Courtney E. Schmidt
Educational Background
| BS - Marine Science/Biology and Chemistry MS - Oceanography Ph.D - Oceanography |
University of Tampa University of Rhode Island University of Rhode Island |
2003 2009 |
Areas of Specialization
Research
My research interests are in biogeochemistry and coastal ecology. My dissertation research focuses on using stable nitrogen and oxygen isotopes to study nitrogen cycle dynamics in Narragansett Bay. Stable isotopes are used to trace sources of nitrogen through primary production. This is done using a variety of isotope techniques including the denitrifier method and isolating the nitrogen bound in the chlorophyll a molecule.
Prior research includes measuring the biogeochemical activity of carbon monoxide, a trace gas, in the oxic and anoxic waters of the Pettaquamscutt River, RI. Results showed CO in the river to be a potential metabolic source for CO-oxidizing bacteria
Teaching
Teaching Assistant:
OCG 401 - General Oceanography;
OCG 420 - Deep Sea Biology (2);
OCG 451 - Oceanographic Science;
BIO 360 - Marine biology; laboratory instructor
Outreach
Office of Marine Programs, Outreach Scientist, 2007-present;
Graduate Student Association, Senator, 2007-present;
Graduate Student Association, Vice President, 2009-2011;
Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation, Member, 2007-present;
New England Estuarine Research Society, Member, 2007-present
Presentations:
Schmidt, C.E., B. Heikes, and V. Berounsky. 2008. Carbon Monoxide and Life in the Pettaquamscutt River. New England Estuarine Research Society (NEERS). Block Island, RI.
Schmidt, C.E., B. Heikes, and V. Berounsky. 2009. Biogeochemical Cycling of Carbon Monoxide in a Coastal Estuary. Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation (CERF). Portland, OR.
