Curriculum Vitae
Dani Hartwigsen
Education & Certifications
2025 California State University, Chico
MSc in Biology, research focus: Manayunkia occidentalis in the Feather River, CA
Thesis Supervisor: Dr. Don Miller
2020 Butte College, Oroville
AS in Biology
Honors: Phi Theta Kappa, summa cum laude
Certificate of Achievement in the Plant Protection Program
Publications: Cover Crops in Northern California (non-academic)
2014 Breda University
BBA in International Tourism Management and Consultancy
Minor in Strategic Business Management and Marketing
Thesis: “Exploratory study identifying practical implications for Online Engagement stimulation”
Certificates:
PADI Open Water Diver ● CPR, AED & Basic First aid ● Swift Water Rescue Certificate ● CA Boater Certificate ● Motorboat Operator Training Course
Research Experience
University of California, Chico
2023-Present – Graduate Research – Advisor: Don Miller, PhD.
Studying the spatial and temporal reproduction of Manayunkia occidentalis in the Feather River, CA and the effects of nutrition and temperature on its reproduction rate.
California Department of Water Resources Consultant/Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission
2021 – Fisheries Biologist – PI: Rachel Johnson, PhD (NOAA).
Designed and executed the in-river methodology for a riverine juvenile chinook salmon thiamine uptake study in the Feather River. Study was conducted in collaboration with UC Davis.
2020-Present – Fisheries Biologist – PI: Rachel Johnson, PhD (NOAA).
Injected returning Spring Run Chinook Salmon in the Feather River Fish Hatchery with Thiamine (Vitamin B1) during external tagging of the broodstock as part of a study on thiamine deficiency in Oncorhynchus tshawytscha.
2020-2021 – Fisheries Biologist – PI: Benjamin Atencio, MSc (NOAA).
Collected Chinook Salmon fat content data and genetic samples as part of an ongoing research project on over-summer energy expenditure of Spring Run Chinook Salmon in the Feather River, CA.
2020-2022 – Fisheries Biologist – PI: Grace Auringer, PhD Student (UC Davis).
Collected juvenile lamprey genetic samples for a study on genetic variability of lamprey above and below man-made potential migration barriers.
2020 – Fisheries Biologist
Developed a 25-year prediction model concerning cohort return of reintroduced Spring Run Chinook Salmon in the Feather River North Fork based on extensive literature review and primary data.
2019 – 2022 – Fisheries Biologist – PI: J. Scott Foott, PhD (USFWS).
Collected and filtered water samples from the Feather River during a study on Ceratonova shasta spatial and temporal distribution during juvenile Oncorhynchus tshawytscha outmigration.
Conferences
Invited Talks:
- 2013: International Tourism Student Conference: “Wine and Gastronomy in the Netherlands”
Campus Events and Talks:
- 2024: CSU Chico, Biological Poster Session: “The evolutionary web: Connecting different biological disciplines – Exploring ecosystems: Insights on ecosystem, community, and population scales”.
- 2023: CSU Chico, Biological Seminar Series: “Decreasing Juvenile salmonid mortality through the study of a lethal pathogen’s definitive host: Manayunkia occidentalis in the Feather River, CA”.
- 2016: Butte College, Culture and Community Center: “The Netherlands”.
Conference Participation:
- 2021: Salmonid Restoration Conference
- 2014: Reiswerk Studentencongres
Teaching Experience
California State University, Chico
- BIOL 102 – Introduction to Living Systems – lab instructor, 1 semester
Butte College Supplemental Instruction Leader:
- CHEM 110 – Introductory Chemistry 3 semesters
- BIOL 12 – Botany 1 semester
Sailcollege Sneek
- Sailing instructor 5 summers
Mentoring Experience
- Dayna Ramel, Undergraduate Research Assistant, Spring semester 2024. Trained in M. occidentalis identification and the following of laboratory protocols. Guided through grant proposal application.
- Valentina Giron, Undergraduate Research Assistant, Spring semester 2024. Trained in M. occidentalis identification and the following of laboratory protocols.
- Steven Verschoor, Undergraduate Research Assistant, Spring semester 2024. Trained in M. occidentalis identification and the following of laboratory protocols.
- Melina McKee, Undergraduate Research Assistant, Spring semester 2024. Trained in M. occidentalis identification and the following of laboratory protocols.
- Sam Jacobs, Undergraduate Research Assistant, Spring semester 2024. Trained in M. occidentalis identification and the following of laboratory protocols.
- Ella Cook, Intern, Spring semester 2024. Trained in M. occidentalis identification and the following of laboratory protocols.
- Sarah Kindopp, Intern, Spring semester 2024. Trained in M. occidentalis identification and the following of laboratory protocols.
Grants and Awards
- 2024 – 2025: Graduate Equity Research Assistantship
- 2024: CSU Chico Biology Department Poster Symposium award – “The evolutionary web: Connecting different biological disciplines – Exploring ecosystems: Insights on ecosystem, community, and population scales”
- 2023: CSU Chico Student Award of Research and Creativity, $1700
- 2017: Butte College, Kenneth J. Baker Memorial Scholarship $1000
- 2016: Butte College, Kenneth J. Baker Memorial Scholarship, $1000
Professional Appointments
2019 – Present Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission | Oroville, California, USA
Fisheries Technician I 2019-2021
Fisheries Biologist I 2022-present
Developed and executed a research methodology for a novel study concerning juvenile Chinook salmon in-river thiamine uptake. Worked on various salmonid monitoring studies including rotary screw trap monitoring, escapement surveys, redd surveys, snorkel surveys, telemetry studies (VEMCO and PIT tag), Ceratonova shasta monitoring, mark/recapture steelhead surveys, CWT trailer operator, and electrofishing. Trained and led field crews of up to seven technicians and biologists during the annual Feather River Fish Hatchery spring- and fall run chinook spawning and data collection.
2014 Whalebone & Greenstone | Breda, The Netherlands
Market Researcher
Conducted market research on heritage experience consumers. As no prior measurements were made and the situation asked for tailor made research, I developed a novel research model applicable for this specific project uncovering consumers’ latent needs.
Languages Spoken
Dutch Native
English Fully Proficient
German Can read with a dictionary
Additional Activities
Additional Work Experience
Supplemental Instruction Leader Program Assistant; Math and Science Department Secretary’s Assistant; Hostess; Freelance agricultural articles writer; pancake cook; sailing instructor; port office staff; hostel employee; travel guide; supermarket stocker; newspaper girl; tomato picker.
Volunteer Experience
Feather River Community Clean-ups ● Oroville Botanical Gardens and Education Center Board Member ● Chico State Organic Vegetable Project ● Boy Scouts of America Assistant Scoutmaster ● NHTV Breda University student representative ● Butte College student representative / International Orientation Leader ● de Mus Breda (theater organisation) treasurer ● Neighbourhood cleanups (self-initiated) ● BredaPhoto Board Member.