Kelly Pollack Wittwer

(310) 344-5932 | kpwittwer@gmail.com

EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE
Ph.D., Environmental Health, Science, and Policy June 2008
 Thesis Title: The Effect of Caffeine on Algal Endosymbionts of Reef-Building Corals
Master of Science, Environmental Health, Science, and Policy August 2004

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES

Bachelor of Science, Geology June 1999

TEACHING EXPERIENCE
VENTURA COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION Ventura and Ojai, CA
Credentialed Substitute Teacher January 2018 – Present
 Fingerprinted substitute teacher for Ventura County school districts.

MOUND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Ventura, CA

Science Lab Volunteer September 2015 – Present
 Volunteer as teacher assistant for science class held in school science lab monthly.

VENTURA WILD Ventura and Ojai, CA

Instructor February 2016 – July 2016
 Teacher in after-school outdoor program taking 5-10 year olds into the wilderness weekly for experiential outdoor education.

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE Irvine, CA

Teaching Assistant September 2002 – June 2008
 Thirteen quarters of TA employment. Courses included Environmental Quality and Health, Public Health, Natural Disasters,
Environmental Geology, Potable Water Reuse, and Coastal Ecosystem Health.
 Average “overall teaching effectiveness” of 6.0+ out of 7.0 on student evaluations.
 Responsible for holding discussion sessions and reviews, managing course website, and grading coursework.
Undergraduate Resource Program Mentor September 2004 – June 2008
 Mentored undergraduate students in the laboratory as part of the campus-wide Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Program.
Pedagogical Fellow September 2005 – September 2006
 One of twenty campus-wide competitively selected mentor teachers to participate in intensive teaching development and
pedagogical theory program.
 Fellowship cumulated in running the training for incoming UCI graduate students to excel in their roles as Teaching
Assistants.
Instructor Spring 2006
 Taught required undergraduate course Field and Laboratory Methods in Applied Ecology in Department of Environmental
Health, Science, and Policy.
 Average overall instructor rating of 3.7 out of 4.0 on student evaluations.

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, CHANNEL ISLANDS Camarillo, CA

Lecturer Fall 2004
 Taught required undergraduate course Coastal and Marine Management in Department of Environmental Science and
Resource Management.
 Average “instructor effectiveness” rating of 4.3 out of 5.0 on student evaluations.

DEER HILL EXPEDITIONS Mancos, CO

Instructor and Assistant Instructor Summer 2000, Summer 2003
 One of three instructors for advanced 30-day backpacking, canyoneering, and climbing courses for twelve 15 to 18-year olds,
stressing outdoor skills, community service, and leadership building.
UCLA OUTDOOR ADVENTURES PROGRAM Los Angeles, CA
Instructor and Primary Guide September 1996 – June 2002
 Head instructor for outdoor education and adventure trips for UCLA students, alumni, staff, faculty, and seniors.
 Trips include day and multi-day rock climbing and backpacking trips that teach outdoor skills, minimum impact camping
techniques, experimental education, and leadership.

CAMP HOLLYWOODLAND SUMMER CAMP Los Angeles, CA

Counselor in Training Childhood
 Junior counselor at summer sleep-away camp for multiple childhood summers.

ADDITIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT Carpinteria, CA
Project Scientist February 2014 – Present
 Assess degree of environmental contamination and define target areas for ecological habitat restoration. Clients include large
corporations and governmental agencies.
 Review food web analyses and reports to determine distribution potential of specific contaminants and resultant risk to
endemic species.
 Provide expert witness support for environmental litigation cases.

GEOSYNTEC CONSULTANTS Santa Barbara, CA

Senior Staff Scientist September 2008 – February 2014
 Co-authored parcel-specific reports on human health risk at 285 unit residential development contaminated by 1950’s era oil
processing and storage facility. Evaluated soil, soil vapor, and indoor air data to assess client liability and focus clean-up.
 Used EPA guidelines to assess human cancer and chronic health hazard risk at 8,500 acre Superfund site in Sacramento
County, CA. Final results will be used to determine mitigation requirements.
 Assisted with company business development by contributing to groundwater and storm water conference presentations.

GEOMATRIX CONSULTANTS Newport Beach, CA

Environmental Engineer September 2004 – November 2005
 Supported bioremediation studies and site clean-ups. Performed field sampling, air quality analysis, and data management.
 Coordinated with public departments regarding environmental and public health. Prepared client reports and community
profiles.

EXPONENT FAILURE ANALYSIS ASSOCIATES Los Angeles, CA

Associate Scientist March 2000 – September 2002
 Performed field sampling including dispersion study of toxins, indoor air quality, and lead-smelter emissions.
 Received leadership award for performance in managing consumer product safety project.

UCLA MARS SCIENCE OPERATIONS Los Angeles, CA

UCLA/JPL Robotic Arm Team Member June 1999 – December 1999
 Performed radiation research for UCLA Earth and Space Sciences Department.
 Worked with JPL Robotic Arm Team to study the effects of different gravity field on various soils.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

 TExES Science 4-8 (116) passed 5/2018, TExES Science 7-12 (236) passed 5/2018
 CBEST passed 12/2017
 Enjoy rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, and backpacking.
 National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) graduate.
 Previous member of Association of Experimental Education.
 Have previous certifications in Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA).
 Played clarinet from junior high through college in UCLA marching band.
 Volunteer for Ballona Wetlands Clean-Up, CALPIRG, Boys & Girls Club of America.