Print or save as PDF mattgeorgephd@gmail.com 0000-0003-1264-8667

Jump to: Education · Employment · Publications · Grants · Fellowships · Presentations · Service · Media

Research profile

Marine biologist with more than 14 years of experience at the interface of ecophysiology and genomics, studying how climate change affects marine organisms, with an emphasis on commercially and ecologically important shellfish and aquaculture species. My research integrates physiological assays (metabolic rate, biomechanics, stress tolerance) with genomic and epigenomic approaches (RNA-seq, bisulfite sequencing, SNP analysis) to investigate the mechanisms underlying responses to ocean acidification, marine heatwaves, and hypoxia. As a research lead, I have managed multidisciplinary teams of up to 16 staff, administered program budgets totaling $1.8M, and secured competitive funding from NSF, USDA, and NOAA. My work has resulted in 20 peer-reviewed publications, including articles in Nature Climate Change and Global Change Biology, and has been featured in The Atlantic, Scientific American, and Popular Science.

Education

  • 2018Ph.D., Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WADissertation: Mussel attachment in a dynamic ocean: an ecomechanical perspective. Advisor: Emily Carrington
  • 2010B.Sc., Biology, Gonzaga University, Spokane, WAConcentration: Biological Research Methods

Employment

Fish and Wildlife Biologist IV, 2023-present

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Fish Program, Intergovernmental Ocean Policy Division · Montesano, WA
  • Direct research on climate change impacts to commercial shellfish fisheries valued at more than $120M annually; designed monitoring programs for eight recreational fisheries.
  • Principal investigator and unit lead of the Coastal Shellfish Unit: 16 staff, eight program budgets totaling $1.8M, and research grants from solicitation through procurement and delivery.
  • Produce quantitative assessments of harvest, effort, and biological data and deliver evidence-based management recommendations to agency leadership, policymakers, tribal co-managers, and the Fish and Wildlife Commission.
  • Lead interagency and stakeholder coordination, convening advisory groups and partnering with federal, state, and tribal entities on fishery management and harvest plans aligned with long-term sustainability and climate resilience.

Research Scientist, 2020-2023

Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, & Ecosystem Studies (joint appointment): University of Washington School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences and NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center · Seattle, WA · Supervisors: Steven Roberts, Mackenzie Gavery
  • Led multidisciplinary fisheries and aquaculture research with state and federal agencies, universities, tribal organizations, and industry, translating results into operational recommendations.
  • Used genomic (DNA, RNA-seq), physiological (metabolic rate), biochemical (ATPase activity), and behavioral (filtration rate) assays to identify traits associated with growth and environmental resilience in Pacific oysters.
  • Investigated how triploidy affects DNA methylation (bisulfite sequencing), growth, survival, and stress tolerance in Pacific oysters.
  • Identified gene markers associated with attachment, growth, and survival to support broodstock selection in two mytilid mussel species, and SNPs associated with phenotype and social behavior in sockeye salmon.
  • Assessed nutritional state and reproductive status of oysters, Manila clams, and geoduck with histology.
  • Analyzed large genomic datasets from Pacific oysters, geoduck, and Manila clams in Bash, R, and Python on the UW high-performance computing cluster.
  • Secured funding from PSMFC, USDA (NRSP-8 and SRGARP), and NOAA (NOPP); authored peer-reviewed papers and technical reports.
  • Facilitated recurring discussions on pathways to address race- and place-based inequity and to integrate the knowledge and goals of Indigenous partners in research.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, 2019-2020

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics · Philadelphia, PA · Supervisor: Paul Gadue
  • Developed molecular and cellular assays to identify biomarkers of stress in biological tissues.
  • Identified SNPs in human pluripotent stem cell lines and performed differential network analysis of gene expression under cellular stress.
  • Analyzed large-scale RNA-seq and ChIP-seq datasets and their metadata.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, 2018-2019

Mayo Clinic, Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering · Rochester, MN · Supervisor: Lichun Lu
  • Developed cell-based assays and quantified gene and protein expression (RT-qPCR, ELISA, protein blotting).
  • Identified tissue-specific gene expression patterns from large-scale genomic datasets.

NSF Graduate Research Fellow, 2012-2018

University of Washington, Department of Biology · Seattle, WA · Advisor: Emily Carrington
  • Built partnerships with shellfish aquaculture companies and state agencies; prepared successful proposals to state, federal, and non-governmental funders.
  • Communicated management recommendations to state agencies and local stakeholders to support shellfish aquaculture.
  • Led and mentored six undergraduate researchers.
  • Designed, built, and operated flow-through and static seawater systems; ran laboratory studies on how temperature, hypoxia, ocean acidification, and low salinity affect commercial shellfish and finfish.
  • Coordinated an environmental monitoring network for near-term ecological forecasting, and analyzed geospatial and environmental data on shellfish distributions in the Salish Sea.
  • Developed outreach materials with Friday Harbor high school students on conservation and marine aquaculture.

Research Technologist, 2011-2012

Friday Harbor Laboratories, Ocean Acidification Environmental Laboratory · Friday Harbor, WA · Supervisor: Emily Carrington
  • Designed, commissioned, and operated the Ocean Acidification Environmental Laboratory, including 16 flow-through mesocosms with independently programmable temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen.
  • Managed a university cost center for water-quality analyses; led field surveys of climate effects on shellfish growth and mortality; wrote protocols, SOPs, and grant reports.

Publications

Full list with links on the Publications page. * student co-author.

Marine science

  1. George MN, Cattau O, Middleton MA, Lawson D, Vadopalas B, Gavery M, and Roberts SB (2023). Triploid Pacific oysters exhibit stress response dysregulation and elevated mortality following heatwaves. Global Change Biology 29(24):6969-6987. doi:10.1111/gcb.16880 data & code
  2. Clements J and George MN (2022). Ocean acidification and bivalve byssus: explaining variable responses using meta-analysis. Marine Ecology Progress Series 694:89-103. doi:10.3354/meps14101
  3. George MN, O'Donnell MJ, Concodello M*, and Carrington E (2022). Mussels repair shell damage despite limitations imposed by ocean acidification. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering 10(3):359. doi:10.3390/jmse10030359open access
  4. George MN, Andino J*, Huie J*, and Carrington E (2019). Microscale pH and dissolved oxygen fluctuations within mussel aggregations and their implications for mussel attachment and raft aquaculture. Journal of Shellfish Research 38(3):795-809. doi:10.2983/035.038.0329
  5. Newcomb LA, George MN, O'Donnell MJ, and Carrington E (2019). Only as strong as the weakest link: structural analysis of the combined effects of elevated temperature and pCO2 on mussel attachment. Conservation Physiology 7(1):coz068. doi:10.1093/conphys/coz068open access
  6. George MN, Pedigo B*, and Carrington E (2018). Hypoxia weakens mussel attachment by interrupting DOPA cross-linking during adhesive plaque curing. Journal of the Royal Society Interface 15(147):20180489. doi:10.1098/rsif.2018.0489
  7. George MN and Carrington E (2018). Environmental post-processing increases the adhesion strength of mussel byssus adhesive. Biofouling 34(4):388-397. doi:10.1080/08927014.2018.1453927
  8. George MN and Carrington E (2014). Spine reorientation influences drift particle capture efficiency in sea urchins. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 461:102-106. doi:10.1016/j.jembe.2014.08.001
  9. O'Donnell MJ, George MN, and Carrington E (2013). Mussel byssus attachment weakened by ocean acidification. Nature Climate Change 3(6):587-590. doi:10.1038/nclimate1846130+ citations (Google Scholar)
  10. Swanson BO, George MN, Anderson SP*, and Christy JH (2013). Evolutionary variation in the mechanics of fiddler crab claws. BMC Evolutionary Biology 13:137. doi:10.1186/1471-2148-13-137open access

Biomedicine

  1. George MN, Liu X, Miller AL, Zuiker E*, Xu H, and Lu L (2022). Injectable pH-responsive adhesive hydrogels for bone tissue engineering inspired by the underwater attachment strategy of marine mussels. Biomaterials Advances 133:112606. doi:10.1016/j.msec.2021.112606
  2. Xu H, Liu X, George MN, Miller AL, Park S, Xu H, Terzic A, and Lu L (2021). Black phosphorus incorporation modulates nanocomposite hydrogel properties and subsequent MC3T3 cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A 109(9):1633-1645. doi:10.1002/jbm.a.37159
  3. Sun Y, Liu X, George MN, Park S, Gaihre B, Terzic A, and Lu L (2021). Enhanced nerve cell proliferation and differentiation on electrically conductive scaffolds embedded with graphene and carbon nanotubes. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A 109(2):193-206. doi:10.1002/jbm.a.37016
  4. Liu X, George MN, Li L, Gamble D*, Miller AL II, Gaihre B, Waletzki BE, and Lu L (2020). Injectable electrical conductive and phosphate releasing gel with two-dimensional black phosphorus and carbon nanotubes for bone tissue engineering. ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering 6(8):4653-4665. doi:10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c00612
  5. Liu X, Gaihre B, George MN, Miller AL II, Xu H, Waletzki BE, and Lu L (2021). 3D bioprinting of oligo(poly[ethylene glycol] fumarate) for bone and nerve tissue engineering. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A 109(1):6-17. doi:10.1002/jbm.a.37002
  6. Liu X, George MN, Park S, Miller AL II, Gaihre B, Li L, Waletzki BE, Terzic A, Yaszemski MJ, and Lu L (2020). 3D-printed scaffolds with carbon nanotubes for bone tissue engineering: fast and homogeneous one-step functionalization. Acta Biomaterialia 111:129-140. doi:10.1016/j.actbio.2020.04.047
  7. George MN, Liu X, Miller AL II, Xu H, and Lu L (2020). Phosphate functionalization and enzymatic calcium mineralization synergistically enhance oligo[poly(ethylene glycol) fumarate] hydrogel osteoconductivity for bone tissue engineering. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A 108(3):515-527. doi:10.1002/jbm.a.36832
  8. Liu X, Miller AL II, Park S, George MN, Waletzki BE, Xu H, Terzic A, and Lu L (2019). Two-dimensional black phosphorus and graphene oxide nanosheets synergistically enhance cell proliferation and osteogenesis on 3D printed scaffolds. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 11(26):23558-23572. doi:10.1021/acsami.9b04121

Reviews

  1. George MN, Leavens KF, and Gadue P (2021). Genome editing human pluripotent stem cells to model β-cell disease and unmask novel genetic modifiers. Frontiers in Endocrinology 12:682625. doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.682625open access
  2. Liu X, Gaihre B, George MN, Li Y, Tilton M, Yaszemski MJ, and Lu L (2021). 2D phosphorene nanosheets, quantum dots, nanoribbons: synthesis and biomedical applications. Biomaterials Science 9(8):2768-2803. doi:10.1039/D0BM01972K

In preparation

  1. George MN, Jain R*, Trigg S, and Roberts SB (in prep.). Epigenetic divergence in diploid and triploid Pacific oysters following thermal stress.
  2. George MN, Klopp M, and Carrington E (in prep.). Genetic markers associated with robust attachment in marine mussels following acute exposure to climate stressors. data & code
  3. George MN, Smith S, Gavery M, and Roberts SB (in prep.). Gene clusters associated with territoriality in sockeye salmon using weighted correlation network analysis. data & code
  4. George MN and Blumenthal B (in prep.). Climate-driven recruitment dynamics in the Washington coastal razor clam fishery. data & code
  5. Payne M, George MN, Lowe A, Carrington E, and Ruesink J (in prep.). Mussel aquaculture in future oceans: fatty acid analysis reveals how climate-driven changes in stratification alter food availability.

Grants

  • 2022-2024Improved climate resilience in oysters through optimization of hatchery-based environmental conditioning practicesUSDA NIFA Special Research Grants for Aquaculture Research Program (SRGARP) · $325,611 · co-PI (PI: S.B. Roberts)
  • 2022-2023Identifying genomic architecture features that contribute to critical phenotypes in shellfishUSDA NRSP-8 National Animal Genome Research Program · $10,000 · co-authored proposal (PI: S.B. Roberts)
  • 2021-2022Development of genomic markers for environmental resilience in musselsPacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) · $124,980 · co-PI (PI: E. Carrington)
  • 2020-2025Leveraging transformative 'omics technologies to alleviate barriers to American shellfish productionNOAA National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP) · $233,135 · co-authored proposal (PI: S.B. Roberts)
  • 2015-2017Mussel adhesion in a high CO2 world: uncovering the molecular basis of weak attachment (#65-7259)University of Washington Royalty Research Fund · $37,029 · co-authored proposal (PI: E. Carrington)

Fellowships and awards

  • 2023UW College of the Environment Travel & Meeting Fund ($700)
  • 2015Alan and Marian Kohn Fellowship, Friday Harbor Laboratories ($800)
  • 2014WRF-Hall Fellowship, Washington Research Foundation ($3,900)
  • 2014Richard & Megumi Strathmann Fellowship, Friday Harbor Laboratories ($2,000)
  • 2013, 2014W.T. & Yvette Edmondson Award, University of Washington ($6,500)
  • 2013, 2016Brooks and Suzanne Ragen Endowed Fellowship, Friday Harbor Laboratories ($2,300)
  • 2013-2016NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (#DGE-1256082), National Science Foundation ($138,000)
  • 2010Stephen and Ruth Wainwright Fellowship, Friday Harbor Laboratories ($3,000)
  • 2008-2010Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Howard Hughes Medical Institute ($8,500)
  • 2008Robert and Claire McDonald Fellowship, Gonzaga University ($2,000)
  • 2006-2010Dean's Scholarship, Gonzaga University ($58,000)
  • 2020BioOne Ambassador Award, BioOne Publishing
  • 2008-2010Dean's List, Gonzaga University

Scientific presentations

  • 2026Climate-driven recruitment dynamics in the Washington coastal razor clam fishery.Annual Meeting of the National Shellfisheries Association, Portland, OR
  • 2025Epigenetic divergence in diploid and triploid Pacific oysters following thermal stress.Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association, Vancouver, WA
  • 2024Burrowing shrimp as a threat to on-bottom bivalve aquaculture in Willapa Bay.Integrated Pest Management Working Group, Olympia, WA
  • 2024Impact of climate on the Washington coastal Pacific razor clam fishery.Annual meeting of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, Olympia, WA
  • 2024Coastal Dungeness crab management in a changing ocean.Olympic Coast Ocean Acidification Sentinel Site Symposium, Forks, WA
  • 2024Utilizing light-traps for Dungeness crab larval monitoring on Washington's outer coast.Annual Meeting of the Pacific Northwest Crab Research Group, Kingston, WA
  • 2023Triploid Pacific oysters experience enhanced mortality following marine heatwaves.National Shellfisheries Association Conference, Baltimore, MD
  • 2023Ploidy mediates the stress response of Pacific oysters following marine heatwave exposure.Plant and Animal Genome Conference, San Diego, CA
  • 2022The contribution of summer heatwaves to 'triploid mortality' events observed during commercial Pacific oyster production in Washington State.Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology (SICB), Phoenix, AZ
  • 2022The contribution of marine heatwaves to 'triploid mortality' during commercial Pacific oyster production.World Aquaculture Society Triennial Meeting, San Diego, CA
  • 2020Investigating the role of TBX2/TBX3 in human endoderm development using human pluripotent stem cells.International Conference for Stem Cell Research, Boston, MA
  • 2019Mechanical testing setup design affects spine segment fracture outcomes.Mayo Clinic Postdoctoral Research Conference, Rochester, MN
  • 2017Mussels use seawater pH as a molecular trigger in the formation of byssus adhesive.SICB, New Orleans, LA
  • 2017Ocean acidification and mussel farming in the Puget Sound.Sound Waters University, Whidbey Island, WA
  • 2016Hanging by a thread: the impact of ocean acidification on mussel farming in the Salish Sea.The Sunshine Rotary, Seattle, WA
  • 2016Environmental conditions influence the formation and function of mussel byssus adhesive.University of Washington Graduate Student Symposium, Seattle, WA
  • 2016The ecomechanics of mussel attachment.Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference, Vancouver, BC
  • 2015The impact of environment and physiological condition on the strength of a biological adhesive.SICB, West Palm Beach, FL
  • 2014Short-term exposure to elevated temperature and low pH alters mussel attachment strength.SICB, Austin, TX
  • 2010Claw force and cuticle strength: functional morphology of fiddler crab combat.SICB, Seattle, WA
  • 2009Strong vs. beautiful: evolving attractive weapons.Murdock Charitable Trust Undergraduate Research Conference, Spokane, WA

Teaching

Teaching assistant and laboratory instructor for introductory biology, molecular cell biology, ecology, neuroscience, and biomechanics at the University of Washington (2012-2018); co-instructor at Friday Harbor Laboratories (2012, 2013); co-taught Integrative Environmental Physiology (FISH 441/541) with Steven Roberts at the UW School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (2022). Details and student evaluations are on the Teaching page.

Professional memberships

  • 2020-presentPacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association
  • 2017-presentNational Shellfisheries Association
  • 2015-2018Western Society of Naturalists
  • 2009-presentSociety for Integrative and Comparative Biology

Service, mentorship, and outreach

  • 2024-2025Diversity Advisory Committee, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
  • 2022-2023Postdoctoral Representative, Equity and Inclusion Committee, UW School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences
  • 2021-2022Mentor, Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP), National Science Foundation
  • 2019-2020Mentor, Summer Undergraduate Internship Program, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
  • 2018-2019Mentor, Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Mayo Clinic
  • 2014-2018Beach Naturalist and Outreach Coordinator, Seattle Aquarium
  • 2014-2016Mentor, STEM Out! Outreach Program, American Association for the Advancement of Science
  • 2011-2012Science Outreach Mentor, Friday Harbor Laboratories
  • 2008-2010Mentor, K-12 Science in Action Outreach Program, Gonzaga University

Peer review. Reviewer for journals including Aquaculture, Scientific Reports, Environmental Science & Technology, BMC Genomics, and Global Change Biology.

Features and popular articles