Think Like the Scientist: Richard MacKenzie
Meet the Scientist | About the Study

Richard MacKenzie, Aquatic Ecologist
USDA Forest Service scientist

I am currently conducting research on the impacts of invasive species, climate change, and disturbance on ecological function of Pacific Island streams, coastal wetlands and mangroves.

Example of a simple research question I have tried to answer

How do invasive (non-native) fish affect populations of native fish?

Most Exciting Discovery

I have discovered two new species of shrimp and several new species of insects from streams and wetlands on the islands of Yap and Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia.

When did you know you wanted to be a scientist?

I have been sampling fish and invertebrates from muddy environments since I was 5. A summer internship in college revealed that this could be a career! I designed a project that sampled streams for mayfly larvae and then videotaped them in special chambers to document how they responded to pollution.

Dr. Rich MacKenzie, Aquatic Ecologist

Click here to download the front of this card.

Click here to download the back of this card. University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee USDA Forest Service Scientist An aquatic ecologist studies plants and animals that live in streams, lakes, and wetlands.  We try to understand the roles these organisms play in aquatic ecosystems and how stressors such as land use change, climate change, and exotic species influence those roles.