Becky Curtis Email and Phone Number

In this position, I contribute to sustainable fishery policy for highly migratory species such as sharks, billfish, swordfish and tuna. I draft rule packages which include federal register notices and various required memos, and environmental assessments. I also prepare packages for temporary actions such as closures of specific HMS fisheries. I draft and issue exempted fishing permits for research and educational display activities and coordinate with applicants to ensure applications are complete. In this position, I also draft public-facing email notices and presentations for the public and stakeholders. Additionally, I work as a member of a core planning group for highly migratory species-specific climate vulnerability assessments and contribute to the review of essential fish habitat for these species.

In Dr. Klaper's lab, my doctoral research involved the examination of molecular level responses of key freshwater model organisms (zebrafish, chironomids, daphnids) to nanoparticles, which are emerging as contaminants of concern. To identify these responses, I compare gene expression between exposed and unexposed organisms, and use both targeted analysis of a few genes, as well as global gene expression to examine a wide range of impacts to the organisms.I worked on cross-species comparisons of biochemical impacts in response to exposure to lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) nanomaterials. LCO is a material commonly used in the cathodes of lithium-ion batteries that power our cell phones, laptops, and electric vehicles. Without a national system for recycling these batteries, spent battery waste may enter the environment through landfill leachate or improper disposal. Common explanations of nanomaterial toxicity mechanisms point to several impacts including oxidative stress, and through this work, I aim to elucidate more detailed descriptions of different species' molecular responses. I also investigated the impacts of a copper-based nanomaterial which has been studied for its potential use as a nano-formulated agricultural fertilizer. More efficient than bulk formulations at improving plant health and increasing disease resistance, this formulation holds promise for achieving desired crop yields while reducing chemical input in agricultural settings. My work involves comparing this nanomaterial's mobility through surface soils as a part of runoff, and environmental transformations with other contemporary agrochemicals. This work aims to help inform the use of these nanomaterials as a strategy for sustainable agriculture.

o Bring properties into compliance with municipal recycling ordinances by carrying out the City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works’ Compliance Assurance Plan o Obtain and compile data, develop and maintain databaseso Develop and maintain partnerships with community groups to provide outreacho Project planning and coordination; outreach studies and campaignso Develop advertisements, press releases and flyers; write and edit articleso Represent the City of Milwaukee’s recycling program at special eventso Co-Chaired Plastic Bottles Workgroup, formed with the support of Wisconsin’s Council on Recycling. Led multi-stakeholder group aiming to increase the state wide recycling rate of #1 (PET) and #2 (HDPE) plastic beverage containers; coordinated multi-stakeholder meetings and internal teams.o Milwaukee campaign project liaison for W.R.A.P. (Wrap Recycling Action Program), a project of GreenBlue’s Sustainable Packaging Coalition, The Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers, and the American Chemistry Council’s Flexible Film Recycling Group.

I am a founding member of Rotaract-Milwaukee which chartered in November 2008. While serving as the International Committee Chair during Rotaract year 2009-2010, I led our club's participation in an international video project and led the organization of an environmental fundraiser. I also served as Secretary and Treasurer.

o Assistant to the Presidento Liaison for clients and vendorso Creativity and problem solving: assistance in the development of deliverables

o Maintain sterile plant tissue and cell cultures, perform tissue and cell transformationso Create solid and liquid mediao Maintain lab notebook, laboratory and equipmento Train new tissue culture workers

o Perform mist netting, bird identification and banding, logging field data