Heidi N. Geisz

Ph.D. Student

B.S. University of Colorado, Boulder
         University of Lancaster, UK

Major Advisors Top

Research statement

I am broadly interested in examining food web dynamics by investigating the foraging ecology of higher predators.   Currently, my dissertation focuses on the transport and fate of organic contaminants in Antarctica, their incorporation into the Antarctic food web, particularly higher predators, and their use as tracers in seabirds breeding on the Antarctic peninsula.

Research Experience Top

July 2004 - Present
The transport and fate of organic contaminants in Antarctica, particularly higher predators Ph.D. Dissertation Research, VIMS

Oct 2000-Jan.2005 
Examined the ecological response of Antarctic seabirds to global climate changes in an ice dominated environment with Dr. William Fraser, Polar Oceans Research Group

May-Aug 2003 
Examined Steller Sea Lion ecology and behavior to gain a better understanding of the role that these species play in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska ecosystems with Dr. Thomas Laughlin, National Marine Fisheries Service

Oct 1995-June 1996
With the tutelage of Dr. Trevor Piearce, I designed and conducted an experiment in Northern England deciduous and alder forests investigating the effects of papermill waste on soil invertebrates, primarily earthworms. 

Teaching Experience Top

Summer 2008
NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates, Teaching Assistant (VIMS)

September 2007
Invited speaker for the Virginia Governor’s School Program

2002 - Present
Designed and conducted a class pertaining to Antarctic science for K-12 children or continuing education adults demonstrating one interpretation of the scientific method.  Lecture/class has been adapted and given over 20 times in the last 6 years.

Fall 1997
University of Colorado General Biology, Teaching Assistant

Field Experience Top

Jan-Feb 2001-2004 ,2008:           Antarctic Peninsula ecology cruise (R/V Laurence M. Gould) for Palmer LTER project
July 2007:                                  Mid-Atlantic scallop dredge survey (Vessel) for NOAA Fisheries Service
Jan-Feb 2006:                            Tang/Smith Ross Sea Phaeocystis ecology investigation (McMurdo Station, Antarctica)
Oct-April 2001-2004, Jan 2005:    Palmer LTER seabird ecology study (Palmer Station, Antarctica) for Palmer LTER
May-Aug 2003:                           Steller sea lion ecology investigation (Ugamak Island, Alaska) for NOAA/NMML
Aug-Oct 2001:                            Antarctic Peninsula Ice Cruise (R/V Nathaniel B. Palmer) for Palmer LTER
July-Sept 2002:                          Antarctic Peninsula ecosystems cruise (R/V Laurence M. Gould) for Antarctic GLOBEC

Awards Top

2006 - present Virginia Institute of Marine Science Fellowship Recipient
2007 Virginia Institute of Marine Science Auction Proceed Recipient
2004 - 2005 EPA STAR Fellowship Recipient
2005 Virginia Institute of Marine Science Mini-Grant Recipient
1997 Magna Cum Laude, CU Boulder

Membership in Professional Societies Top

American Ornithologists’ Union, member since 2004
Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, member since 2004

Publications Top

Shearn-Bochsler, V; Green, DE; Converse, KA; Docherty, DE; Thiel, T; Geisz, HN; Fraser, W & Patterson-Fraser, DL (2007) Avian poxvirus infection in a nestling Southern Giant Petrel (Macronectes giganteus) from Antarctica. Polar Biology. Online First.

Geisz, HN; Dickhut, RM;  Cochran, MA; Fraser, WR;  Ducklow, HW. Melting Glaciers are a Potential Source of DDT to Antarctic Penguins. Environmental Science & Technology. Vol. 42, in press.

Presentations Top