. A. 2007. Sustainable resource management of Caribbean sponges. Monmouth University Faculty Grant-in-Aid. $1500. Funded.
• Howson, U.A. 2007. LI-COR, Inc. LEEF Program for Undergraduate Teaching and Research. $25,000 awarded towards purchase of LI-6400 photosynthesis analysis system. Funded.
• Howson, U.A. and J. A. Tiedemann. 2007. Spatial and temporal assessment of finfish and blue crab abundance and habitat use in the Barnegat Bay estuary. Barnegat Bay National Estuary Program: Full Proposal. ($20,173 requested, $20,200 match). Not funded.
• Straub, P. (Stockton), A. Deshpande (NOAA), R.C. Chambers (NOAA), U. A. Howson, W.
Phoel (Stockton). 2007. Winter flounder larval susceptibility to maternal and environmental derived anthropogenic contamination. NOAA Sea Grant College Program 2008-2010 RFP: Pre-Proposal. ($199,954 requested, $142,342 match). Not funded.
HONORS & AWARDS
• National Research Council Post-Doctoral Research Associateship Award (2000 – 2002)
$30,000/year plus supplies, travel, and moving expenses, for the project “Examination of key life history features and their linkages to habitat in goosefish, Lophius americanus.”
• Frances Severance Academic Council Award for best dissertation within program area,
University of Delaware Graduate College of Marine Studies (2000 – 2001)
• Delaware Sea Grant Student Award in recognition of research excellence in the Delaware
Sea Grant College Program (2000 – 2001)
• Philanthropic Education Organization Scholar Award (2000)
$7000 grant to support final year of doctoral research and writing of dissertation.
• Unversity of Delaware Graduate College of Marine Studies Travel Grant (1999)
$500 for registration and travel expenses to Fourth International Flatfish Symposium, Atlantic Beach, NC.
• Best Student Presentation Award, American Fisheries Society Mid-Atlantic Chapter
Meeting, Richard Stockton College, Pomona, NJ (1999)
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
• Discussion Facilitator. Fisheries Data Collection for Sustainable Recreational Fisheries
• Judge, Metropolitan Assoc of College and University Biologists Annual Mtg (2006 -2009)
• Judge, Monmouth Junior Science Symposium, Monmouth University (2003 - 2009)
• Reviewer, Oregon Sea Grant Omnibus Competition (2010 - 2012). Proposal: Cianelli, L.
Flatfish behavior in coastal regions affected by seasonal hypoxia. 2009.
• Textbook Reviewer, Solomon’s Biology, 8/e, Brooks-Cole Publishers, expert review of three
chapters, 2008.
• Representative for Monmouth University, Many Mind Creek Regional Stormwater
Management Plan Committee, Atlantic Highlands, NJ. 2003 – 2008.
• Judge, graduate student paper presentations, Estuarine Research Federation Biennial
International Conference, November 2007.
• Reviewer, Oregon Sea Grant Omnibus Competition (2008-2010). Proposal: Cianelli, L. and
R. Brodeur. Effects of hypoxia on ichthyoplankton and micronekton communities off the Oregon coast. 50 pages. 2007.
• Member, Steering Committee. 2001. 25th Annual Larval Fish Conference, Monmouth
University, West Long Branch, NJ; attended by approximately 150 scientists from 15 countries.
• Scientist: Cooperative Monkfish Research Survey of the Northeast Atlantic Coast. 2001.
Ten-day collaborative research cruise by NMFS and the monkfish industry to evaluate monkfish stocks.
• Science Judge, National Ocean Sciences Bowl, Final Competition, Baltimore, MD (2000)
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
American Fisheries Society (AFS)
Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation (CERF)
Metropolitan Association of College and University Biologists (MACUB)
ACADEMIC SERVICE
Monmouth University
• Faculty Council, 2008 – 2010 (Recording Secretary, Executive Committee 2009-2020 school
year).
• Academic Standards and Review Committee, 2008 – 2010
• Enrollment Committee, 2008 – 2010
• Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, 2008 – 2010
• University Teacher Education Advisory Committee, 2006 – present
• Departmental Advising, Biology Department (approx. 25 students per year).
• First Year Advising, First Year Experience office, 2004 – present (approx. 35 students per
year)
PEDAGOGY
Curriculum Development
Monmouth University. New Course: BY109 Introduction to Biodiversity and Evolution. One semester of a year of introductory material in the biological sciences. It will provide an organismal-level overview of the biological sciences using evolution as the underlying theme throughout the course. Submitted and approved for Fall 2009.
Monmouth University, New Course: BY340 Ecology. Designed for junior and senior Marine and Environmental Biology and Policy (MEBP) majors; lecture and laboratory course examining the basic concepts of ecology and evolutionary biology, the interaction of organisms and their environment, population ecology, community ecology, and ecosystem dynamics. Submitted and
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Monmouth University. BY441Marine Biology. Complete redevelopment of the entire course, including lecture, laboratory, and field trips. Lecture assignments included critical reviews of primary literature articles. Laboratory and field exercises included maintenance of a laboratory notebook, and collection and analysis of data collected in the field.
Monmouth University. BY120 Ecology. Partial redevelopment of lecture material in my section, addition of several new laboratory exercises in both sections.
Continuing Education
Re-Centering Teaching: Promoting Active Engagement in Learning. Monmouth University Faculty Resource Center, 2004.
GIS Across the Disciplines. Monmouth University Faculty Resource Center, 2003. On-line pedagogical techniques through intensive five-week training course, University of Maryland WebTycho Training, 2002
COMMUNITY SERVICE
• Field Trip Coordinator, marine science field trips, Seashore School, Long Branch, NJ (2003 -
2009)
• New Eagle Scout New Eagle Scout Career Mentor, Monmouth Council Boy Scouts of
America (2007).
• Marine science field trips, Jefferson School, Georgetown, DE (1998-2000)
• University of Delaware Graduate College of Marine Studies Annual Coast Day (1994-1999)
• Beach Day outreach programs, Shields Elementary School, Lewes, DE (1997-98)
• Invited seminars on marine science, Nash Elementary School, Lansdale, PA (1997)