Haley E. Plaas
PhD Student
Phone:
+1 (252) 726-6841. Ext (407)
Email:
Address:
UNC-Institute of Marine Sciences
3431 Arendell St. Morehead City, 28557
ORCiD:
0000-0001-8823-0457
A Personal Bit About Me
Growing up in the landlocked state of Kansas, I developed a fascination for the distant coastline very early on. I grew up proclaiming I would be a marine biologist, and as college approached, I was too determined to even consider anything else.
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I studied biology and marine science at the University of Miami, earning a dual Bachelor's of Science in 2019. At Miami, I had the opportunity to work with three incredibly impactful mentors, Drs. Nikki Traylor-Knowles, Kim Popendorf, and Cassie Gaston, who instilled my love for research. I didn't grasp it at the time, but it changed my world seeing these women excel within their respective research fields whilst also balancing teaching, mentoring, and their families. This solidified what I really wanted out of my career, which was to eventually teach at a university and lead my own research group.
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Having family in the Research Triangle, I was drawn to North Carolina and joined the lab group of Dr. Hans Paerl in 2019 for my PhD. In the public health school at UNC-CH, I learned to approach my research interests through both a One Health and a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion lens. I believe routine public communications, working with community scientists, and multidisciplinary research team-members are essential aspects of good science, especially when tackling environmental issues that threaten human health.
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At the core, I do what I do because I feel deeply connected to the natural world around me, I really enjoy talking with people, and I love solving puzzles, which being a scientist affords me every day. At present, I'm most motivated by research at the intersection of air and water quality, but I am open to topics in aquatic toxicology, aerosol sciences, microbial ecology, and environmental forensics.
Education
2019-(2023)
Ph.D., Environmental Science and Engineering
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering
Committee: Drs. Hans Paerl (major advisor), Nathan Hall, Jill Stewart, Jason Surratt, Ryan Paerl, and Karsten Baumann
Research Focus: How Do Harmful Cyanobacterial Blooms Affect Air Quality?
2015-2019
Dual B.S., Biology and Marine Science, with honors
University of Miami, FL, USA
Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences
Committee: Drs. Kimberly Popendorf (major advisor), Larry Brand, and Cassandra Gaston
Honors Thesis: The Influence of Temperature on Microcystin Concentration in Bubble-Generated Lake Spray Aerosols
2017
Semester Abroad
James Cook University, QLD, AU
Exchange program through UMiami for immersive ecology coursework in at James Cook University-Townsville
Publications
Plaas, H. E., Paerl, R. W., Baumann, K., Popendorf, K. J., Barnard, M. A., Chang, N. Y., Curtis, N., Huang, H., Mathieson, O., Sanchez, J., Maizel, D. J., Bartenfelder, A., Braddy, J., Hall, N. S., Rossignol, K., Sloup, R., and Paerl, H.W. (In Review). Cyanobacterial aerosolization dynamics inthe airshed of a eutrophic estuary. Science of the Total Environment. http://ssrn.com/abstract=4125290
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Barnard, M. A., Chaffin, J. D., Plaas, H. E., Boyer, G. L., Wei, B., Wilhelm, S. W., Rossignol, K. L., Braddy, J. S., Bullerjahn, G. S., Bridgeman, T. B., Davis, T. W., Wei, J., Bu, M., & Paerl, H. W. (2021). Roles of Nutrient Limitation on Western Lake Erie CyanoHAB Toxin Production. Toxins, 13(1), 47. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins13010047
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Plaas, H. E., & Paerl, H. W. (2021). Toxic Cyanobacteria: A Growing Threat to Water and Air Quality. Environmental Science & Technology, 55(1), 44–64. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.0c06653
Awards
Marine Sciences Award for Teaching Excellence, 2022
NSF Graduate Research Fellow, 2022
North Carolina Sea Grant Advisory Board Student Representative
APNEP/ NCSG Estuarine Research Graduate Fellow, 2020
Relevant Coursework
Mass Spectrometry
Microbial Ecology
Proposal Writing
One Health
Article Critique
Aerosol Physics + Chemistry
Envr. Exposure Assessment
Ecotoxicology
Environmental Chemistry
Chemical Oceanography
Work Experience
August 2021 - December 2021
August 2020 - Present
May 2019 - August 2020
October 2018 - May 2019
May 2018 - August 2018
January 2018 - May 2018
May 2017 - July 2017
May 2016 - July 2016
Graduate Research Consultant, UNC-Chapel Hill
Assisted in a first year (freshman) classroom with curriculum and lesson plan building, lecturing, discussion, and research project moderation for MASC 055: Change in The Coastal Ocean with Dr. Chris Martens.
NSF GRFP Research Fellow, UNC-Chapel Hill
Conducted field and lab work for dissertation effort, advised by Dr. Hans Paerl. Coordinated field campaigns identify cyanobacterial DNA and cyanotoxins in aerosol in the airshed of several aquatic systems. Collected environmental samples, organized community science efforts, analyzed and interpreted data using various methods. Mentored undergraduate research and science communication projects.
Graduate Teaching Assistant, UNC-Chapel Hill
Completed the bulk of the PhD coursework, and served as a TA for ENVR600: Environmental Health with Dr. Louise Ball. Graded assignments and exams, kept records, mentored students, and guest lectured.
Undergraduate Research Assistant, UMiami
Conducted experiments simulating lake spray aerosol formation during toxic cyanobacterial blooms, analyzed data, and wrote a formal honors thesis, advised by Dr. Kim Popendorf. Performed weekly enzyme bioassays to quantify cyanobacterial metabolites in lab and field water samples.
Environmental Health Intern, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium Investigated mitigation techniques on red tide (K. brevis) samples via biofiltration and studied the impact of simulated storm winds on brevetoxin transport and aerosolization, advised by Dr. Tracy Fanara. Assisted in outreach at the Mote Aquarium and fielded messages from the public regarding red tide bloom events.
Undergraduate Research Assistant, UMiami
Coordinated coral husbandry and aquarium operations. Conducted research on antibiotic exposure and wound healing in stony coral, P. damicornis, advised by Dr. Nikki Traylor-Knowles. Composed, filmed, and edited a promotional film for usage on the lab website and in outreach.
Undergraduate Naturalist Intern, Cape Ann Whale Watch
Educated the public about environmental and marine conservation as a field research naturalist and environmental educator. Surveyed public response to the outreach program and spearheaded a promotional video for the program.
Mentoring Experience
Grants
Funded
“HAPs and HABs: Investigating Associations between Air and Water Quality through Community Collaborations in Eastern North Carolina" North Carolina Sea Grant Community Collaborative Research Grant, 2022-23 (PI: Hans Paerl)
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“How Do Toxic Cyanobacteria Impact Air Quality?” North Carolina Sea Grant mini grant program, 2021-2022 (PI: Hans Paerl)
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“Addressing CyanoHABs as a Threat to Water and Air Quality in the San Francisco Bay-Delta, CA” California Sea Grant 2021 Delta Science Awards (PI: Hans Paerl)
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National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship (GRFP): #2020295001, 2020-2023 (PI: Hans Paerl)
North Carolina State University Centers for Human Health and the Environmental – Pilot Project Program: #P30ES025128, 2020-2021 (PI: Ryan Paerl)
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APNEP – NC Sea Grant: Graduate Fellowship in Estuarine Research, Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership – North Carolina Sea Grant: #2019-R/MG-1905, 2020 (PI: Hans Paerl)
Not-Funded
FlowCam® Graduate Research Equipment and Travel Grant Application, 2020 (PI: Hans Paerl)
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“Approaching CyanoHAB expansion in the Chowan River – Albemarle Sound Estuary as a One Health Issue” North Carolina Sea Grant 2022-2024 Biennial Competitive Research Call, 2021 (PI: Hans Paerl)
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SECOORA 2020 Education and Outreach Request for Proposals Enhancing Marine Science Curriculum for K-12 Formal and Informal Educators, 2020 (PI: Kerry Irish)
Conference Presentations
“Harmful Cyanobacterial Bloom Aerosolization Dynamics and Microcystin Production in the Chowan River, NC”, Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) North America 42nd Annual Meeting (virtual), Oral Session, 2021
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“Harmful Cyanobacterial Bloom Aerosolization Dynamics and Microcystin Production in the Chowan River, NC”, Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation (CERF) 26th Biennial virtual conference, Oral Session 2021
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“Spray Aerosol Emissions from Harmful Cyanobacterial Blooms in the Chowan River, NC”, American Association for Aerosol Research (AAAR) virtual conference, Platform Presentation 7HA.3, 2021. Link to abstract: https://aaarabstracts.com/2021/viewabstract.php?pid=338
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“Harmful Cyanobacterial Bloom Aerosolization Dynamics and Microcystin Production in the Chowan River, NC”, 10.5 US Symposium on Harmful Algae, Oral Session, 2021
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“Are Toxic Cyanobacteria in the Air we Breathe?” UNC Environmental Sciences and Engineering Centennial Speed Talk, 2021
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“Harmful Cyanobacterial Bloom Aerosolization Dynamics and Microcystin Production in the Chowan River, NC”, Water Resources Research Institute Conference, Student Lightning Talk, 2021
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“Are Toxic Cyanobacteria in the Air We Breathe?”, Oceans and Human Health virtual meeting, Poster Session, 2020
“Cyanobacterial Microcystin Production and Aerosolization Dynamics in the Chowan River-Albemarle Sound Estuarine Continuum, NC”, American Association for Aerosol Research (AAAR) virtual conference, Poster Session 8.HA.23. Link to presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjTD0DKhnc4&t=137s
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“The Influence of Temperature on Microcystin Concentration in Bubble-Generated Lake Spray Aerosols”, American Association for Aerosol Research (AAAR) Conference, Poster Session, Portland, Oregon, 2019
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“The Influence of Temperature on Microcystin Concentration in Bubble-Generated Lake Spray Aerosols”, University of Miami Undergraduate Research Symposium, Coral Gables, Florida, 2019
Invited Talks
ENVR400 Seminar Series, “Algae! Aerosols! Action! Are toxic cyanobacteria in the air we breathe?”, Environmental Science and Engineering Departmental Seminar, Chapel Hill, NC 2022
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Lunchtime Discovery Series, “Are Toxic Cyanobacteria in the Air We Breathe?”, North Carolina Office of Environmental Education, Raleigh, NC, 2021
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Meeting Seminar, North Carolina Sea Grant Coastal Resources and Communities, 2021 Brown Bag Seminar, UNC Institute of Marine Sciences, 2021
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Speed Talk, “Quantifying CyanoHAB DNA and toxins in spray aerosol of Lake Erie”, Oceans and Human Health Virtual Meeting 2020
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MASC 055: Change in the Coastal Ocean, “Harmful Algal Blooms: Causes And Consequences”, guest lecturer, 2020
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Lunchtime Discovery Series, “Are Toxic Cyanobacterial Blooms Affecting the Air We Breathe?”, North Carolina Office of Environmental Education, Raleigh, NC, 2019
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Group on Atmospheric Science and Pollution (GASP) Seminar, “Asphyxiation by algae: are toxic cyanobacterial blooms affecting the air we breathe?”, Environmental Science and Engineering GASP seminar series, 2019
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World Oceans Day, Guest Speaker and Panelist, Summit Betchel Reserve, Boy Scouts of America 24th World Scout Jamboree, 2019
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TEDx Talk, “An Individual’s Solution to Plastic Pollution”, Keynote Speaker, TEDxUMiami, Coral Gables, Florida, 2019
Technical Skills + Proficiencies
IN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
Field Work
Scientific Writing & Editing
Mass Spectrometry
Liquid Chromatography
Data Analyses / Visualization
RStudio, Matlab
FinalCut ProX, Adobe Photoshop
Advanced Open Water Dive + Nitrox
Outreach and Education
English
Spanish (beginner)
References
University of Miami
Dr. Cassandra Gaston
+1 (305) 421-4979
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Dr. Kimberly Popendorf
+1 (305) 421-4328 kxp442@miami.edu
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Dr. Nikki Traylor-Knowles
+1 (305) 421-4000 ntk1717@gmail.com
UNC-CH Institute of Marine Sciences
Dr. Hans Paerl (PhD advisor)
+1 (252) 726-6841 (ext:133) hans_paerl@unc.edu
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Dr. Nathan Hall
+1 (252) 726-6841 nshall@email.unc.edu
Dr. Chris Martens
+1 (919) 962-0152 cmartens@email.unc.edu
UNC-CH Gillings School of Global Public Health
Dr. Karsten Baumann
+1 (919) 599-5789 kaba@email.unc.edu
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Dr. Jill Stewart
+1 (919) 966-7553 jill.stewart@unc.edu
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Dr. Jason Surratt
+1 (919)-599-5789 surratt@unc.edu
North Carolina State University
Dr. Ryan W. Paerl
+1 (919) 515-7276 rpaerl@ncsu.edu
Mote Marine Lab
Dr. Tracy Fanara
+1 (941) 302-2046 tracy.fanara@noaa.gov