Whitney Samuels-Hoffmeister
Aquarium Educator at Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation- Claim this Profile
Click to upgrade to our gold package
for the full feature experience.
-
English Native or bilingual proficiency
-
Afrikaans Native or bilingual proficiency
Topline Score
Bio
Credentials
-
SETAC Africa 10th Biennial Conference (virtual conference), from 20-22 September 2021
Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC)Sep, 2021- Nov, 2024 -
Tutoring Marine Science
Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyFeb, 2017- Nov, 2024 -
Work Integrated Learning
Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyJul, 2016- Nov, 2024 -
Information Literacy (Distinction)
Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyNov, 2013- Nov, 2024 -
Competency Security Awareness
South African Maritime Safety AuthorityMar, 2018- Nov, 2024 -
Personal Survival Techniques
South African Maritime Safety AuthorityMar, 2018- Nov, 2024 -
Seafarer Medical Certificate
South African Maritime Safety AuthorityMar, 2018- Nov, 2024
Experience
-
Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation
-
South Africa
-
Environmental Services
-
1 - 100 Employee
-
Aquarium Educator
-
May 2023 - Present
Key Responsibilities: As an educator within a marine biology and conservation-focused organization, my responsibilities encompass a multifaceted approach to engaging and instructing diverse audiences. I design and deliver captivating educational workshops, carefully tailored to align with the curriculum standards for grade 10 to 12 students. These workshops not only convey knowledge on marine biology and ecosystems but also incorporate interactive elements and multimedia to make learning a dynamic and engaging experience. Additionally, I lead informative guided tours of the aquarium, adapting the content to suit the age and knowledge level of the student groups, fostering a deep understanding of marine life, environmental concerns, and conservation efforts through storytelling and interactive engagement. Furthermore, I play a pivotal role in curriculum development by collaborating with educators to create materials and lesson plans that adhere to local and national curriculum standards, ensuring alignment with learning objectives. Beyond the classroom, I design and execute holiday enrichment programs, catering to diverse age groups and interests. These programs offer hands-on activities and experiments, fostering a more profound appreciation for marine life and ocean conservation. Lastly, I continuously interact with aquarium visitors of all ages, answering their questions and inspiring their interest in marine science and conservation. Monitoring program effectiveness, collecting feedback, and tracking the progress of students is integral to refining educational initiatives and ensuring their long-term impact. Show less
-
-
-
City of Cape Town
-
South Africa
-
Government Administration
-
700 & Above Employee
-
People and Conservation Officer (Kader Asmal Skills Development Programme)
-
Sep 2022 - May 2023
Key Responsibilities: My primary role was to develop and implement dynamic environmental education programs for diverse audiences, fostering environmental awareness and knowledge. This involved collaborating with educators and community partners, leading interactive workshops, and aligning materials with curricula. Simultaneously, I needed to oversee the protection and monitoring of natural areas, ensuring compliance with conservation regulations. My responsibilities extended to holiday enrichment programs, which engaged students in outdoor adventures and wildlife encounters. Building and maintaining strong community relationships and data collection/reporting on program effectiveness were also vital aspects of this role. Show less
-
-
-
Western Cape Government
-
South Africa
-
Government Administration
-
700 & Above Employee
-
Marine Science Data Entry Clerk
-
Dec 2021 - Dec 2021
Key Responsibilities: In my role, I exceled at accurate data capture and quality assurance for Marine Science examination results, ensuring error-free transcription from source documents. I meticulously reviewed and correct ed data, maintaining data integrity through validation processes. I effectively organized and categorized data for easy retrieval and analysis, facilitating efficient data management. Furthermore, I ensured the confidentiality and compliance of sensitive student data, adhering to data protection regulations. My collaborative nature allowed me to support the education team in addressing data-related queries and provided assistance as needed. Additionally, I generated regular progress and accuracy reports, utilizing them to enhance data quality and efficiency. My expertise lies in accurate data capture, quality assurance, and data organization for Marine Science examination results, prioritizing data integrity. I maintained data accuracy through meticulous review and correction, and established an efficient data management system for easy retrieval and analysis. My commitment to confidentiality ensured the protection of sensitive student data, complying with data protection regulations. I collaborated effectively with the education team to address data-related queries and provided support when required. Additionally, I am proficient in generating regular reports on data entry progress and accuracy, which proved to be invaluable for continuous improvement. Show less
-
-
-
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
-
South Africa
-
Higher Education
-
700 & Above Employee
-
Team Lead Microplastics Postgraduate Group
-
Aug 2019 - Jun 2021
Key Responsibilities: I have a strong background in laboratory management, encompassing ISO 17025 compliance and project coordination. My role included developing and maintaining Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) manuals aligned with ISO 17025 standards, ensuring consistent laboratory protocols and quality. I excelled in communicating lab safety measures and technical information, establishing a secure and productive work environment. As a dependable professional, I effectively managed project timelines and laboratory schedules for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, ensuring efficient resource allocation for timely project completion. Additionally, I monitored student progress and provided valuable guidance to enhance their research project outcomes. My proficiency in data analysis tools, such as Microsoft Office packages, SPSS, PRIMER, and FTIR, contributed to precise research reporting. I always paid meticulous attention to detail, which was essential for maintaining research quality and credibility. My excellent time management skills ensured the smooth execution of project deadlines and laboratory activities, making me a valuable asset to any laboratory management team. I held a commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality and managing conflicting demands, showcasing my dedication to both professionalism and efficiency. My strong communication and organizational skills fostered clear technical communication and streamlined laboratory operations. I consistently met deadlines and effectively handled multiple tasks, highlighting my dependability and multitasking abilities. My experience in assisting with sampling and laboratory work for publications further emphasizes my ability to contribute to research success. In summary, my diverse skill set and extensive experience made me well-suited for this role, where I could leverage my skills to facilitate research excellence and operational efficiency. Show less
-
-
-
Western Cape Government
-
South Africa
-
Government Administration
-
700 & Above Employee
-
Educational Assistant
-
Dec 2020 - Feb 2021
Key Responsibilities: In this role, I gained extensive experience in educational support, which involved tasks such as marking, capturing attendance, and assisting students with tutorial sessions, lab work, and projects. I excelled in basic administrative responsibilities and provided technical assistance in computer labs, helping students navigate technology and administrative processes. My commitment to safety was unwavering, and I actively participated in maintaining COVID-19 protocols, ensuring that both students and staff had a secure and hygienic learning environment. Additionally, I took on a significant role as a fundraising manager for the Wasabi Gymnastics Club. In this capacity, I successfully coordinated and led fundraising activities, which not only supported the club's growth but also fostered a sense of community and involvement among the club's members and supporters. These experiences have honed my ability to manage diverse responsibilities, maintain confidentiality, and provide guidance to students, enabling them to reach their academic and personal goals. Show less
-
-
-
SAEON
-
Research Services
-
1 - 100 Employee
-
Physical Oceanography Intern
-
Apr 2018 - Feb 2019
Key Responsibilities: This role encompassed diverse activities, which included the management of ad hoc administrative tasks and procurement, execution of GINA glider trials, and piloting of research initiatives. I was entrusted with capturing and maintaining the quality of data, employing software packages to process information, and oversee the management of sample sets for research analysis. My contributions extended to cruise planning for the Agulhas System Climate Array (ASCA) project.One of the standout experiences was my participation in the ASCA0618 cruise, which took place between May and June of 2018. I played a pivotal role in achieving crucial objectives, including the successful recovery of moorings deployed in 2016, the retrieval of CPIES, and conduct full-depth CTD measurements along the array. Furthermore, I was involved in the calibration of microcats, deployment of drifters, and launching of Argo floats for profiling purposes. This cruise was a testament to the international collaborative nature of the ASCA project, receiving support from a multitude of organizations, including the United States, and the Netherlands, underscoring its significance in global oceanographic research efforts.In addition to these research-focused tasks, I also contributed to the compilation of marine metadata from the Oil & Gas industries for the South African Marine Research Exploration Forum (SAMREF). Furthermore, I engaged in science education and outreach initiatives through the LIMPET program, helping bridge the gap between the scientific community and the public by disseminating knowledge and fostering interest in marine science. Finally, my role also involved the meticulous calibration and maintenance of oceanographic instruments, while contributing to the Oceans Best Practices Repository, which served as a valuable resource for oceanographers seeking to adhere to the highest standards in their research endeavours. Show less
-
-
Wave and Seaglider Pilot
-
Jun 2018 - Aug 2018
Key Responsibilities:During this role, I had the privilege of being part of a highly specialized team engaged in the deployment and operation of cutting-edge oceanographic technology, specifically Seagliders and Wavegliders, in the waters between Richards Bay and Algoa Bay. This involved meticulous planning, coordination, and execution of missions aimed at gathering critical data about the ocean's physical and biological properties on the continental shelf. As a team member, I contributed to the successful deployment, operation, and recovery of these autonomous underwater and surface vehicles, ensuring that they collected invaluable information about the ocean's characteristics. My role required a deep understanding of the technology and oceanography, as well as a commitment to rigorous data collection standards. The experience not only deepened my appreciation for marine science but also reinforced the importance of advanced technology in our quest to understand and protect our oceans. Show less
-
-
SEAmester III Agulhas System Climate Array (ASCA) Cruise 2018
-
Jul 2018 - Jul 2018
During this cruise, I actively participated in a wide range of crucial tasks and activities integral to advancing our understanding of ocean ecosystems. One of my primary responsibilities involved the operation of CTD instruments, which were pivotal in assessing salinity, temperature, and pressure profiles in the water column. I not only deployed CTD devices but also engaged in meticulous data processing to transform raw measurements into valuable insights, employing calibration techniques to ensure data accuracy.In addition to CTD operations, my role encompassed various other critical fieldwork. I oversaw deployments of Bongo nets, both vertically and horizontally, to collect zooplankton and other marine organisms. Neuston net deployments allowed us to examine the delicate interface between the ocean and atmosphere, capturing organisms and particles inhabiting the surface layer. My responsibilities extended to the collection of Micro Zoo samples, facilitating the study of microscopic marine life, a fundamental component of marine ecosystems. Furthermore, I actively conducted Dissolved Oxygen, Dissolved Inorganic Carbon, and salinity sampling, vital for comprehending the chemical composition of seawater and its impact on marine life.Another significant aspect of my role included mooring recovery, where I expertly retrieved instruments and data from mooring systems, alongside the calibration of instrumentation to guarantee precise measurements. Drifter deployment was also part of my remit, enabling us to explore ocean circulation patterns. I even engaged in marine mammal research by participating in seal and dolphin dissections, enriching our understanding of marine life. I also had the privilege of teaching student practical's in CTD sampling and deployment, fostering the next generation of marine scientists. These diverse responsibilities collectively contributed to my comprehensive experience in the field of marine research. Show less
-
-
Agulhas System Climate Array (ASCA) Cruise 2018
-
May 2018 - Jun 2018
Key Responsibilities:I had the privilege of participating in a comprehensive research expedition that involved various critical operations aimed at deepening our understanding of the world's oceans. Among the primary tasks was conducting CTD. operations. During these operations, we deployed CTD's collecting crucial data on water conductivity, temperature, and depth profiles. These measurements formed the basis of our comprehension of the ocean's physical properties and dynamics.In addition to the CTD operations, we also gathered dissolved oxygen and salinity samples. This entailed carefully collecting seawater samples to measure the concentration of dissolved oxygen and the salinity levels. These measurements were pivotal for our research, shedding light on the intricate chemistry of the ocean and its implications for marine life. Mooring recovery was another aspect of our expedition. It involved deckwork as we retrieved oceanographic moorings from the seafloor. These moorings hosted an array of instruments, such as sensors and data loggers. Our expedition also included the retrieval of CPIES, facilitating data retrieval, maintenance, and replacements as necessary. Calibration of instrumentation also played a pivotal role throughout the expedition and was essential to ensure the accuracy and reliability of our scientific instruments.One of the most intriguing components of our research was the deployment of drifters into the open sea. These drifters were equipped with sensors and were instrumental in tracking ocean currents, surface temperature, and other environmental parameters. We carefully released these devices onto the ocean's surface, allowing them to float freely with the currents and provide real-time data. The insights gathered from the drifters greatly contributed to our understanding of ocean current behaviour and its impact on ecological processes. Show less
-
-
-
Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd
-
Utilities
-
700 & Above Employee
-
Judge Eskom Cape Town EXPO For Young Scientists
-
Sep 2018 - Sep 2018
During this role, I had the rewarding opportunity to serve as a scientific project judge within an educational program. This position involved the meticulous assessment of scientific projects showcased by students who participated in the program. In this capacity, I was entrusted with the responsibility of evaluating these projects based on predefined criteria and guidelines. My role demanded a thorough understanding of the scientific method, a keen eye for creativity and innovation, and a commitment to promoting the development of young scientific minds. I assessed each project's methodology, originality, quality of data, relevance to the field of study, and the students' communication skills. Ensuring a fair and unbiased evaluation was paramount, as it encouraged the students to continually improve their scientific endeavours. My evaluations aimed not only to acknowledge outstanding projects but also to provide constructive feedback to all participants, fostering their growth as young scientists. Collaborating with a diverse panel of judges, I actively engaged in discussions to reach a consensus on the winning projects, promoting a spirit of fair competition and nurturing a passion for science. This role required effective communication skills and a commitment to providing constructive guidance to the students involved in the program. I encouraged peer review among students to enrich their learning experience, emphasizing the importance of ethical research practices and originality. The process involved evaluating numerous projects, each presenting its unique challenges and opportunities for learning. It was a role that demanded precision and objectivity while keeping the educational goals of the program at the forefront. Judging these scientific projects was not only a professional endeavour but also a chance to inspire and support the next generation of scientists, igniting their curiosity and passion for scientific exploration. Show less
-
-
-
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
-
South Africa
-
Higher Education
-
700 & Above Employee
-
Undergraduate Research Assistant
-
Feb 2017 - Nov 2017
In this role, I served as an invaluable member of a dynamic team engaged in environmental research and data management. A substantial component of my responsibilities involved meticulous data capturing and ensuring the quality control of both data and sample sets. I meticulously collected and validated diverse environmental data, meticulously cataloguing the origin, collection dates, and relevant metadata. Additionally, I implemented rigorous quality control measures, which included data validation and the calibration of instruments, thereby ensuring the accuracy and reliability of our datasets. This keen attention to detail was essential for the integrity of our research and contributed significantly to our project's success.In the realm of sample management, I adeptly managed, processed, and stored sample sets. My duties encompassed the organized organization and cataloguing of samples and their associated metadata. Preparing samples for analysis, preserving their integrity, and maintaining optimal storage conditions were also part of my responsibilities. Furthermore, I actively participated in the sampling process, collecting environmental samples from diverse sources, such as estuaries, freshwater bodies, marine environments, and stormwater runoff. In the laboratory, I conducted various analyses, including metal analysis and zooplankton identification. My comprehensive support for sampling and laboratory work contributed to the successful data generation required for our research publications. Show less
-
-
Student Tutor
-
Mar 2017 - May 2017
Key Responsibilities:In this role, I had the privilege of facilitating tutorials and evaluating tutorial assignments, playing a pivotal role in enhancing students' educational experiences. Through these responsibilities, I worked diligently to clarify complex subject matter, address student inquiries, and offer constructive feedback, all of which contributed to a deeper comprehension of the coursework. My aim was not only to foster a conducive learning environment but also to ensure that each student was well-informed about important course dates, equipped with the essential resources, and on the path to academic excellence. By maintaining open lines of communication, adapting my teaching methods to individual needs, and upholding professionalism and ethical standards, I endeavoured to support students in their academic pursuits.During this tenure, my commitment to education extended beyond the classroom. I actively encouraged student engagement, sought to resolve academic challenges, and provided additional resources to bolster their learning. This comprehensive approach not only helped students navigate their coursework successfully but also instilled a sense of confidence and self-reliance. My role was not just about teaching; it was about being a mentor, a guide, and a source of academic support, and I am proud to have played a part in fostering a positive and productive learning environment that empowered students to excel in their studies. Show less
-
-
-
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)
-
South Africa
-
Environmental Services
-
200 - 300 Employee
-
Student Internship-Work Intergrated Learning
-
Jul 2016 - Nov 2016
Key Responsibilities:In this role, I served as a dedicated Work Intergrated Learning Student and Research Assistant focused on white shark research and conservation. My primary responsibility was the meticulous management of extensive datasets related to white shark behaviour, populations, and habitats. I collated and assimilated an extensive range of research data, meticulously organizing and maintaining this invaluable information. This entailed gathering data from diverse sources and studies, ensuring that it was readily accessible for analysis. Furthermore, I played a pivotal role in preparing this data for in-depth analysis, involving thorough data cleaning and statistical examination to uncover meaningful insights into the world of white sharks.Additionally, I had the unique privilege of contributing to the South African and International Shark Attack Files, where I provided objective and factual information regarding shark encounters to maintain accurate records. This work was crucial in preserving a balanced perspective and facilitating research into both shark behaviour and human interactions with these majestic creatures. Moreover, I engaged with the media to ensure responsible and unbiased reporting during shark-related incidents, mitigating sensationalism and delivering essential facts to the public. Beyond these duties, I actively participated in stakeholder and public engagements, collaborating with various organizations and communities to promote white shark conservation, public safety, and environmental awareness, furthering the mission of safeguarding these apex predators and the marine ecosystems they inhabit. Show less
-
-
Agulhas II Winter Cruise 2016
-
Jul 2016 - Jul 2016
Key Responsibilities:In this role, I had the distinct privilege of working as an Oceanographic Research Technician, where I engaged in a wide array of tasks crucial to the collection and analysis of data pertaining to marine ecosystems. One core aspect of my responsibilities involved the meticulous collection of phytoplankton, chlorophyll, and vital nutrients such as phosphate and nitrite. I employed specialized equipment, such as plankton nets, bottles, and filters, to gather samples of these essential elements from various oceanic environments. Additionally, I conducted flow cytometry analyses to study the composition and size of phytoplankton populations. Furthermore, I utilized CTD sensors and rosette samplers to gather water samples at diverse depths, allowing us to explore the multifaceted properties of seawater. In polar regions, I also undertook the collection of ice samples, which provided valuable insights into sea ice characteristics and the organisms dwelling within.The second component of my role encompassed the meticulous processing of collected data. This involved utilizing state-of-the-art instruments such as fluorometers to assess chlorophyll concentrations, spectrophotometers for the quantification of phosphate and nitrite levels, and titrators to measure dissolved oxygen content. These analyses played a pivotal role in unravelling the intricate dynamics of marine ecosystems, tracking nutrient cycles, and investigating the impacts of climate change on oceanic environments. My tenure as an Oceanographic Research Technician equipped me with a profound understanding of the importance of data-driven research in advancing our knowledge of the world's oceans and their critical role in our global ecosystem. Show less
-
-
Education
-
2019 - 2023
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Master of Science - MS, Marine Sciences -
2017 - 2017
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Bachelor of Technology - BTech, Oceanography -
2014 - 2016
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Diploma Marine Science -
2013 - 2013
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
National Diploma Oceanography -
2008 - 2012
Steenberg High School
National Senior Certificate, 12
Community
