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Aaron Hartz

I combine my scientific and technical experience to help scientists accomplish their goals in the field.

I have a B.S. degree in environmental science from Oregon State University. I also earned a M.S. degree from Nova Southeastern University in biological sciences and a M.S. degree in oceanography from Oregon State University.

Throughout my formal training I have gained a strong background in the earth and biological sciences and I am experienced with a wide variety of scientific instrumentation, equipment, and sampling procedures.  I have a solid understanding of the scientific method and the ability to adapt and learn new methods and protocols. In addition to my academic training,

I have professional training that has led me to be able to guide climbers and skiers in the mountains and difficult terrain. I am a certified ski mountaineering guide through the American Mountain Guides Association along with completing the rock guide and alpine guide courses through the AMGA.

Recent Work

 

Dr. Yarrow Axford, Northwestern University

Hartz Science Explorations worked with the Axford research group in South Greenland in 2016, 2018, and 2019. Assisted with collecting rock samples from glacial moraines and sediment cores from alpine lakes, and GPS data. HSE was in charge of camp and crew safety, including carrying a high powered rifle to guard from polar bears and rabid foxes. Also assisted with photography, drone photography and video capture, general camp duties, communicating with helicopter pilot via radio, and directing helicopter pilot for sling load drop sites.

 

Spindrift Forestry

Performed forest biomass surveys. Measured tree heights with laser and/or clinometer, tree diameter, identified tree defects and tree species, recorded data navigate to survey sites using topo map and GPS.

Central Oregon Avalanche Center

Designed, programmed, built and maintain a remote meteorological station in the central Oregon mountains. Collect meteorological data from weather stations and field observations. Collect snowpack data from field observations. Conduct snowpack testing to identify weak layers as related to avalanche potential.  Prepare weekly avalanche safety forecasts for public use. 2015 to present.

 

Juneau Icefield Research Program

In the summer of 2014, Aaron Hartz worked as a safety mountaineer with the Juneau Icefield Research Program where he conducted safety and mountaineering training sessions for students and faculty. He also led students and faculty in safe travel through mountainous and glaciated terrain and assisted with scientific projects and installation of a remote weather station. 

 

Other Work

 

Timberline Mountain Guides

For the past decade, Aaron Hartz has worked for Timberline Mountain Guides in Bend, OR where he is involved in backcountry ski guiding, ski mountaineering, alpine & rock guiding, and leading clients on Mt. Hood and other Cascade volcanoes. Responsibilities include route finding, mountain navigation, client care, managing hazards, evaluating snow stability, building anchors, rope belays, short roping, teaching mountaineering skills, operation of snowmobiles, emergency preparedness and teaching avalanche level 1 & 2 courses.

Published Scientific Papers

A. Hartz, B. Sherr, E. Sherr. 2011. Photoresponse in the Heterotrophic Marine Dinoflagellate Oxyrrhis marina. Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology. 58(2):171­177.

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A. Hartz, B. Sherr, E. Sherr. 2008. Using Inhibitors to Investigate the Role of Cell Signaling in Predation by Marine Phagotrophic Protists. The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology. 55(1):18­21.

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A. Hartz, M. Cuvelier, K. Nowosielski, T. Bonilla, M. Green, N. Esiobu, D. McCorquodale, A. Rogerson. 2008. Survival Potential of E. coli and Enterococci in Sub­Tropical Beach Sand: Implications for Water Quality Managers. Journal of Environmental Quality. 37:898­905.