Marine Invertebrates. 500+ Essential –To-Know Aquarium Species
Published by
T. F. H. Publications
Summary
Published a definitive 448-page reference work on marine invertebrates, detailing over 500 essential aquarium species.
Ronald L. Shimek, Ph. D.
Author, Aquarium Consultant, Marine Biologist
P. O. Box 4, 59086, Wilsall, US.About
A highly accomplished Marine Biologist, Author, and Aquarium Consultant with over five decades of expertise in invertebrate zoology, marine ecology, and environmental assessment. Prolific author of 2 books, 3 booklets, and over 150 articles, coupled with extensive teaching experience at 9 universities and marine centers in the USA and Canada. Proven track record in leading complex environmental consulting projects and providing critical scientific analysis.
Work
RSEI, Self-Employed / Independent Consultant
|Chief Clerk and Bottlewasher and Owner
Wilsall, Montana, US
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Environment Assessment, Primary and Secondary Taxonomy (QA/QC)
Summary
Led extensive research, authored numerous publications, and provided expert consulting in marine biology and aquarium sciences. Performed taxonomic services (primary identification as well as verification of previously done identifications).
Highlights
Authored 2 books, 3 booklets, and over 150 articles on marine biology, invertebrate zoology, and aquarium husbandry, establishing a leading voice in the field.
Provided expert consulting services on marine benthic environmental assessment and gastropod identification for major environmental firms and government agencies.
Delivered over 20 invited presentations at national and international conferences on topics including mollusk biology, coral reef ecosystems, and aquatic toxicology.
Developed and taught diverse marine biology and invertebrate zoology courses at 9 universities and marine science centers over 26 years.
Washington Department of Ecology
|Senior QA/QC Taxonomist
Olympia, Washington, US
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Summary
Ensured data quality and taxonomic accuracy for marine ecological studies within the Washington Department of Ecology.
Highlights
Provided critical quality assurance and quality control for taxonomic identifications, supporting environmental assessments.
Contributed expertise to state-level ecological monitoring programs, enhancing the reliability of scientific data.
Maintained high standards of scientific rigor in environmental research and reporting for critical state projects.
Various Academic Institutions
|Teaching Faculty / Lecturer / Course Coordinator
Seattle, Washington, US
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Summary
Taught a wide range of biology and marine science courses at 9 universities and marine science centers, developing curriculum and coordinating laboratories.
Highlights
Instructed over 20 distinct courses, including 'Marine Invertebrate Zoology' (14 times), 'Fundamentals of Biology' (3 times), and 'Introductory Biology for Non-Majors' (2 times).
Coordinated Fundamentals of Biology Laboratories twice, enhancing student learning outcomes in foundational biological principles.
Delivered specialized lectures as an Invited Lecturer in Malacology at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories in 1991, 1993, and 1995.
Mentored students in complex topics such as marine biology, invertebrate zoology, evolution, and community dynamics across diverse academic settings.
Parametrix, Inc.
|Contract Consultant (Marine Benthic Ecological Studies)
Kirkland, Washington, US
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Summary
Provided specialized contract consulting for marine benthic ecological studies on various EPA Superfund sites in the Puget Sound.
Highlights
Conducted in-depth ecological assessments for EPA Superfund sites, informing remediation strategies and environmental policy.
Applied advanced marine benthic ecological expertise to complex environmental challenges, ensuring robust scientific outcomes.
Contributed to critical environmental impact assessments in the Puget Sound region, supporting regulatory compliance.
Parametrix, Inc.
|Head, Marine Biology Section
Kirkland, Washington, US
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Summary
Led and managed all aspects of marine benthic environmental assessment projects, from planning to reporting, for major clients.
Highlights
Planned, supervised, analyzed, and authored comprehensive reports for applied marine benthic environmental assessments.
Managed high-profile projects including Asarco Tacoma Smelter, Simpson Tacoma Kraft Mill Remediation, and U.S. Navy Carrier Homeport in Everett.
Interfaced effectively with regulatory personnel from state, federal, local, and tribal constituencies, ensuring compliance and successful project execution.
Oversaw the processing and analysis of environmental samples, contributing to robust scientific findings and actionable recommendations.
Thomas Burke Memorial Washington State Museum, The University of Washington
|Affiliate Curator of Malacology
Seattle, Washington, US
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Summary
Provided expert malacological curation for the Thomas Burke Memorial Washington State Museum.
Highlights
Contributed specialized knowledge to the curation and development of mollusk collections.
Supported the museum's mission in preserving and showcasing natural history specimens.
Enhanced the scientific value and accessibility of malacological resources for researchers.
Tetra Tech, Inc.
|Subcontracted Gastropod Identification Specialist
Seattle, Washington, US
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Summary
Identified over 20,000 gastropods from shallow subtidal habitats for environmental studies in Saudi Arabia.
Highlights
Identified and categorized over 20,000 snail specimens, providing crucial taxonomic data for ecological studies.
Contributed specialized malacological expertise to international environmental assessment projects.
Ensured accurate identification of diverse gastropod species from varied shallow subtidal habitats, enhancing data reliability.
WAPORA, Inc.
|Research & Experimental Design Consultant
St. Louis, Missouri, US
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Summary
Advised on research and experimental design for a project assessing the effects of a dam in Kachemak Bay, Alaska, at the request of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Highlights
Provided expert consultation on experimental design for a critical environmental impact study in Kachemak Bay.
Collaborated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to assess the ecological effects of dam construction.
Contributed specialized knowledge to a project determining environmental impacts on South Central Alaskan ecosystems.
Dames and Moore Environmental Consultants, Inc.
|Diving Consultant
Seattle, Washington, US
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Summary
Served as a diving consultant on various environmental projects in the South-Central Alaskan area, working on subcontracts.
Highlights
Provided specialized diving expertise for environmental projects, facilitating underwater data collection and observation.
Contributed to subcontracts out of the Homer, Alaska office, supporting regional environmental assessments.
Applied practical field skills to diverse ecological studies in challenging Alaskan environments.
University of Washington, Friday Harbor Laboratories
|Curator, Synoptic Collection
Friday Harbor, Washington, US
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Summary
Managed and maintained the Synoptic Collection at the University of Washington's Friday Harbor Laboratories.
Highlights
Oversaw the organization and preservation of a significant marine invertebrate collection.
Ensured the integrity and accessibility of scientific specimens for research and educational purposes.
Contributed to the foundational resources of a leading marine science institution through meticulous curation.
Education
University of Washington
Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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Ph.D.
Zoology
Grade: Dissertation: Resource utilization and natural history of some Northeastern Pacific Turridae. Dissertation Abstracts. 36(6).
University of Washington
Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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M.S.
Zoology
Grade: Master's Thesis Published 1975: The morphology of the buccal apparatus of Oenopota levidensis (Gastropoda: Turridae). Z. Morph. Tiere. 80:59-96.
Montana State University
Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
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B.S. with distinction
Zoology
Grade: With distinction
Awards
National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship
Awarded By
National Science Foundation
Outstanding Contributions to the Marine Aquarium Hobby
Awarded By
Marine Aquarium Societies of North America, Inc.
Awarded 2001 at MACNA XIII, Baltimore, MD.
Member
Awarded By
Phi Kappa Phi
Recognized for exceptional academic excellence and interdisciplinary scholarly achievement during university studies.
Member
Awarded By
Society of Sigma Xi
Acknowledged for significant scientific research accomplishments and commitment to research integrity.
Publications
Host Sea Anemone Secrets. A Guide to the Successful Husbandry of Indo-Pacific Clownfish Host Sea Anemones
Published by
Marc Weiss Companies, Inc.
Summary
Wrote a 24-page guide on the successful husbandry of Indo-Pacific clownfish and their host sea anemones.
Sand Bed Secrets. The Common-Sense Way to Biological Filtration
Published by
Marc Weiss Companies, Inc.
Summary
Authored a 36-page booklet on biological filtration methods using sand beds in marine aquariums.
How to Get There from Here... Hints and Techniques to Make Reef Keeping Easier
Published by
Marc Weiss Companies, Inc.
Summary
Provided practical hints and techniques for simplifying reef keeping in this 32-page publication.
The Coral Reef Aquarium, An Owner's Guide to A Happy Healthy Fish
Published by
Howell Book House
Summary
Authored a comprehensive guide for aquarium enthusiasts on maintaining healthy coral reef aquariums, spanning 126 pages.
Class Scaphopoda. In: P. V. Scott and J. A. Blake (eds.) Taxonomic atlas of the benthic fauna of the Santa Maria Basin and Western Santa Barbara Channel. Volume 8. The Mollusca Part 1
Published by
Santa Barbara Natural History Museum
Summary
Contributed a chapter on the Class Scaphopoda to a comprehensive taxonomic atlas of benthic fauna.
North Beach High Intertidal Biota in the Area of Proposed Beach Modifications: Sediment Infauna and Beach-Wrack or Drift Biota
Published by
Parametrix, Inc., Seattle
Summary
Authored a detailed consulting report on intertidal biota in an area of proposed beach modifications, focusing on sediment infauna and drift biota.
Slag, benthos, and bioassays: poor correlation of bioassay predictions and the benthos
Published by
Canadian Technical Report of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
Summary
Co-authored a technical report exploring the correlation between bioassay predictions and benthic community health, presented at the 17th Annual Aquatic Toxicology Workshop.
Biology of the Northeastern Pacific Turridae. I. Ophiodermella
Published by
Malacologia
Summary
First in a series on the biology of Northeastern Pacific Turridae, focusing on Ophiodermella species.
The morphology of the buccal apparatus of Oenopota levidensis (Gastropoda: Turridae)
Published by
Z. Morph. Tiere.
Summary
Detailed morphological study of the buccal apparatus in a specific gastropod species, contributing to invertebrate anatomy.
Over 30 peer-reviewed publications in professional journals. Over 120 articles published in leading aquarium and natural history magazines
Published by
Various
Summary
Authored over 100 articles for publications such as Aquarium Fish Magazine, CORAL, Natural History, and Reefkeeping.Com, disseminating scientific knowledge to broader audiences.
Languages
English
Skills
Marine Biology & Ecology
Invertebrate Zoology, Malacology, Scaphopods, Gastropods, Coral Reef Ecosystems, Benthic Environmental Assessment, Aquatic Toxicology, Intertidal Ecology, Population Dynamics, Marine Invertebrate Taxonomy, Field Research, Diving, Specimen Collection, Conservation.
Education & Mentorship
Curriculum Development, Laboratory Coordination, University Teaching, Public Speaking, Guest Lecturing, Adult Education, Science Communication, Student Mentoring.
Publishing & Editorial
Technical Writing, Book Authorship, Article Authorship, Scientific Editing, Content Creation, Aquarium Hobbyist Literature, Natural History Writing, Peer-Reviewed Publications.
Consulting & Project Management
Environmental Consulting, Project Planning, Regulatory Interface, Stakeholder Management, Subcontract Management, Technical Advisory, Client Relations, Environmental Impact Assessment.
Scientific Research & Analysis
Experimental Design, Data Analysis, Report Writing, Literature Review, Peer Review, Taxonomic Identification, NE Pacific Ocean, Specific Focus: Mollusks, especially Scaphopds, Conid gastropods., QA/QC, Bioassays, Morphology, Systematics, Ecological Modeling, Experimental Design, Taxonomic Analyses: Rhabdus, Antalis, Fissidentalium, Gadila, Oenopota, Ophiodermella, Pulsellum, Cadulus, Kurtziella..