Charlotte M. Easterling, Ph.D.
Department Chair
Assistant Professor of Biology
Northwest University
Science Department
5520 108th Ave NE,
Kirkland, Washington 98033
charlotte.easterling@northwestu.edu
EDUCATION
2012-2017 PhD Biology-Physiology and Morphology, University of South Florida, Advisor: Stephen Deban
2008-2012 BS Marine Science-Biology, the University of Tampa, Magna cum Laude
HONORS
2012 Biology Department Outstanding Senior Award, the University of Tampa
2011-2012 Top 10% of graduating class, Phi Kappa Phi Academic Honor Society
2008-2012 Dean’s List, the University of Tampa
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Assistant Professor: Human Anatomy and Physiology (SCIE 2203/1, 2213/1). Northwest University (starting Fall 2019) - Two semester course with instruction of lecture (50 students) and laboratory (25 students each) sections. Dissections include: rabbit, sheep brain, cow heart, pig heart.
Assistant Professor: Physics (SCIE 2283/1, 2293/1). Northwest University (starting Fall 2019) - Two semester course with instruction of lecture (30 students) and laboratory (25 students each) sections.
Assistant Professor: Zoology (SCIE 3023/1). Northwest University (starting Fall 2020) - Instruction of lecture and laboratory (10 students each) sections. Dissections include: shark, salamander, frog, turtle, lizard, rabbit.
Assistant Professor: Ecosystems and Ecophysiology (SCIE 33853). Northwest University (starting Spring 2021) - Instruction of lecture (10 students) section.
Assistant Professor: Cross-Cultural Experience (IDIS 3913). Northwest University (starting Spring 2022) - Instruction of travel course (12 students) section. Travel includes both domestic and international. Topics taught: Sound of Music (Music and Physics), Australian History and Fauna.
Assistant Professor: Science Capstone (SCIE 4782, SCIE 4791). Northwest University (starting Fall 2022) - Two semester course with instruction of lecture (8 students) sections.
Assistant Professor: Elementary Science Methods (EDUC 4142). Northwest University (Spring 2020-Spring 2022) - Instruction of lecture (12 students) section.
Lecturer: Human Physiology (BIOL 2220). California State University, Bakersfield (Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Fall 2018, Spring 2019) – Instruction of lecture (75-96 students) and laboratory (25 students each) sections.
Lecturer: General Physiology (BIOL 3020). California State University, Bakersfield (Spring 2019) – Instruction of lecture (75 students).
Lecturer: Senior Seminar-Human Biology Majors (BIOL 4920). California State University, Bakersfield (Fall 2018, Spring 2019) – Instruction of weekly discussion sections (24 students).
Lecturer: Introductory Biology – Animals (BIOL 2110). California State University, Bakersfield (Spring 2018, Fall 2018) – Instruction of lecture (75 students) and laboratory (25 students each) sections. Dissections included: Acaris worm, grasshopper, squid.
Lecturer: Human Anatomy (BIOL 2210). California State University, Bakersfield (Fall 2017) – Instruction of laboratory sections (26 students each). Dissections included: cat, rabbit.
Graduate Teaching Assistant: General Physiology (PCB 3712 & PCB 3713L), University of South Florida (Fall 2012, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Summer 2014, Fall 2015, Spring 2017) – Instruction of laboratory sections (5 semesters), served as prep TA (2 semesters), and lecture TA (2 semesters). Wrote new laboratory exercise on neural physiology. Integral role in restructuring laboratory courses to inquiry-based learning. Dissections included in course: earthworm, frog.
Graduate Teaching Assistant: Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (ZOO 3713C), University of South Florida (Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016) – Instruction of laboratory sections (3 semesters) and served as prep TA (2 semesters). Dissections included: teleost fish, shark, salamander, snake, iguana, cat, sheep brain.
Graduate Teaching Assistant: Human Anatomy and Physiology I (BSC 2093C), University of South Florida (Fall 2016) – Instruction of laboratory sections (1 semester). Aided in restructuring organization of course and expansion of peer-led team learning. Dissections included: sheep brain, cow eye, cat.
Instructor and Graduate Mentor: STEM Academy, University of South Florida (2014-2016) – Provided classroom instruction, organized laboratory tours for 200+ students, facilitated meaningful discussions, and aided in team-building exercises to encourage student success and retention in earning a STEM degree. This program was funded through a Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) grant.
Instructor: Outreach and Scout Programs, Museum of Science and Industry (2014-2017) – Taught and developed curriculum for educational programs for grades pre-K through 12th. Programming included both outreach education, as well as Girl and Boy Scout badge workshops. Topics included: various animal dissections, geology, general biology, physics, mathematics, chemistry, digestion, astronomy, and ecology.
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant: Biological Unity (BIO 204L), the University of Tampa (Fall 2009, Spring 2010, Fall 2010, Spring 2011, Fall 2011, Spring 2012) – Assisted the major professor in teaching introductory biology topics. Worked weekly to prep and break down labs and acted as ‘lead TA’ from Spring 2011-Spring 2012. Additional responsibilities included: leading undergraduate TAs, supply inventory, leading prep sessions, and organizing review sessions.
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant: Biological Diversity (BIO 203L), the University of Tampa (Fall 2009, Spring 2011) – Assisted the major professors in teaching introductory biology. Worked weekly to prep and break down labs. Dissections included: crayfish, earthworm, frog.
Tutor: Biological Diversity (BIO 203), Biological Unity (BIO 204), General Genetics (BIO 300), Molecular Genetics (BIO 320), Academic Center of Excellence, the University of Tampa (2011-2012) – Served as the lead tutor for undergraduate courses. Required facilitation of topics covered, assisted students to solve problem sets, and aided in study techniques.
PUBLICATIONS
Charlotte M. Easterling, Matthew A. Kolmann, and Mary Kate O’Donnell (2022). The lesser-known transitions: organismal form and function across abiotic gradients. Integrative and Comparative Biology, 62: 829-839.
Stephen M. Deban, Jeffrey A. Scales, Segall V. Bloom, Charlotte M. Easterling, Mary Kate O’Donnell, and Jeffrey P. Olberding (2020). Evolution of a high-performance and functionally robust musculoskeletal system in salamanders. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 117: 10445–10454.
Charlotte M. Stinson and Stephen M. Deban (2017). Functional Morphology of Terrestrial Prey Capture in Salamandrid Salamanders. Journal of Experimental Biology, 220: 3896-3907.
Charlotte M. Stinson and Stephen M. Deban (2017). Functional Trade-offs in the Aquatic Feeding Performance of Salamanders. Zoology, 125C: 69-78.
Jeffrey A. Scales, Charlotte M. Stinson, and Stephen M. Deban (2016). Extreme performance and functional robustness of movement are linked to changes in muscle architecture: comparing elastic and non-elastic feeding movements in salamanders. Journal of Experimental Biology Part A, 000: 1-18.
Daniel Huber, Danielle E. Neveu, Charlotte M. Stinson, Paul A. Anderson and Ilze K. Berzins (2013). Mechanical properties of sand tiger shark Carcharias taurus vertebrae in relation to spinal deformity. Journal of Experimental Biology, 216: 4256-4263.
John T. Froeschke, Bridgette F. Froeschke and Charlotte M. Stinson (2013). Long-term trends of bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science, 70: 13-21.
Thomas P. Hurst, Elena R. Fernandex, Jeremy T. Mathis, Jessica A. Miller, Charlotte M. Stinson and Ernestine F. Ahgeak (2012). Resiliency of juvenile walleye pollock to projected levels of ocean acidification. Aquatic Biology, 17: 247-259.
RESEARCH FUNDING AWARDS
2022 Ray and Shirley Clark Grant $5000.00
2021 Scientific Meeting Grant via Company of Biologists £6000.00
2017 Faculty Teaching and Learning Center Mini Grant $500.00
2016 Porter Foundation Research Funds, University of South Florida $430.00
2015 Porter Foundation Research Funds, University of South Florida $355.00
2015 Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid of Research $400.00
2014 Porter Foundation Research Funds, University of South Florida $325.00
TRAVEL AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
2023 Northwest University, Faculty Enrichment Funds $580.00
2022 Northwest University, Faculty Enrichment Funds $1,200.00
2021 Northwest University, Faculty Enrichment Funds $1,200.00
2019 Northwest University, Faculty Enrichment Funds $1,200.00
2018 Kegley Institute of Ethics, Conference Presentation Grants $500.00
2017 University of South Florida, Conference Presentation Grant $250.00
2016 University of South Florida, Department of Integrative Biology Travel Award $544.55
2015 University of South Florida, Department of Integrative Biology Travel Award $325.00
2015 University of South Florida, Conference Presentation Grant $500.00
2014 University of South Florida, Department of Integrative Biology Travel Award $360.00
2012 the University of Tampa, College of Natural and Health Sciences Travel Award $500.00
2011 National Science Foundation, REU Travel Scholarship $1,000.00
2011 Hatfield Marine Science Center, Conference Travel Award $100.00
2011 SACNAS National Conference Travel Scholarship $300.00
ORAL PRESENTATIONS
(* Presented by; ‡ Undergraduate coauthor)
Charlotte M. Easterling*. The comparative anatomy and physiology of feeding in salamanders. Invited seminar, University of Minnesota, Duluth. April 2021. Virtual.
Charlotte M. Easterling*, Matthew A. Kolmann*, and Mary Kate O'Donnell*. The lesser-known transitions: how animals navigate abiotic changes in their surrounding media. Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology, January 2021. Phoenix, AZ.
Charlotte M. Stinson Easterling*, Christina Seis‡, and Stephen M. Deban. Evidence of power amplification and thermal robustness in salamandrid feeding mechanisms . Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology, January 2019. Austin, TX.
Charlotte M. Stinson*. Functional trade-offs in feeding performance in salamanders. Invited seminar, California State University, Fresno. April 2018. Fresno, CA.
Charlotte M. Stinson* and Stephen M. Deban. Functional morphology of terrestrial prey capture in salamandrid salamanders. Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology, January 2018. San Francisco, CA.
Charlotte M. Stinson*, Christina A. Woody‡, and Stephen M. Deban. Morphological and functional trade-offs in terrestrial feeding performance of salamandrids. Annual Herpetology Conference, March 2017. Gainesville, FL.
Charlotte M. Stinson* and Stephen M. Deban. Functional trade-offs in salamander feeding performance due to morphological divergence. Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology, January 2017. New Orleans, LA.
Stephen M. Deban*, Segall V. Bloom, Mary Kate O’Donnell, Jeffrey P. Olberding, Charlotte M. Stinson, and Jeffrey A. Scales. Evolution of a high performance and functionally robust musculoskeletal system. Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology, January 2017. New Orleans, LA.
Charlotte M. Stinson* and Stephen M. Deban. Robust Hyobranchial Apparatus Yields Increased Aquatic Feeding Performance in Newts. International Congress of Vertebrate Morphology, June 2016. Washington, D.C.
Charlotte M. Stinson* and Stephen M. Deban. Evidence of a high-power feeding mechanism in salamandrid salamanders. Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, January 2016. Portland, OR.
Charlotte M. Stinson* and Stephen M. Deban. Functional trade-offs in aquatic feeding salamanders. Department of Integrative Biology Research Symposium, February 2015. Tampa, FL.
Charlotte M. Stinson* and Stephen M. Deban. Functional trade-offs in aquatic feeding of salamandrid salamanders. Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, January 2015. West Palm Beach, FL.
Daniel Huber*, Danielle Noaker, Charlotte M. Stinson, Erin Tate, Paul Anderson, and Ilze Berzins. Etiology of spinal deformities in captive sandtiger sharks Carcharias taurus. Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, January 2013. San Francisco, CA.
Daniel Huber*, Danielle Noaker, Charlotte M. Stinson, Erin Tate, Paul Anderson, and Ilze Berzins. Conservation biomechanics: etiology of spinal deformities in captive sandtiger sharks. Faculty Colloquium, February 2012. Tampa, FL.
Thomas Hurst*, Jeremy Mathis, Elena Fernandez, and Charlotte M. Stinson. Response of juvenile walleye pollock to ocean acidification. American Fisheries Society, September 2011. Seattle, WA.
Charlotte M. Stinson* and Thomas Hurst. Effects of ocean acidification on the growth rate of early life stage walleye pollock. Research Experience for Undergraduates Symposia. August 2011. Newport, OR.
John T. Froeschke*, Bridgette F. Froeschke, and Charlotte M. Stinson. Long-term demographic trends of coastal sharks in the northern Gulf of Mexico: evidence of increasing trends. American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, July 2011. Minneapolis, MN.
POSTER PRESENTATIONS
(* Presented by; § Graduate coauthor, ‡ Undergraduate coauthor)
Holly M. Booth*‡, Amanda Burkey‡, Mary Kate O'Donnell, and Charlotte M. Easterling. Swimming performance of desmognathine salamanders. Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology, January 2023. Austin, TX.
Charlotte M. Stinson*. Incorporating Ethics Into Introductory Biology and Human Physiology Curriculum. Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology, January 2019. Tampa, FL.
Nicholas Sawyer*‡, Mary Kate O’Donnell, Charlotte M. Stinson, and Stephen Deban. Suction feeding in aquatic frogs Hymenochirus curtipes. University of South Florida Undergraduate Research Conference, April 2018. Tampa, FL.
Fatima Hidalgo*§, Charlotte M. Stinson, Otto Berg, and Ulrike Muller. Comparing suction feeders: microscopic carnivorous plants versus larval salamanders. Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology, January 2018. San Francisco, CA.
Christina A. Woody*‡, Charlotte M. Stinson, and Stephen M. Deban. Elastic recoil mechanism in the tongue-projection of the gold-striped salamander, Chioglossa lusitanica. Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology, January 2017. New Orleans, LA.
Charlotte M. Stinson* and Thomas P. Hurst. Effects of ocean acidification on the growth rate of early life stage walleye pollock, Theragra chalcogramma. American Society of Limnology and Oceanography, February 2012. Salt Lake City, UT.
Charlotte M. Stinson* and Thomas P. Hurst. Effects of ocean acidification on the growth rate of early life stage walleye pollock, Theragra chalcogramma. SACNAS National Conference, October 2011. San Jose, CA.
PRESS COVERAGE
2017 USF News – USF Graduate Students Inspired to Make a Difference. Integrative Biology graduate students bring science to the
classroom at Pizzo Elementary.
2015 Discovery Channel Canada, Daily Planet segment – Hi-Speed Newt
OUTREACH EXPERIENCE
2021-2023 Volunteer: Letters to a Pre-Scientist organization
2015-2017 Volunteer: Roots and Shoots, University of South Florida/Pizzo Elementary School, Tampa, FL
2017 Invited Presenter: Functional Morphology and Salamander Research, Palm Harbor Middle School, Palm Harbor, FL
2017 Guest Presenter: Roots and Shoots, Presentation on Major Vertebrate Groups and a Primer on Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy.
University of South Florida/Pizzo Elementary School, Tampa, FL
2016 Guest Presenter: Roots and Shoots, Presentation on Vertebrate Classification and Adaptations. University of South Florida/Pizzo
Elementary School, Tampa, FL
2016 Panel Member: Graduate School Panel, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
2015 Invited Presenter: “Getting Started in Undergraduate Research” workshop to undergraduate students, Office of Undergraduate
Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
2015 Guest Presenter: Great American Teach In, AP Biology Class, Durant High School, Tampa, FL
2015 Invited Guest: Biohacking STEAM Career Camp, Museum of Science and Industry, Tampa, FL
2015 Panel Member: Women in STEM panel, American Association of University Women, Clearwater, FL
2014 Invited Guest: Undersea Explorers STEAM Career Camp, Museum of Science and Industry, Tampa, FL
2014 Invited Guest: Biohacking STEAM Career Camp, Museum of Science and Industry, Tampa, FL
2014 Panel Member: “What a Job in Science Really Looks Like” panel, the University of Tampa, Tampa, FL
2012 Panel Member: Tampa Bay Environmental Professionals student panel, the University of Tampa, Tampa, FL
ADDITIONAL RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Dissertation Research: University of South Florida (2012-2017) – Feeding Mechanisms of Newts and True Salamanders (Family Salamandridae): Trade-Offs Between Aquatic and Terrestrial Feeding Performance. Advisor: Dr. Stephen Deban.
Graduate Research Assistant: University of South Florida (Fall 2014, Summer 2015, Summer 2016, Summer 2017) – Evolution of a functionally robust, high-performance musculoskeletal system. Funded by a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant awarded to advisor Dr. Stephen Deban.
Undergraduate Researcher: the University of Tampa (2011-2012) – Spinal biomechanics of captive sandtiger sharks. Advisor: Dr. Daniel Huber.
Undergraduate Researcher: the University of Tampa (2011-2012) – Mutations within mutant-mutant progeny of Drosophila melanogaster. Advisor: Dr. Stephen Kucera.
National Science Foundation REU Summer Intern: Hatfield Marine Science Center and NOAA (2011) – Effects of ocean acidification on early life stage walleye pollock growth. Advisor: Dr. Thomas Hurst.
Marine Ecology Lab Volunteer: Florida Institute of Technology (2011) – Aided in identifying and curating collection of hundreds coral specimens, as well as organizing a vast collection of scientific literature. Advisor: Dr. Robert van Woesik.
Undergraduate Researcher: the University of Tampa (2010-2011) – Mechanical consequence of elongated jaws in Florida gar bite mechanics. Advisor: Dr. Daniel Huber.
Summer Intern: Hubbs Sea World Research Institute (2010) – Worked on cataloging specimens from a variety of national museums, identifying cetacean populations within in the Indian River Lagoon, the prepping of tooth samples for aging of cetacean individuals, and aided in the necropsies of stranded cetaceans. Advisors: Megan Stolen, MS and Wendy Noke, MS.
Summer Undergraduate Researcher: Barrier Island Sanctuary (2010) – Juvenile fish migration through reopened mosquito control embankments of the Indian River Lagoon. Advisor: Raymond Mojica, MS.
ADDITIONAL LEADERSHIP AND COORDINATION EXPERIENCE
Graduate Coordinator: Root and Shoots volunteering program, University of South Florida/Pizzo Elementary School (2016-2017) – Responsible for organizing groups of undergraduate and graduate student groups to volunteer biweekly with third grade classes to assist in annual STEM Fair projects and general science instructions on a biweekly basis. Coordination requires communication and scheduling with Hillsborough County public school teachers.
Manager on Duty: Learning Experience Team, Museum of Science and Industry (2015-2017) – Charged with managing and overseeing daily activities, programming, and general events occurring throughout the museum. Acting as main point of contact for the Learning Experience Department.
Camp-In Coordinator: Museum of Science and Industry (2015-2017) – Responsible for coordination and logistic of MOSI overnight camp-ins. Served as the key point of contact on site for participants, insuring that other staff members are on tasks, and all events are occurring on schedule.
Volunteer Committee Coordinator: Biology Graduate Student Organization (2015-2017) – Responsible for coordinating volunteer activities each semester for the Integrative Biology Department graduate students to partake in and encourage outreach opportunities. Activities include both smaller scale (collections and drives) and larger scale (field experiences, assisting in classrooms, etc.) events.
Coordinator: Integrative Biology Graduate Research Symposium (2016) – Worked to plan and organize a research symposium for the 2016 Graduate Student Open House for the Integrative Biology Department at USF. Included coordinating schedules, booking times and locations, and assembling presenters.
Interim Scout Coordinator: Museum of Science and Industry (2014-2015) – Scheduled, designed new workshops, and constructed curriculum for the 2014-2015 Girl and Boy Scout badge workshop offerings for the museum.
Floor eXperience Operative: Museum of Science and Industry (2013-2014) – Acted as shift manager for Guest Experience Department. Responsibilities included planning daily events, scheduling of on-floor staff, as well as ensuring positive interactions with museum guests and delegating responsibilities required during operational hours. Scheduled staff weekly for on-site and off-site programs.
Team Manager: Men’s Spartans Ice Hockey Team, the University of Tampa (2011-2012) – Charged with aiding in organizing schedules, transportation of players, keeping in-game statistics, and organizing fundraiser events for the team.
Head Event Coordinator: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Hockey fundraiser, Tampa Bay Times Forum (2011) – Organized and implemented an event with the University of Tampa Men’s hockey team to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Advertised the event, solicited local businesses for donations and raffle prizes, and collected donations. Benefit game raised $1,300 in funds to donate to LLS for cancer research.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
2013-present Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology
2011-2017 Phi Kappa Phi National Academic Honor Society
2015-2017 Sigma Xi
ADDITIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
2012-2017 University of South Florida Biology Graduate Student Organization
2008-2012 the University of Tampa Environmental Protection Coalition
2009 the University of Tampa Environmental Sustainability Coalition
2008-2012 the University of Tampa Chapter Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society