Mackenzie D. Email & Phone Number

San Luis Obispo, Ca, Us

San Luis Obispo, California, United States

As a teaching assistant I facilitated a lab section for BIO 263 - Introductory Ecology and Evolution and BIO 111 - General Biology. I tailored introductory knowledge to students in the form of lab activities, experiments, and group projects. Additionally, I was responsible for grading reports and exams for students and providing constructive feedback.

Chelan County, Washington, United States

As part of the wilderness trail crew for the Chelan district I worked with a team clearing trails of fallen trees, brush, boulders, and other obstacles that had caused damage to trails or negatively effected trail-users. Additionally, I helped in the preparation, planning, and construction of multiple structures such as foot logs, bridges, and drainage. This position consisted of work trips typically spanning 8 days or backpacking and carrying up to 85lbs long distances. Through this position I am now a certified B sawyer with a chainsaw and crosscut.

Gig Harbor, Washington, United States

At Harbor WildWatch I assist in the beach monitoring of multiple sites throughout the Puget Sound and Key Peninsula area. Beach monitoring includes presence absence surveys for intertidal species as well as educating the public and youth on local marine flora and fauna.

Chelan, Washington, United States

Broadly in this position I coordinated volunteers and ensured their safety during trail work projects. This meant working closely with Chelan Forest Service division to complete projects including clearing, brushing, and tread work on trails in the surrounding wilderness area. Prior to starting this position I successfully completed and received certification in an introductory chainsaw course. Throughout the position I responsibly maintained and repaired trail tools including chainsaws, axes, and handsaws while safely operating multiple chainsaw models cutting class A-C trees.

Chelan, Washington, United States

In Holden's kitchen I was responsible for preparing meals for 100-300 people in a professional kitchen while also guiding other volunteers on the safety and protocol of preparing foods. Additionally, it was my job to interacted with guests in a respectful and professional manner regarding dining hall protocols and dietary needs.

Tacoma, Washington, United States

At Point Defiance I tailored knowledge of animal species within the zoo to all ages and backgrounds of guests while also conducting private tours of aquariums and the entire zoo to small groups of guests. I was also responsible for educating guests on the conservation and research efforts of the zoo and ensured the safety of animals and guests during visiting hours and animal-guest interactions.

Seattle, Washington, United States

In this position my main duty was observing marine construction projects for harmful marine mammal interactions and enforcing marine mammal safety protocols under the Marine Mammal Protect Act. I was also responsible for identifying and documenting marine mammals in all weather conditions, from far distances, and for long periods of time.

Olympia, Washington, United States

Assisted Cascadia Research Collective and Evergreen College on a Master's thesis project regarding boat activity effects on gray whale behavior. Worked with a small research team and used equipment including a theodolite, spotting scope, range finder, and binoculars to collect movement and behavior data on both whales and watercraft.

Pierce County, Washington, United States

Olympia, Washington, United States

At Nisqually Land Trust I listened and participated in monthly board meetings regarding the land trust. I am passionate about their mission to acquire and manage land that will permanently benefit the water, wildlife, and people of the Nisqually River Watershed. I volunteered for plantings throughout the Nisqually watershed and the removal of invasive species.

Lakewood, Washington, United States

In this position I helped with the response, rescue, and research surrounding marine mammals including multiple seal, whale, and dolphins species in the Puget Sound. Some research studies included population surveys of harbor seal haul out sites, scat collection and cause of mortality for species reported by the public. I assisted and conducted countless necropsies on Puget Sound pinniped and cetacean species to determine cause of death and provide tissue samples to other research and monitoring projects. I still continue this work periodically as projects arise.

Parkland, Washington, United States

Over the summers of 2019 and 2020 I have conducted undergraduate research with Professor Michael Behrens on Olympic oyster recruitment at two locations in the Puget Sound. My duties have included placing and retrieving oyster shells for recruitment while also examining retrieved shells under dissecting scopes for oyster larva.

Parkland, Washington, United States

I worked for a semester as an internship ambassador promoting and connecting PLU students to relevant and applicable internship and volunteering opportunities specifically in the natural sciences. I coordinated with other student ambassadors while also organizing and running a natural sciences internship table at the local PLU career fair.

Bachelor'S Degree, Biology/Environmental Studies

Masters, Biological Sciences