Kentre Horton

Field-experienced biological sciences professional with a B.S. in Marine Biology and hands-on background in aquatic biological sampling, water quality monitoring, data collection, and environmental recordkeeping. Proven ability to work reliably in remote, outdoor environments under varying conditions with minimal supervision. Comfortable interacting professionally with the public, research colleagues, and working collaboratively with small teams.

Trained in water chemistry analysis, aquaria life support systems, and accurate data entry. Bringing a strong science foundation, keen attention to detail, and a collaborative approach to field-based biological monitoring and survey work.

Bartender/Server at Aqua Restaurant (2025-03 – Present)

Delivers attentive, full-service hospitality at an upscale seafood restaurant, guiding guests through an extensive wine list and craft cocktail menu while ensuring accurate, timely food and beverage service for a high-volume dinner service.

• Built strong product knowledge through regular wine and spirits training, confidently recommending pairings and seasonal cocktail specials to enhance the guest dining experience and drive beverage sales.

Clinical Trial Site Management Associate at ICON PLC (Formerly PRA Health Sciences) (2021-06 – 2025-03)

Managed complex field-parallel documentation, data tracking, and coordinated activities across 30 research sites simultaneously, demonstrating advanced organizational skills and precise data collection and recordkeeping in a highly regulated environment.

• Consistently met data integrity and accuracy standards while independently managing multiple competing priorities in a remote, self-directed role.

Assistant Scientist II at Alcami (2020-06 – 2021-05)

Performed regulated analytical testing in a laboratory environment, maintaining strict accuracy in scientific data collection, documentation, and SOP compliance.

Analytical Chemist at Quality Chemical Laboratories (2018-08 – 2020-05)

Executed quality control testing and maintained regulatory documentation in accordance with SOPs and international pharmacopeia standards (USP, EP, JP).

• Identified and escalated aberrant data to laboratory management for investigation, reflecting strong attention to data quality, compliance, and audit readiness.

Hatchery Technician at Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (NSRAA) (2017-01 – 2017-10)

Reared, ponded, raised, spawned, and released chum, chinook (King), and coho salmon throughout the full hatchery production cycle, gaining direct, species-specific experience highly relevant to salmon monitoring and assessment.

• Fed, monitored, and successfully released approximately 30 million chum salmon while stationed at a remote hatchery site, demonstrating exceptional reliability and independent field judgment over a 4-month remote deployment.
• Sampled fish populations to assess health and growth, calculated average population size, and determined daily feed quantities relative to growth rates
• Tagged King (chinook) salmon fry and assisted in collecting adult Kings using beach seine nets, recording tagged fish data to support population tracking
• Operated boats and navigated open waters independently, building situational awareness and the practical outdoor skills required for field survey work.
• Built, set up, operated, and broke down the NSRAA Green Lake net pen project, managing approximately 1 million fish across 10 net pens and developing strong equipment operation and project logistics skills.

Aquarium Technician at UNCW Center for Marine Sciences (2015-06 – 2016-01)

Conducted regular water chemistry testing and biological monitoring across a 900-gallon and 75-gallon saltwater tropical reef system and a 55-gallon saltwater tank, tracking alkalinity, magnesium, calcium, nitrates, pH, and salinity.

• Performed weekly titrations to quantitatively assess and record water composition, ensuring safe and productive aquatic environments — directly applicable to field data collection and environmental monitoring.
• Administered chemical treatments, executed water changes to control harmful nitrate buildup, and managed algae removal and organism health, demonstrating applied knowledge of aquatic biological systems.
• Monitored animal health across all tank systems and ensured pumps and filtration systems operated effectively, maintaining detailed records of environmental conditions and interventions.

Directed Individual Study (DIS) Research Student at UNCW Center for Marine Science, iMESA Lab (2014-07 – 2015-05)

Gathered, identified, and selected ascidian and sponge species from field sites for transport and maintenance under controlled aquaria conditions, applying biological sampling and species identification skills in open-water environments.

• Maintained a 265-gallon aquaria system housing experimental organisms, performing multi-weekly water quality monitoring and tank maintenance to sustain organism health throughout research cycles.
• Recorded environmental data and assisted graduate researchers in monitoring weekly growth and survival rates of sponge species under varying experimental conditions, accurately logging nitrogen ratios and biological observations.
• Collaborated closely with faculty, staff, and academic peers to ensure safe, productive, and well-documented laboratory and field work environments.

Aquariology Intern at North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher (2015-05 – 2015-08)

Completed 324 hours at an AZA-accredited aquarium facility, gaining extensive hands-on experience in exhibit maintenance, animal care, and life support system upkeep.

• Performed water quality testing across multiple aquaria systems and entered and managed animal records in the facility database, building accurate data entry and recordkeeping proficiency.
• Participated in field collection efforts using seine net casting to gather local aquatic species, gaining direct experience with biological sampling methods in natural environments.
• Conducted in-water tank cleaning via snorkel, demonstrating physical adaptability and comfort working in aquatic field conditions.

Aquaculture Center Intern at UNCW Aquaculture Facility (2015-05 – 2015-08)

Accumulated 126 hours at a university-run aquaculture facility, assisting program staff with daily operations including tank maintenance, animal feeding, life support system monitoring, and water quality assessment.

• Contributed to a team environment focused on aquatic organism health, developing foundational skills in biological monitoring and operational recordkeeping.

Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology – University of North Carolina Wilmington (2015-12)