1. Ryan Streitz
(218)-393-5205
RyanStreitz@gmail.com
RELATED EXPERIENCE
University of Minnesota Duluth 2013
Lab Technician
Managed geochemical data processing for a climate analysis research project funded by the
Smithsonian Institution.
o Scanned lake sediment cores with an x-ray fluorescence instrument to determine the
geochemical spectrum of the sediment.
o Isolated and exposed certain elements as climate proxies.
o Analyzed and graphed data of the composite core to develop a climate history
Partnered with the National Lacustrine Core Facility (LacCore) at the University of Minnesota
Twin Cities.
o Met with researchers from Kenya, Oxford, and the Smithsonian Institute.
o Learned techniques for sampling and identifying stratigraphic sediment.
Gained experience aboard the Blue Heron Research Vessel observing temperature variances in
the surface waters of Lake Superior.
o Used surface temperatures probes scattered throughout Lake Superior to collect data by
depth.
University of St. Thomas 2012-2013
Geochemical Researcher at the National Crude Oil Spill Site
Conducted a grant study analysis of the hydrological fate (biogeochemical degradation) and
transport of ethanol and crude oil within wetland soils at the National Crude Oil Spill Research
Site in Bemidji, MN.
o Worked in the field constructing and maintaining wells, extracting water samples, and
documenting water temperature, pH, alkalinity, and conductivity values.
Worked with the USGS and Enbridge to collect on-site hydraulic well data and wetland core
samples.
o Established many good contacts and learned valuable professional field experience to
maximize my efficiency in the field.
Presented findings from the research at the annual Geological Society of America conference in
Charlotte, North Carolina (2012).
o Gave professional presentation to a National academic audience.
o Research suggested some of the first ever documented evidence for the methanogenic
biodegradation of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) in wetland
conditions.
Methanogenic biodegradation was even stronger when BTEX compounds were in
the presence of ethanol.
2. Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge Intern
Worked with a team of researchers to determine the consequences of tributary size and density
on the Pahranagat Valley watershed, in southern Nevada.
Teacher's Assistant - "Medical Geology" and "Environmental Geology"
Led lab lectures, tutored students, and trained researchers how to operate laboratory equipment
Designed an air quality experiment for the Medical Geology class to monitor various areas
around the Twin Cities region.
SKILLS
Laboratory
Capillary exchange (CE): Operated equipment to evaluate the water geochemistry of samples.
X-Ray Fluorescence & Diffraction (XRF; XRD):Operated instruments to determine sediment
geochemistry of organic and nonorganic samples.
Carbon:Nitrogen sequencing: Technique used to determine water basin health and also as a
proxy for climate histories.
Familiar with core splitting and sampling techniques, titration, grain-size analysis, and
spectrophotometry.
Field/Sampling
Hydrology: Knowledge of fate and transport analysis within wetland watersheds was used to
evaluate the remediation process of contaminated spill sites at the National Crude Oil Spill
Research Site. Performed well monitoring and problem solving by constructing and maintaining
pull-push style and borehole wells. Evaluated water quality using flow cell data collection and
sample preservation techniques using a variety of chemical stabilizers.
Sedimentology: Performed core analysis (grain-size, bedding, mineralogy) and site assessment in
preparation for well installation and geologic interpretation.
Mapping: Performed topographic and stratigraphic review of the data collected to determine
bedding patterns, faults, depositional orientation, and mineralogy.
Software
GIS (ArcMap and Google Earth): Spatial tools used for analysis of climate variances over time
and for watershed documentation, using state-wide and local hydrogeologic shape file coverages.
Adobe Illustrator: Software used to construct stratigraphic columns to analyze data, and to
prepare poster presentations
Excel: Software used to analyze complex multivariable datasets using second party statistical
packages.
PowerPoint: Software used for public speaking, including the professional presentation at the
National Geological Society of America meeting in North Carolina in 2012.
Matlab and Wolfram Alpha statistical software: Software used to construct algorithms, graph
complex datasets, and to solve large scale mathematical problems.
3. ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
Just Take Action Inc. –The Fitger’s Brewhouse 2013-2015
Brewer/Bartender
Applied knowledge in the science behind brewing high-quality craft beer for the second largest
micro-brewpub in the Midwest.
Performed manual labor that involved lifting two-hundred plus pounds.
Gained experience with plumbing and piping mechanics.
Orchestrated brewery tours for the public.
Information Resources and Technology 2011-2013
Event Support Technician
Managed audio and visual support for sponsored University of St. Thomas events catered
towards special guests and students affair projects.
Routine set up of computer equipment, solved technical problems and served as a University
resource for Information Technology services.
Took leadership in customer service skills, punctuality, and scheduling.
Developed team problem solving skills and advanced technological comprehension of sound
boards, lighting, video-taping, microphones, and musical equipment.
East Select Soccer 2009-2014
Soccer Coach
Coached girls and boys competitive teams.
Scheduled practices, games, and tournaments.
Acted passionately as a mentor, role model, and teacher.
Finished second place in the MYSA Girl's State Tournament in 2012.
EDUCATION
University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN Graduated May, 2013
Bachelor of Science in Geology with a concentration in Geochemistry 3.63 GPA
Courses taken included Calculus 1 & 2, Field Methods, Hydrology, Sedimentology, Stratigraphy,
Mineralogy, Geochemistry, Medical Geology, Climate Geology, Limnology, Oceanography,
Earth Materials, Genetic Biology, Ecology, Chemistry, Physics, and Statistics.
Member of the Aquinas Honors Program for 4 years.
Member of Geology Club, Green Team, and Student’s for Justice and Peace Club.
Awarded The Alworth Science and Math Scholarship (Duluth) and the St. Thomas Academic
Scholarship(St. Paul).