Mark Fassler

Detail-oriented and motivated Marine Biology graduate with a minor in Climate Science and hands-on research experience in microbial ecology. Skilled in phylogenetic analysis, molecular techniques, and scientific communication using R. Proven ability to contribute to collaborative research projects from experimental design to data synthesis and poster presentation. Seeking to apply analytical and laboratory skills to a marine science research internship or technician role.

IBIS Program Fellow at University of Washington (2025-12 – 2026-06)

Antarctic Sea Ice Microbial Ecology Project

• Designed a research project to analyze phylogenetic diversity of microbial communities associated with Antarctic sea ice across environmental gradients.
• Utilized R for statistical analysis and visualization of community trends relative to sea ice conditions.
• Presented research findings at the IBIS Program Annual Symposium and the UW Mary Gates Undergraduate Research Symposium.

IBIS Program Fellow at University of Washington (2024-12 – 2025-06)

Eastern Tropical North Pacific Archaeal Diversity Project

• Conducted independent research investigating archaeal phylogenetics within an oxygen minimum zone (OMZ).
• Processed environmental DNA samples, performed sequence analysis, and constructed phylogenetic trees to identify two distinct archaeal classes.
• Created depth-profile visualizations of community distribution using R (ggplot2) for presentation.
• Presented research findings at the IBIS Program Annual Symposium and the UW Mary Gates Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Undergraduate Researcher at Rocap Lab, University of Washington (2025-06 – 2025-08)

ODZ Microbial Flow Cytometry Project

• Assisted Dr. Natalie Kellogg in analyzing flow cytometry data to characterize microbial populations within oxygen-deficient zones (ODZs).
• Processed and quality-controlled high-throughput cytometric data, identifying distinct cell populations based on size and granularity.
• Contributed to data interpretation and visualization, supporting broader lab efforts to understand microbial community dynamics in low-oxygen marine environments.

General Tutor at ClubZ Tutoring (2025-12 – Present)

• Tutor high school and college students in AP Chemistry, AP Calculus, SAT/ACT mathematics, and Spanish.
• Develop personalized study plans and practice materials to clarify complex concepts, improving student comprehension and test performance.

Support Teacher at SEED Early Childhood School (2024-03 – 2025-09)

• Assist lead teachers in classroom management and creating supportive learning environments.
• Develop patience and exceptional communication skills by explaining concepts and guiding social-emotional learning.

Instructor at Mathnasium (2020-10 – 2022-10)

• Taught mathematical concepts to K-12 students, adapting explanations to diverse learning styles.
• Cultivated strong problem-solving and instructional abilities.

Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology – University of Washington (2026-06)

Minor in Climate Science – University of Washington (2026-06)