I am a first-year Master’s student in Marine Biology at The University of Haifa, conducting my Master’s thesis project in the laboratory of Dr. Tali Mass. My research focuses on coral reefs, their endosymbiotic relationships, and remediating coral reefs affected by coral bleaching, a stress-inducing phenomenon associated with elevated ocean temperatures.
More Information
https://github.com/benberman1/
Contact
Ben D. Berman
EDUCATION
Master of Marine Biology
University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
Oct 2025 – Present
- Actively completing sophisticated coursework specifically focused on understanding contemporary scientific studies addressing threats and solutions to marine ecosystems, while engaging in pioneering evidence-oriented discussions challenging our perspectives on ocean health in an effective, respectful, and collaborative manner.
- Participating in intensive fieldwork excursions employs and strengthens my scientific approach to investigating local ocean, river, and estuary environments through both modern and historical perspectives while additionally applying theoretical knowledge in practical context to deepen my understanding of the Mediterranean sea and global aquatic systems.
- In developing my Master’s thesis on coral reef bioremediation, I am exploring cutting-edge research papers and innovative methodologies to significantly mitigate the impact of coral bleaching on reef ecosystems, determining meaningful solutions to restore corals severely damaged by bleaching, global warming, and anthropogenic environmental degradation.
- Integrated seamlessly into the academic and local community learning about diverse scientific and cultural backgrounds from students and peers, cultivating a furthered appreciation about the importance and uniqueness of global perspectives and traditions, especially in a research context, which strengthens my commitment to promote universally inclusive academic collaboration, achievement, and advancement around the world from all countries and across all cultures.
Undergraduate Semester Abroad - Exchange Program
University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Feb 2024 – June 2024
- Selected for a highly competitive exchange program to the University of Sydney through Queen’s University.
- Quickly adapted to a foreign academic and social environment, intentionally developing cross culture communication abilities, and navigated unfamiliar systems with independence and resilience.
- Advanced level courses and laboratory experiments strengthened my problem-solving approaches, deepened my global scientific community appreciation, and enhanced my confidence in academic and research settings.
Bachelor of Science (Honours), Biology Major, Classical Studies Minor
Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada
Sept 2021 – June 2025
- GPA: 3.87/4.0 (Graduated with Distinction)
- Dean’s Honour List (2021, 2022)
- Combined rigorous coursework with hands-on laboratory, field, and statistical analysis experiences.
- Honours Thesis (Arnott Lab): Individual and intraspecific freshwater zooplankton response to NaCl stress.
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Master Thesis Student
Mass Lab, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
Oct 2025 – Present
- Cultivated and maintained coral specimens in controlled laboratory aquariums ensuring optimal conditions for species survival and environmental accuracy while resolving spontaneous abnormalities to preserve coral reef health and experimental reliability.
- Performed thorough investigations of high-impact scientific publications to efficaciously develop a sophisticated and relevant research proposal to remediate corals and coral reefs.
- Collaborated with laboratory team members to learn new analytical and technical scientific skills, discussing novel experimental results from local and international studies to refine my research approach and strategies.
- Documented research progress, data and metadata through advanced coding tools managing complex datasets in organized open science repositories to promote research accessibility and universal collaboration.
- Communicated self conceptualized research ideas and experimental methodologies transparently to my peers, faculty researchers, and other academics from diverse interdisciplinary backgrounds articulating a scientific and global importance while eagerly integrating critical constructive feedback to strengthen research significance.
Undergraduate Honours Thesis Student
Arnott Lab, Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada
July 2024 – Apr 2025
- Designed and executed independent research project through comprehensive literature gap analysis, experimental organism management, and peer collaboration, communication, and feedback incorperation.
- Later onboarded and mentored a new lab member to assist with experimental completion.
- Independently troubleshot unexpected issues that occurred in the laboratory setting.
- Successfully completed a written thesis and oral defence presentation.
Laboratory Assistant
Arnott Lab, Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada
May 2023 – Aug 2023
- Applied proper techniques in executing rigorous experimental procedures and sample preparation while adhering to safety protocols.
- Calibrated and maintained advanced software and specialized equipment for collecting, organizing, and interpreting experimental data.
- Clearly and concisely documented experiment results, research observations, and new procedures.
- Effectively communicated between colleagues, supervisors, and other departments, sharing findings, discussing future actions, and strengthening academic relationships.
- Trained and supervised a summer volunteer in proper laboratory etiquette and maintenance procedures.
- Quickly adapted to overcome lab challenges, employing critical thinking and resourcefulness to find effective solutions.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Summer Intern (Donor Relations & Stewardship)
The CHEO Foundation, Ottawa, Canada
June 2025 – Oct 2025
- Reported directly to the Stewardship Manager regarding donor relations and philanthropic initiatives.
- Professionally communicated with key stakeholders including high-impact donors and corporate partners to strengthen important relationships and promote prospective donor engagement.
- Conducted donor stewardship outreach phone calls to express gratitude and reinforce participation with hospital values and goals.
- Drafted personalized donor thank-you correspondence letters to emphasize and articulate donation impact.
- Participated effectively in strategic meetings by sharing meaningful ideas that were supported by my colleagues to maximize donor support and philanthropic efforts.
- Developed and implemented donor appreciation strategies by analyzing donor impact reports and preparing recognition initiatives and events.
- Visited retail funding partners and local hospital or community based donors to express the significance and meaning of their gift while inquiring about campaign feedback and future collaboration.
Summer Intern (Membership & Communications)
Jewish Medical Association of Ontario
July 2025 – Oct 2025
- Worked with Board of Directors to manage membership of professional association (~700 members).
- Phoned lapsed, past, and new members discussing the Mission and Vision of the JMAO and encouraged engagement.
- Supported Board of Directors with marketing and communications efforts towards present and potential members.
- Collaborated seamlessly with another summer intern, using remote technology and strong communication strategies to ensure project organization and timely completion.
Lifeguard
Calypso Waterpark, Ontario, Canada
July 2022 – Aug 2022
- Responsible of ensuring patron safety and well-being.
- Maintained a calm attitude and acute focus being vigilant in anticipation of critical, life-threatening situations.
- Collaborated with lifeguarding team, sales staff, and management building strong communication skills and professional relationships.
- Recognized for leadership and reliability. Sought out frequently by supervisors to take on additional key roles and responsibilities.
Camp Counselor
Camp B’nai Brith of Ottawa
July 2021 – Aug 2021
- Provided 24/7 care, full-time supervision, and daily athletics and water safety education for children ages of 7-16.
- Selected for head coach of camper football team.
- Identified and praised for important leadership opportunities.
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Promotional Marketer
The CHEO Foundation
Summer 2025
- Informed and engaged public by promoting healthcare initiatives.
- Represented, through direct invitation, the philanthropic arm of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) in major community events, such as at charity golf tournaments and at their debut at the largest musical festival in Ottawa (Bluesfest).
- Enthusiastically welcomed corporate and self-sponsored golf tournament participants to partake in a promotional giveaway activity, furthering their charity participation.
- Cheerfully interacted with festival attendants of all ages, communicating the significance of the revolutionary novel facility extension of the hospital.
- Heard from community members about their experiences accessing CHEO’s medical services, learning how this relationship to the hospital serves as a pillar of hope and being inspired by the strength and resilience in our community.
- Demonstrated adaptability and initiative by independently leading the event setup purposefully supporting CHEO’s marketing strategies and effectively collaborating with other volunteers to ensure a cohesive professional presence.
Co-Head Coach – Charity Basketball Tournament
Queen’s University
Winter 2023
- Coached a large team of undergraduate peers emphasizing positive attitude, competitiveness, and teamwork through sportsmanship.
- Learned the importance of shared responsibility and diversity in productive leadership, decision making, and growing from accountability.
- Developed team strategies, drills, and training programs improving players’ performance, motivation, and engagement, strongly emphasizing sportsmanship.
- Raised significant funds donated to cancer research.
AWARDS
- MSc Excellence Fellowship – Charney School of Marine Sciences.
- BSc Honours with Distinction (GPA: 3.87).
- Dean’s Honour List (2021, 2022).
- Ontario Scholar (Grade 12).
CERTIFICATIONS
- First Aid & AED.
- CPR.
- NLS Pool & Waterpark.
- Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
- Class G Driver’s License (Ontario).
- Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
- PADI Open Water Diver (SCUBA).
REFERENCES
Available upon request.