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Mithriel M. MacKay Ph.D.
Curriculum vitae
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (830) 688-9878
Skype: mithriel1962
www.Marine-Eco.org
Education
Ph.D. Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Department of Marine Biology Interdisciplinary
Program, August 2015, Dr. Bernd Würsig, advisor
Master of Marine Resources Management (MMR), Texas A&M University at Galveston, 2008-2009
Bachelor of Science, Simmons College, Boston, Massachusetts; Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical
Technology, 1984
Medical Technologist (Certificate program), Lynn Hospital School of Medical Technology, Lynn,
Massachusetts, 1984
Paramedic Training, Kendall County Training Institute, Boerne, Texas, 2003
Emergency Medical Technician Instructor, San Antonio College in conjunction with Bandera County EMS,
Bandera, Texas, 2001
Professional Service (abbreviated)
 The Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center; Director of Research and Education, Texas and
Puerto Rico, USA
2010-present
 Saltwater Inc.; Director of Research and Education
2015
Vessel, land, and aerial based mitigation measures for local and federal permit compliance including
opportunistic data collection, analysis, and reporting
 SAExploration; Protected Species Observer, Cook Inlet, Alaska, USA
2012
Ship based observations aimed at protecting beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) during seismic
exploration
 HDR Inc.: Marine biologist, San Diego, California, USA
2011
Collection of data from aerial, land, and boat platforms for analysis of abundance, behavioral,
occupancy and habitat use, of marine species. Sothern California contract with The Department of the
Navy.
 Geo Marine Inc.: Marine Biologist, Port Angeles, Washington, USA
2011
Killer Whale (Orcanus orca) species observers (ecotype identification with Southern Resident Killer
Whales as the target species), contract with National Park Service
 Smultea Environmental Consulting Services
2010-2011
Marine Mammal Research Associate; behavioral ecology of marine mammals
Analysis of behavioral data including aerial surveys
 University of Texas Medical Branch Training Center Faculty
2008-2011
Lecture and curriculum development for physicians, nurses, paramedics, EMTs,
physician assistants, and ancillary personnel.
 Texas A&M University, Galveston, Graduate Teaching Assistant
2008-2011
 St. Luke‘s Baptist Hospital, Blood Bank Supervisor, Education Officer
1998-2000
Returned as a bench technologist after completing EMS training
2003-2008
clinical laboratory analysis of blood and body fluids. Hematology, Chemistry,
Urinalysis, Blood Bank, Immunology
 University Hospital, San Antonio, Medical Technologist/Clinical Laboratory Science
1996-1998
Blood Bank Specialist
Research Experience
 Seasonal Occurrence Patterns and Social Strategies of Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae)
Wintering off Puerto Rico
o Lab: Marine Mammal Research Program (Dr. Bernd Würsig), Behavioral Ecology Lab, Texas
A&M University at Galveston
o Principal Investigator: Mithriel M. MacKay
o Investigation of humpback whales off Puerto Rico including occupancy, habitat use, and
association patterns.
o Includes opportunistic surveys of manatee, seaturtles, and other species of cetaceans
 Pender Bay Humpback Whale Monitoring Program, Australia (The Kimberley)
o Goojarr Goonyool Aboriginal Corporation at Two Moons Whale and Marine Research Station,
Department of Parks and Wildlife, the Western Australian Marine Science Institute, and the
Centre for Marine Science and Technology at Curtin University.
o Field team lead: land-based observations
 Humpback Whale Abundance Survey; an assessment of circle-back and cue counting methodology
o Murdoch University & Blue Planet Marine, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
o Principal Investigator: Amanda Hodgson (Murdoch University)
o Administrator: Amanda Hodgson (Murdoch University) and Sam DuFresne (Blue Planet Marine)
o Aerial observer: Partenavia aircraft
 Marine Mammal Research Associate: Smultea Environmental Sciences
o Analysis of data collected obtained during aerial surveys of cetaceans in the Pacific Ocean,
including behavioral and foraging ecology of cetaceans off Southern California.
 The Minke Whale Project, Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington
o PI: Jonathan Stern, Ph.D.; Behavioral ecology of minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) on
historical feeding grounds off the Pacific Northwest, USA.
 Population Survey of Bottlenose Dolphins in Galveston and Houston Ship Channels
o Lab: Bernd Würsig Ph.D., Marine Mammal Research Laboratory, Texas A&M University at
Galveston
o Principal Investigators: Mithriel M. MacKay and Bernd Würsig Ph.D.
Investigation of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus): population census with highresolution digital photography. Excess of 30 hours as operator/investigator during small vessel
approach (Bateau/Boston Whaler). Photos of fins, scarring and other unique characteristics are
matched to photos of bottlenose dolphins from previous studies to investigate longevity in this
population.
 Dusky Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) underwater bait-balling behaviors and acoustic signals:
Comparison between Argentina and New Zealand
o Lab: Bernd Würsig Ph.D., Marine Mammal Research Program, Texas A&M University at
Galveston
o Principal investigator: Robin Lea Vaughn
 Dusky Dolphin population fin matching
o Lab: Bernd Würsig Ph.D., Marine Mammal Research Laboratory, Texas A&M University at
Galveston
o Lead: Sarah Piwetz
 Gill net surveys of Green Sea turtles (Chelonia mydas)
o Lab: Andre Landry Ph.D., Sea Turtle and Fisheries Ecology Lab at Texas A&M University
o Lead: Tasha Metz Ph.D.
 Coastal Zone Management:
o Thomas Linton Ph.D. and Melanie Lesko Ph.D., Texas A&M University at Galveston
o Lead: Mithriel M. MacKay

Development of a research proposal and team to investigate coastal zone management
strategies in Galveston, Texas, and Puerto Rico
 Capstone Research: Analysis for Strategic Unity of Ideas and Concepts in the
Management of Coastal Margins; City of Galveston Texas and Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico, August 2009
 Regner, M., Staszak, L., MacKay, M., Taylor,K.M., Noack, L., Linton, T., 2009,
Analysis for a Strategies Unity of Ideas and Concepts for the Management of Coastal
Margins: City of Galveston, Texas and Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (Final Report)
 Staszak, L., Noack, L., Regner, M., MacKay, M., Hancock-Taylor, K.M., Gunn, J,
Linton, T., 2010, Examination of Coastal Zone Management Strategies of the City of
Galveston, Texas and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico: A comparison of techniques
for the mitigation of anthropogenic impacts and natural disasters to local coastal zone
ecology and economics
 A Rapid Assessment Method Examining the Ecological Health of Tidal Marine Wetlands in Galveston
Bay, Texas.
o Lab: Anna Armitage Ph.D., Coastal and Wetlands Ecology, Texas A&M University at Galveston
o Lead : Lindsey Staszak
Teaching Experience
Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center, Director of Education and Research, Puerto Rico and Texas.
22 fully developed field intensive courses, including;
o Marine Mammal Observer/Protected Species Observer – Instructor
o Manatee Behavioral Ecology and Feeding Ecology-Instructor
o Marine Mammal Field Techniques- Cetacea, Sirenia, Pinniped
o Mysticetus Cetacean Tracking Software - Instructor (www.Mysticetus.com)
o Tropical Marine and Coastal Ecology program in Puerto Rico
o Collaboration with University of Alaska Southeast for Marine and Coastal Ecology Program
o Humpback Whale Ecology Field Intensive
o Invasive Species: Origins and Impacts
o Wildlife Photography
o Aerial Survey Methods for Marine Megafauna
Texas A&M University at Galveston, Graduate Teaching Assistant
o Evolutionary Biology
o Marine Vertebrate Ethology
o Ecological Processes in the Marine Environment
o Marine and Coastal Ecology in Puerto Rico
University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston Texas, Life Support Education Lab; Training Center
Faculty, Training Center Coordinator for physicians, nursing, ancillary staff, paramedics and EMTs
o Advanced Cardiac Life Support
o Pediatric Advanced Life Support
o Basic Life Support
o Introduction to Phlebotomy
o Basic Dysrhythmias
o 3 lead EKG
Bulverde-Spring Branch EMS Academy (Paramedic and EMT)
o Anatomy and Physiology
o Prehopital Trauma Response
o Cardiology for Prehospital Providers
o Pediatric Emergency Medicine
o Geriatric Emergency Medicine
o Prehospital Obstetrics
o Pharmacology
LPMH Associates
o Advanced Cardiac Life Support
o Pediatric Advanced Life Support
o Basic Life Support
o Geriatric Emergency Medicine
o National Registry Examiner
Other teaching experience and tools
Distance learning instructor tools (Elsevier, Saba Centra, WebCT, TTVN, Moodle, Live Mood)
Web based laboratory curriculum for Baptist Hospital System employees and the Marine and Coastal Ecology
Research Center
After school enrichment program at Butler Elementary School, Avon, MA
Clinical Preceptor for Laboratory Fellows, Medical Technology, and Medical Laboratory Technician Students:
 Tufts University Medical School at New England Medical Center, Boston, MA
 Northeastern University at New England Medical Center, Boston, MA.
 St Phillips Community College At University Hospital, San Antonio, TX
 University of Texas at San Antonio at University Hospital, San Antonio, TX
Professional Organizations
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National Marine Educators Association
Society for Marine Mammalogy
Sponsor for the Southeast Student Chapter for the Society of Marine Mammalogy
Red de Investigadores para el studio de los mamiferos marinos de Centroamerica y El Caribe
(RIEMMCCA) [Network of Marine Mammal Specialists of Central America and the Caribbean Society
for Marine Mammalogy] http://riemmcca.weebly.com/
 Texas Stranding Network (2009-2011; volunteer)
 The Society for Conservation GIS
 American Society for Clinical Pathologists
Professional Certifications
Texas Department of Health: Licensed Paramedic, July 2003 # 141048
Texas Department of Health: EMS Instructor, Certified: #141048
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER): 24hour, meets 29CFR1910.120
Texas Parks and Wildlife Boater Safety course
ISO-00700: National Incident Management System, FEMA
American Society of Clinical Pathologists; Medical Technologist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist,
October 1984: #158561
American Association of Blood Banks BS, MT(ASCP) #33850
Methods of Teaching EMS, San Antonio College, San Antonio, Texas, 2004
PADI open water diving certification #11010R1876
Grants, Awards and Recognition
Research Advisory Council, Texas A&M University, field research support
MARB (Marine Biology) Mini Grant, Texas A&M University at Galveston
Research Advisory Council, Texas A&M University, field research support
Sea Space Inc. Scholarship
2013
2013
2012
2011
Galveston Graduate Student Association Travel Grant, Texas A&M University at Galveston
MARB (Marine Biology) Mini Grant, Texas A&M University at Galveston
Erma Lee and Luke Mooney Graduate Travel Grant
MARB (Marine Biology) Mini-Grant: Texas A&M University at Galveston
Texas A&M University at Galveston, PhD Development Award
Recognized by JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) and
CAP (College of American Pathologists) accrediting agencies for the following:
o Providing an easy to interpret written guide for nursing staff (reducing errors up to 100% )
o Exceeding inspection standards
2011
2010
2010
2009
2009
1999
Publications
MacKay, M.M., B. Würsig, C.E. Bacon, and J.D. Selwyn. Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
“Hotspots” potentially defined by bathymetric features off Western Puerto Rico, USA. May 2016,
Canadian Journal of Zoology.
MacKay, M.M., 2015. Occurrence Patterns and Social Behaviors of Humpback Whales (Megaptera
novaeangliae) Wintering off Puerto Rico, USA. Doctoral dissertation, Texas A&M University
Galveston press, Galveston, TX.
MacKay, M.M., B. Würsig, and C.E. Bacon. Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
Association Patterns in Winter off Puerto Rico, USA. Accepted May 2016 to Marine Mammal Science.
MacKay, M.M., B. Würsig, and C.E. Bacon. Resightings of known humpback whales (Megaptera
novaeangliae) between Puerto Rico and Elsewhere in the North Atlantic Ocean. Submitted September
2015 to Marine Mammal Science.
Salmon, M.M., D. S. Pomerantz, 2008, Calculations for Medication Administration, American Academy of
Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), Paramedic Series, Jones and Bartlett, Burlington, MA. 224 pp.
MacKay, M., 1999. Blood Bank for Physicians and Nurses; An internal publication for the
Baptist Health System. Baptist Health System, San Antonio, Texas.
MacKay, M., 1999. Laboratory Medicine for Physicians and Nurses; An internal publication for the
Baptist Health System. Baptist Health System, San Antonio, Texas.
Reports
MacKay, M.M., N. Von Hoey, and D. Hicks, 2015. Marine protected species mitigation conducted aboard the
C.S. Global Sentinel during submarine telecommunications cable inspection off Hermosa Beach,
California, August 2015. Technical Report Rep. E-01-029/CC-111-01, Saltwater Inc., Anchorage, AK.
For Tata Communications (America) Inc., Matawan NJ, and California Coastal Commission, San
Francisco, CA. 20 pp.
Gunn, J., M.M. MacKay, M. Regner, L. Staszack, M. Taylor, and L. Noack, Thomas Linton. 2009. Analysis
for Strategic Unity of Ideas and Concepts in the Management of Coastal Margins: City of Galveston,
Texas, and Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, August 2009. Technical Report prepared for the City of
Galveston, Texas, Hurricane Ike Recovery Committee. Galveston, TX. 199 pp.
Presentations, Seminars, Posters, Magazine Articles
MacKay, M.M. and C.E. Bacon. 2016. Puerto Rico Humpback Whale Project. SEVENSEAS Marine
Conservation and Travel Magazine. April 2016 Issue 11:96-97.
MacKay, M.M., 2016, History of Whale Research and Related Citizen Science. Presentation: Surfriders
Foundation Public Fundraising Event in Support of Ocean Health. 20 March 2016. Rincón, Puerto Rico,
USA.
MacKay, M.M., 2016. Seasonal Occurrence Patterns and Behaviors of Humpback Whales (Megaptera
novaeangliae) Wintering off Puerto Rico, USA. Presentation: Ocean Chat at the University of Puerto
Rico at Mayaguez, 16 February, 2016. Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, USA.
MacKay, M.M., C. E, Bacon, B. G.Würsig, and J. D. Selwyn, 2015. Humpback Whales (Megaptera
novaeangliae) Cluster by Geological Features off Puerto Rico, USA. Abstract: Society for Marine
Mammalogy's 21st Biennial Conference, 13-18 December, 2015. San Francisco, CA.
Bacon, C.E., M.M. MacKay, B.G. Würsig, and P.T. Stevick. 2015. Resightings of known humpback whales
(Megaptera novaeangliae) between Puerto Rico and the North Atlantic. Abstract: Society for Marine
Mammalogy's 21st Biennial Conference, 13-18 December, 2015. San Francisco, CA.
Goertz, C.M., M.M. MacKay, C.E. Bacon, and B.G. Würsig. 2015. Humpback Whale (Megaptera
novaeangliae) association patterns off western Puerto Rico, USA. Abstract: Society for Marine
Mammalogy's 21st Biennial Conference, 13-18 December, 2015. San Francisco, CA.
MacKay, M.M., 2015. Occurrence Patterns and Behaviors of Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae)
Wintering off Puerto Rico, USA. Abstract: Texas A&M University at Galveston Graduate Student
Research Symposium, April 21, 2015. Galveston, TX.
MacKay, M.M., 2015. Humpback Whales and Humans. National Fish and Wildlife Service Seminar
Series. 04 April, 2015. Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, USA.
MacKay, M.M., B.G. Würsig. 2013. Association Patterns of Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) off
Puerto Rico. Abstract: Society of Marine Mammalogy’s 20th Biennial Conference, 09-12 December,
2013. Otago, New Zealand.
MacKay, M.M., 2012. Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) Life History and the Importance of
Smaller Habitats. Presentation: Rincon Tourism Association’s Celebration of Humpback Whales, 13-15
April, 2012. Rincon, Puerto Rico, USA.
MacKay, M.M., 2012. Stakeholder Investment in Protecting Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
habitats. Presentation: Tres Palmas Marine Sanctuary Public Outreach Festival, 08 January, 2012.
Rincon, Puerto Rico, USA.
MacKay, M.M., 2011. Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) mother-calf occupancy off Puerto Rico.
Abstract: Society of Marine Mammalogy’s 19th Biennial Conference, 26 November – 02 December,
2011. Tampa, FL.
MacKay, M.M., 2011. Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) Wintering off Puerto Rico, USA.
Presentation: Ocean Chat at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, 29 March, 2011. Mayagüez,
Puerto Rico, USA.
MacKay, M.M., 2011. Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) Life history. Presentation: Tres Palmas
Marine Sanctuary’s Public Outreach Festival, 28 January, 2011. Rincon, Puerto Rico, USA.
MacKay, M.M., 2011.: Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) Ecology. Presentation: Bay Area Divers’
Club Seminar Series, 27 April, 2011. Houston, TX.
MacKay, M.M., 2010. Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) wintering off Puerto Rico; occupancy,
movement and habitat use in near shore areas. Abstract: Gulf Coast Student Chapter of the Society of
Marine Mammalogy’s Symposium, 03-05 September, 2010. Galveston, TX.
MacKay, M.M., 2010. I-Sea-U: Imagery Search for Elusive Animals Underwater-Applications of Satellite
Imagery to Detect Cetaceans. Abstract: Annual Symposium for the Interdisciplinary Program at Texas
A&M University, Texas A&M University at Galveston, and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, 1617 December, 2010. Corpus Christi, TX.