PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION

Department of Environmental and Organismal Biology Christopher Newport University

1 Avenue of the Arts ▪ Newport News, VA 23606-3072 Phone: (757) 594-7122 ▪ Email: heather.harwell@cnu.edu

RESEARCH INTERESTS

My primary research interests lie at the intersection of marine biodiversity conservation and estuarine and coastal marine community ecology. While my basic research investigates the effects of anthropogenic alterations of the physical environment on benthic community structure, my recent applied work focuses on extinction risk theory and the identification of key marine conservation priorities across regional, national, and international scales.

PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION

Doctor of Philosophy, Marine Science, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary, Gloucester Point, VA, 2010. Co-advisors: Mark Luckenbach & Stan Allen

Dissertation Title: Reef-associated fauna in Chesapeake Bay: effects of oyster species, habitat complexity, and habitat location on habitat function.

Master of Science, Marine Science, Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, NC, 2004. Advisor: Martin Posey

Thesis Title: Landscape aspects of oyster reefs: effects of fragmentation on habitat utilization.

Bachelor of Science, Marine Biology, cum laude, honors in Biology, Minor in Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, NC, 2002. Advisor: Martin Posey

Honors Thesis Title: A comparison of growth rates of juvenile Callinectes sapidus along a salinity gradient in the Cape Fear River Estuary.

APPOINTMENTS

• Assistant Professor of Biology, Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA, August 2013 – present.

• Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Old Dominion University Research Foundation, Norfolk, VA, April 2010 – August 2013.

• Programme Officer, Marine Biodiversity Unit, Global Species Programme, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), April 2010 – August 2013.

• Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion

University, Norfolk, VA, August 2011 – August 2013.

PUBLICATIONS IN PEER-REVIEWED JOURNALS (*graduate student, **undergraduate student)

Butchart, S., M. Clarke, B. Smith, R. Sykes, J. Scharlemann, M. Harfoot, G. Buchanan, A.

Angulo, A. Balmford, B. Bertzky, T. Brooks, K. Carpenter, M. Comeros, J. Cornell, N.

Dulvy, G. Ficetola, L. Fishpool, H. Harwell, C. Hiton-Taylor, M. Hoffmann, A. Joolia, L. Joppa, N. Kingston, I. May, A. Milam, B. Polidoro, G. Ralph, N. Richman, C.

Rondinini, B. Skolnik, M. Spalding, S. Stuart, A. Symes, J. Taylor, P. Visconti, J.

Watson and N. Burgess. Shortfalls and solutions for meeting national and global protected area targets. 2015. Conservation Letters. DOI: 10.1111/conl.12158

Adams, A., A. Horodysky, R. McBride, T. MacDonald, J. Shenker, K. Guindon, H. Harwell, R.

Ward and K. Carpenter. 2014. Global conservation status and research needs for tarpons (Megalopidae), Ladyfishes (Elopidae), and Bonefishes (Albulidae). Fish and Fisheries 15(2):280-311.

Comeros-Raynal, M.T.*, J.H. Choat, B.A. Polidoro, K.D. Clements, R. Abesamis, M.T. Craig, M.E. Lazuardi, J. McIlwain, A. Muljadi, R.F. Myers, C.L. Nanola, S. Pardede, L.A.

Rocha, B. Russell, J. Sanciangco, B. Stockwell*, H. Harwell and K. Carpenter. 2012.

The likelihood of extinction of iconic and dominant components of coral reefs: the Parrotfishes and Surgeonfishes. PLoS One 7(7): e39825. DOI:

10.371/journal.pone.0039825.

Collette, B., K. Carpenter, B. Polidoro, M. Juan-Jorda*, A. Boustany, D. Die, C. Elfes, W.

Fox, J. Graves, L. Harrison, R. McManus, C. Minte-Vera, R. Nelson, V. Restrepo, J.

Schratwieser, C. Sun, A. Amorim, M. Peres, C. Canales, G. Cardensa, S. Chang, W.

Chiang, N. de Oliveira Leite, Jr., H. Harwell, R. Lessa, F. Fredou, H. Oxenford, R.

Serra, K. Shao, R. Sumalia, S. Wang, R. Watson and E. Yanez. 2011. High value and long life - double jeopardy for tunas and billfishes. Science 333: 291-292.

Knapp, L**., M. Mincarone, H. Harwell, B. Polidoro, J. Sanciangco and K. Carpenter. 2011.

Conservation status of the world’s hagfish species and the loss of phylogenetic diversity and ecosystem function. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 21: 401-411.

Harwell, H., M. Posey and T. Alphin. 2011. Landscape aspects of oyster reefs: effects of fragmentation on habitat utilization. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 409: 30-41.

Harwell, H., P. Kingsley-Smith, M. Kellogg, S. Allen, S. Allen, Jr., D. Merrit, K. Paynter, Jr.

and M. Luckenbach. 2010. Reef-associated fauna in Chesapeake Bay: does oyster species affect habitat function? Journal of Shellfish Research 29(2): 253-269.

Kingsley-Smith, P., H. Harwell, M. Kellogg, S. Allen, S. Allen, Jr., D. Meritt, K. Paynter, Jr.

and M. Luckenbach. 2009. Survival and growth of triploid Crassostrea virginica

(Gmelin, 1791) and C. ariakensis (Fujita, 1913) in bottom environments of Chesapeake Bay: implications for an introduction. Journal of Shellfish Research 28: 169-184.

Posey, M., T. Alphin, H. Harwell and B. Allen. 2005. Importance of low salinity areas for juvenile blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, in river-dominated estuaries of southeastern United States. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 319:

81-100.

MANUSCRIPTS IN PREPARATION

Harwell, H., Kingsley-Smith, P., and M. Luckenbach. Effects of oyster species (Crassostrea virginica versus C. ariakensis) and habitat complexity variations on an oyster reef trophic cascade. Marine Ecology Progress Series.

Harwell, H. B. Polidoro, D. Abdul Malak, S. Livingstone, D. Pollard, A. Cuttelod, M. Bariche, M. Bilecenoglu, B. Collette, P. Francour, M. Goren, M. Kara, E. Massuti, C.

Papaconstantinou, L. Tunesi, M. Comeros-Raynal* and K. Carpenter. Shifting seas:

impacts on the conservation status of the native marine fishes of the Mediterranean.

Biodiversity and Conservation.

BOOK CHAPTERS

Carpenter, K., B. Polidoro, H. Harwell, and J. Sanciangco. 2011. Ocean Biodiversity. In:

Stone, G.S., Mittimeier, R.A., Aburto-Oropeza, O.A., Campagna, C., Carpenter, K.E., Madin, L.P., Obura, D., Sala, E., Mittermeier, C.G., Troeng, S. and Seligman, P.A..

Oceans: Heart of Our Blue Planet. CEMEX, Arlington, VA, pp. 67-84.

CITATION INDICES

Via Google Scholar Profile: (accessed 5/21/15)

All Since 2010

Citations 196 173

h-index 7 7

i10-index 5 5

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Assistant Professor, Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA August 2013 – present.

• Formal teaching responsibilities:

o Principles of Biology II (BIOL 212): Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology o Principles of Biology III (BIOL 213): Animal Form and Function

• Informal teaching responsibilities:

o Faculty mentor for undergraduate researchers / IUCN interns (spring 2014) - Jessica Deal, Lauren Forero, Stephen Chisum, Rebecca Henenlotter o Guest lecturer, CNU Environmental Conservation (BIOL 306)

- Invited to give 2 lectures on endangered species (Sept – Oct 2013) Adjunct Assistant Professor, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, 2011- August 2013.

• Formal teaching responsibilities:

o Ichthyology (BIOL 420/520), fall 2011.

o Faculty mentor for capstone undergraduate senior seminar projects - Jack Buchanan, Nicole Haughey, Lauren Kelley (fall 2011) - Sean Brickhouse, Jessica Lutzow, John Parks (spring 2012)

• Informal teaching responsibilities:

o Guest lecturer, Marine Conservation Biology (BIOL 496/596), 2012, 9 lectures.

o Guest lecturer, Ichthyology (BIOL420/520), 2012, 10 lectures.

Marine Science Teaching Fellow, The College of William and Mary, 2010.

• Creator and instructor, seminar course for undergraduates exploring the interdisciplinary nature of marine conservation biology.

• Actively contributed to the strategic planning and curriculum development of a new Marine Science minor program.

Teaching Assistant, Field Studies in Coastal Marine Environments, The College of William and Mary, VIMS Eastern Shore Laboratory, Summer 2009.

• Introduced undergraduates to fundamental processes of marine science through exploration of local marine environments (barrier islands, salt marshes, oyster reefs).

• Assisted and evaluated students in the development and execution of group projects focused on implementation of the scientific method.

Teaching Assistant, General Ecology Laboratory Course, Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, 2003.

• Instructed weekly field and laboratory activities designed to complement lecture course material in a hands-on manner.

• Guided and evaluated students in literature searches, data collection, management, and

analysis, and the scientific writing process.

CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS

Collaborator, Global Marine Species Assessment, International Union for Conservation of Nature (August 2013 – Present).

• Assist in the organization and facilitation of Red List Assessment Workshops around the globe as an IUCN Certified Red List Trainer within the Global Species Programme, Marine Biodiversity Unit.

• Work with CNU, ODU, and ASU students to synthesize existing scientific information from primary literature, technical reports, and expert opinion to prepare and review species-specific extinction risk assessments for publication on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

• Cultivate and maintain collaborative relationships with conservation and fisheries scientists, resource managers, and government representatives worldwide.

• Perform meta-analyses and prepare manuscripts focused on the global and regional conservation status of marine species for inclusion in high-impact journals.

• Ongoing IUCN-related projects include the following:

o Comprehensive risk assessments for the marine species of the Gulf of Mexico o Global conservation status of the world’s reef-building oysters

o Extinction risks of the marine fishes of Oceania

SUBMITTED RESEARCH GRANTS

A Three-year Evaluation of Shoreline Biota by Faculty and $120,120.00 Students from Christopher Newport University

• Submitted to: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (January 2014)

• Role: Co-Principle Investigator

Comprehensive Risk Assessments for Marine Species $5,500,000.00

• Submitted to: Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative, Research Consortia (January 2014)

• Role: Co- Principle Investigator

Restoration and Management of the Living Resources of the Gulf $299,883.00 of Mexico: A Tool for Regional Agencies and Communities

• Submitted to: Environmental Protection Agency (November 2013)

• Role: Co-Principle Investigator

PRIOR RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Post-doctoral Research Associate, Global Marine Species Assessment, International Union for Conservation of Nature, Old Dominion University. April 2010 – August 2013.

• Organized and facilitated Red List Assessment Workshops around the globe as a de facto Species Programme Officer of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Global Species Programme, Marine Biodiversity Unit.

• Synthesized existing scientific information from primary literature, technical reports, and expert opinion to prepare and review species-specific extinction risk assessments for publication on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

• Assisted in the management of the Global Marine Species Assessment research team at Old Dominion University, including oversight and mentorship of full-time staff, graduate students, and undergraduate research assistants.

Graduate Research Assistant, Eastern Shore Laboratory, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Wachapreague, VA, 2004 – May 2010.

Research Assistant, Benthic Ecology Laboratory, Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, NC, 2001-2004.

HONORS AND AWARDS

• VIMS Marine Science Teaching Fellowship, 2010

• Eastern Shore Student Research Grant, 2008

• Reves Graduate Student International Travel Grant, 2005

• North Carolina Sea Grant Research Fellow, 2002 -2004

• UNCW Research Travel Awards, 2002 -2004

• UNCW Champion McDowell Davis Scholarship, 2001 - 2002

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

Linardich*, C., H. Harwell, K. Carpenter, R. McManus, F. Moretzsohn, J. Wood & T. Lacher.

2014. Extinction risk assessments of Gulf of Mexico Bony Fishes. American Fisheries Society –Tidewater Chapter Annual Meeting. Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA (poster).

Moretzsohn, F., R. McManus, B. Polidoro, H. Harwell, M. Comeros-Raynal*, K. Carpenter, C.

Linardich*, J. Wood, G. Ralph & T. Lacher. 2014. Building Capacity and Decision

Support for Risk Assessment and Marine Biodiversity Conservation in the Gulf of

Mexico. Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference. Mobile, AL

(poster).

Harwell, H., B. Polidoro, D. Abdul Malak, S. Livingstone, D. Pollard et al. 2012. Conservation status of the marine fishes of the Mediterranean Sea. 41 ^st Annual Benthic Ecology Meeting, Norfolk, VA.

Harwell, H. and M. Luckenbach. 2009. Effects of oyster species and habitat complexity on an oyster reef trophic cascade. 37 ^th Annual Benthic Ecology Meeting, Corpus Christi, TX.

Harwell, H., P. Kingsley-Smith, M. Kellogg, K. Paynter Jr., & M. Luckenbach. 2008. Reef- associated fauna in Chesapeake Bay: does oyster species affect habitat function? 11 ^th International Conference on Shellfish Restoration, Charleston, SC.

Harwell, H., P. Kingsley-Smith, M. Kellogg, S. Allen, Jr., D. Meritt, K. Paynter Jr., & M.

Luckenbach. 2008. Reef-associated fauna in Chesapeake Bay: effects of oyster species, habitat complexity, and habitat location on habitat function. 36 ^th Annual Benthic Ecology Meeting, Providence, RI.

Harwell, H. P. Kingsley-Smith, M. Kellogg, S. Allen, Jr., D. Meritt, K. Paynter, & M.

Luckenbach. 2007. Effects of oyster species, habitat complexity, and habitat location on reef-associated fauna in Chesapeake Bay. Estuarine Research Federation, Providence, RI (poster).

Harwell, H. and S. Allen, Jr. 2006. Comparative growth and survival of diploid and triploid Suminoe oysters, Crassostrea ariakensis, in multiple quarantine systems. 98 ^th Annual Meeting of the National Shellfisheries Association, Monterey, CA (poster).

Harwell, H., P. Kingsley-Smith, M. Kellogg, S. Allen, Jr., D. Meritt, K. Paynter, & M.

Luckenbach. 2006. Oyster reef morphology and habitat utilization: a comparison of C.

ariakensis and C. virginica in on-bottom environments in Chesapeake Bay. 9 ^th International Conference on Shellfish Restoration. Charleston, SC (poster).

Harwell, H., M. Posey, and T. Alphin. 2004. Landscape approaches to created oyster reefs:

fragmentation and habitat utilization. 33 ^rd Annual Marine Benthic Ecology Meeting, Mobile, AL.

Harwell, H., M. Posey, and T. Alphin. 2003. Landscape approach to oyster reefs as habitat.

North Carolina Sea Grant Review, Raleigh, NC. (Invited Presentation).

Harwell, H., M. Posey, and T. Alphin. 2003. Fragmentation and habitat function in created oyster reefs. 32 ^nd Annual Marine Benthic Ecology Meeting, Groton, CT.

Harwell, H., M. Posey, and T. Alphin. 2002. Aspects of artificial oyster reef design: the effects of edge morphology, vertical complexity, and fragmentation on habitat composition.

Southeastern Estuarine Research Society Meeting, Conway, SC (poster).

Harwell, H., M. Posey, and T. Alphin. 2002. A comparison of growth rates of juvenile

Callinectes sapidus along a salinity gradient in the Cape Fear River Estuary. 31 ^st Annual

Marine Benthic Ecology Meeting, Orlando, FL (poster).

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES, SERVICE, AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Advisory Board Member, CNU Center for Effective Teaching (2014 – present).

• MS Thesis Committee Chair, Jessica Deal, CNU ENVS (2014 – present).

• MS Thesis Committee Member, Ryan McTheny, CNU ENVS (2014 – present).

• MS Thesis Committee Member, Jillian Swinford, CNU ENVS (2014 – present).

• MS Thesis Committee Member, Jack Buchanan, ODU Biology (2013 – present).

• Certified in CNU Curriculum, Advising, and Program Planning (March 2014).

• Certified IUCN Red List Trainer (2012 – present).

• Judge, ODU Biology Department Graduate Student Symposium (2011-2012).

• Environmental Science Category Judge, VA State Science and Engineering Fair 2012.

• Manuscript Reviewer, Marine Ecology Progress Series.

• Professional Memberships:

o American Fisheries Society

o Society for Conservation Biology

o National Shellfisheries Association