e-mail: mithriel.mackay(at)gmail.com

About Me

Research Interests -- My research interests include cetacean behavioral ecology with a focus for my dissertation on North Atlantic humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). I am taking advantage of the opportunities presented while studying a low density of individuals off Puerto Rico for observing behaviors related to mother-calf pairs, singletons, and groups. The base station for my PhD dissertation research is set up in Guayanilla, Puerto Rico. A land based pilot study started December, 2010, with vessel based observations to follow beginning in the fall 2011 in Mona Passage. Behaviors are monitored using theodolite tracking, photography, videography and include photo identification and acoustic monitoring of whales in Mona Passage. I am also coordinating a revival of research on bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Galveston, Texas. This campus-funded project is designed to give undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to learn and practice research techniques in the Galveston/Houston ship channel while investigating longevity of these marine mammals.

Education -- I received my undergraduate degree in Medical Technology from Simmons College, Boston, Massachusetts, in 1984. After more than 25 years working as a clinical laboratory scientist, instructor, and paramedic, I returned to school at Texas A&M University at Galveston (TAMUG) in July 2008. In August 2009 I received a Master’s degree in Marine Resources Management (MARM) and was accepted into the Marine Biology Interdisciplinary Program at TAMUG with Dr. Bernd Würsig as my advisor.

Future Plans -- I am working to establish a Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico offers a great deal of opportunity for curriculum and internships for the public and college students. My plans include outreach programs and teaching at a university after graduation.

I share my adventures with my husband, Carlos, my four children, their spouses, and our grandchildren.

Curriculum Vitae

Education

Ph.D. Candidate, Texas A&M University at Galveston; Department of Marine Biology Interdisciplinary
Program, initiated August 2009. Anticipated date of graduation; 2014
Dissertation Project: Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) Wintering off Puerto Rico

Master of Marine Resources Management (MARM), Texas A&M University at Galveston, 2008-2009
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

Bachelor of Science, Simmons College, Boston, Massachusetts; Medical Technology, 1984

Medical Technologist (Certificate program), Lynn Hospital School of Medical Technology, Lynn,
Massachusetts, 1984

Paramedic Training (Certificate program), Kendall County Training Institute, Boerne, Texas, 2003

Emergency Medical Technician (Certificate program), Bandera County EMS, Bandera, Texas, 2001

Teaching Experience

Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center; Director of Education and Research, Puerto Rico and Texas
o Tropical Marine and Coastal Ecology program in Puerto Rico
o Humpback Whale Ecology Field Intensive
o Texas A&M University at Galveston; Graduate Teaching Assistant
o MARB 689: Evolutionary Biology
o MARB 689: Marine Vertebrate Ethology
o MARB 689: Ecological Processes in the Marine Environment
o MARB 689: Marine and Coastal Ecology in Puerto Rico

University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston Texas, Life Support Education Lab; Training Center
Faculty, Training Center Coordinator
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

SeaWorld San Antonio, Education
o Ecology Sleepovers for School Age Guests

Other teaching experience and tools

Distance learning instructor tools (Elsevier, Saba Centra, WebCT, TTVN)

Developed web based laboratory curriculum for Baptist Hospital System employees

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 College At University Hospital, San Antonio,TX
* University of Texas at San Antonio at University Hospital, San Antonio, TX

Research Experience

Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) Wintering off Puerto Rico
o Lab: Marine Mammal research Program, Behavioral Ecology Lab, Texas A&M University at Galveston
o Principal Investigator: Mithriel M. MacKay
o Investigation of humpback whales in Puerto Rico including occupancy, habitat use, and abundance. Cows may be using near shore areas as nursery habitats to sequester neonates. Human interactions with whales are examined through assessment of changes in behaviors as a result of vessel approach.

Marine Mammal Research Associate: Smultea Environmental Services
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 high-resolution 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 foraging behaviors and vocalizations
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 (CZM):
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
* Regner,M., Staszak, L., MacKay, M., Taylor,KM., 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, KM., 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 (manuscript in preparation)

"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

Proposed Wetlands Ordinance: prepared at the request of The City of Galveston, Texas
o Thomas Linton Ph.D.
o Lead: Joshua Gunn and Mithriel M. MacKay

Research Tools

Small boat operation, gill nets, Big Eyes binoculars, clinical laboratory analyzers, Laboratory Information Systems, theodolite, Fin Matching for photo-identification, Spectrophotometer, ArcGIS, water quality measurements, environmental measurements, light microscopy, JMP, high resolution digital photography, immunoassays, seining, chemistry & hematology analyzers, emergency vehicle operator training, satellite tagging, venipuncture, habitat surveys, soil surveys, hydrology assessment, wetland health assessment, water dynamics.

Professional Societies

Society for Marine Mammalogy
Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network
Gulf Coast Student Chapter-Society for Marine Mammalogy
Marine Technology Society
American Heart Association Instructor Network
The Society for Conservation GIS
American Cetacean Society
American Association of Blood Banks
American Society for Clinical Pathologists

Professional Certifications

PADI open water diving certification #11010R1876
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER): 24hour, meets 29CFR1910.120
Texas Parks and Wildlife Boater safety course
American Society of Clinical Pathologists; Medical Technologist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist, October 1984: #158561
American Association of Blood Banks BS, MT(ASCP), #33850
Texas Department of Health: Licensed Paramedic, July 2003, # 141048
Texas Department of Health: EMS Instructor, Certified, #141048
Methods of Teaching EMS , San Antonio College, San Antonio, Texas, 2004
AHA Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support: Provider
AHA Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support: Instructor
AHA Basic Life Support for Healthcare Professional: Provider
AHA Basic Life Support: Instructor
AHA Pediatric Advanced Life Support: Provider
AHA Pediatric Advanced Life Support: Instructor
Neonatal Resuscitation Program: Provider
International Trauma Life Support: Instructor
International Trauma Life Support: Provider
Geriatric Education for Emergency Medical Services: Provider
Advanced Medical Life Support: Provider
ISO-00700: National Incident Management System, FEMA

Grants, Awards and Recognition

Sea Space Inc. Scholarship, 2011

Galveston Graduate Student Association Travel Grant ,Texas A&M University at Galveston, 2011

MARB (Marine Biology) Mini Grant, Texas A&M University at Galveston, 2010

Erma Lee and Luke Mooney Graduate Travel Grant (academic year 2009-2010), 2010

MARB (Marine Biology) Mini-Grant: Texas A&M University at Galveston, 2009

Texas A&M University at Galveston, PhD Development Award, 2009

Recognized by JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) and CAP (College of American Pathologists), 1999, accrediting agencies for the following 1) Providing an easy to interpret written guide for nursing staff (reducing errors up to 100%), and 2) Exceeding inspection standards
National Honors Society, 1979

 

Professional Service

Marine Species Observer for HDR Inc: 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, 2001

Marine Species Observer for Geo Marine Inc: Killer Whale (Orcanus orca) species observers (ecotype identification with Southern Resident Killer Whales as the target species), contract with National Park Service, 2011

Smultea Environmental Consulting Services, 2010-present
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

Sea World San Antonio, Education Specialist, 2001
Education for families and school groups focusing on marine ecology

University Hospital, San Antonio, Medical Technologist/Clinical Laboratory Science, 1996-1998 
Blood Bank Specialist

New England Medical Center , Senior Medical Technologist/Safety Officer, 1994-1996
Blood Bank senior staff

Brockton Veteran’s Administration Hospital, Medical Technologist, 1989-1994
Hematology, Chemistry, Blood Bank, Urinalysis

American Red Cross Blood Services, Reference Technologist, 1986-1989
Identification of rare blood types, red cell antibodies, and preparation of compatible blood products for transfusion.

Lynn Hospital, Medical Technologist, 1984-1986

Marine Mammal Research Program Paramedic/safety officer, 2009-present
Responsible for health and well being of research team, including emergency response

Bulverde-Spring Branch EMS, Paramedic, instructor, 2004- 2007

Bandera County EMS, Paramedic, 2001-2004

Gemini Ambulance Service, Emergency Medical Technician, 2001-2002 

Publications

MacKay,M., Pomerantz, D., 2008, Calculations for Medication Administration, Jones and Bartlett (Text)

Staszak, L., MacKay, M., Gunn, J., Logwood, A., Noack, L., Regner, M., Hancock-Taylor, M., Linton, T., Analyses of Coastal Zone Management Strategies of the City of Galveston and Commonwealth of Puerto Rico: A comparison of techniques for the mitigation of anthropogenic impacts and natural disasters to local coastal zone ecology and economics.( manuscript in preparation)

MacKay, M., 1999, Blood Bank Manual for Physicians and Nurses, Internal publication for the
Baptist Health System (5 hospitals). Volumes posted on all patient care floors in the Baptist Health System, San Antonio. This volume replaces the manuals required by JCAHO.

MacKay,M., 1999, Laboratory Medicine for Physicians and Nurses, Internal publication for the
Baptist Health System (5 hospitals). Volumes posted on all patient care floors in the Baptist Health System, San Antonio.

Presentations, Seminars, Lectures

Society of Marine Mammalogy Biennial Conference Poster (November, 2011): Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) mother-calf occupancy off Puerto Rico, 2011

Gulf Coast Student Chapter Symposium: Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), wintering off Puerto Rico; occupancy, movement and habitat use in near shore areas, 2011

Ocean Chat: University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, 2011

Tres Palmas Marine Sanctuary: Presentation for public celebration and outreach, “Humpback Whales life history”, 2011

Presentation for Bay Area Divers Club, Houston, Texas: Humpback Whale Ecology, 2011

Presentation of graduate research at the Gulf Coast Student Chapter Conference: Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) wintering off Puerto Rico, 2010

Presentation of poster: Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi: “I-Sea-U: Imagery Search for Elusive Animals Underwater”, 2010

Wetlands Ordinance for the City of Galveston, Texas: Preparation of wetlands ordinance, prepared at the request of the Ike Recovery Committee, 2010

Guest lecturer at St Phillips College, San Antonio, TX: Medical Laboratory Technician program topic: Blood Bank analysis, compatibility, and special procedures, 1998

Volunteer and Outreach Activity

Galveston Graduate Student Association Fund raiser: Graduate Student Calendar, Nov 2011
Galveston Graduate Student Association: Ft. Crocket yard sale, Nov 2011
Saba Centra Instruction and Training modules: for Texas A&M University, (College Station, Galveston, and Corpus Christi) staff and students, Oct 2010
Society of Marine Mammalogy Gulf Coast Student Chapter: Symposium Coordinator, Sept 2010
Science Fair Judge; Cloverleaf Elementary School, Pearland, TX, May 2010
Outreach at Ball High School, Galveston, TX: Marine Ecology (as a member of) the Student Chapter, Gulf Coast Society for Marine Mammalogy), May 2010
Galveston Beach Cleanup, by Galveston Graduate Student Association Sponsored at Texas A&M University at Galveston, April 2010
Judge: Graduate Student Marine Biology Symposium, Texas A&M University at Galveston, April 2010
Judge: Texas A&M at Galveston, Regional School Science Olympiad, grades 6-12, March 2009
Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network, 2009-2011
Bandera County EMS; volunteer EMT and Paramedic, 2001-2004
Bandera Bulletin Columnist; EMS community service information, 2001-2002
4H Leader; Forestry and Astronomy Club, 1994-1996
Girl Scouts of America; Leader, Daisy, Brownie, and Junior troops, 1989-1996
Boy Scouts of America; Assistant scout master, cub scouts leader, 1991-1996