James J Willacker, Jr.
I am an Ecologist specializing in aquatic and trophic ecology at the USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center in Corvallis, OR
I am broadly interested in aquatic ecology and in particular the application of trophic ecology to questions of ecotoxicology, evolution, physiology, and conservation biology. My current research focuses on understanding the interplay among ecological, biogeochemical, and physiological processes that govern contaminant accumulation in biota, particularly fishes and other aquatic taxa. My work is also aimed at quantifying ecological risk and toxicological impacts associated with contaminants, particularly mercury.
Professional Experience
2013 - Present: Ecologist, USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, OR
2009 - 2013: Doctoral Researcher, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK
2009 - 2012: Instructor, Alaska Community Action on Toxics, Anchorage, AK
2007 - 2009: Aquatic Ecologist, Environmental and Natural Resource Institute, Anchorage, AK
Education and Certifications
Ph.D., Biological Sciences, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK (2013)
M.S., Biological Sciences, University of Alaska, Anchorage, AK (2009)
B.S., Environmental and Forest Biology- Summa cum laude, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (2006)
Honors and Awards
Outstanding Graduate Researcher Award, Environment and Natural Resources Institute, University of Alaska, Anchorage, AK. (2011)
Valedictorian, SUNY ESF (2007)
University Scholar, SUNY (2007)
Faculty Honors, Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, SUNY ESF (2007)
Robin Hood Oak Award, SUNY ESF (2006)
Science and Products
If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.
Trask River Watershed Study Area Forestry Bioaccumulation Dataset, 2011-2015
If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.
Mercury and selenium concentrations in fishes of the Upper Colorado River Basin, southwestern United States: A retrospective assessment
Timber harvest alters mercury bioaccumulation and food web structure in headwater streams
Mercury bioaccumulation in estuarine fishes: Novel insights from sulfur stable isotopes
Reservoirs and water management influence fish mercury concentrations in the western United States and Canada
Assessing potential health risks to fish and humans using mercury concentrations in inland fish from across western Canada and the United States
Mercury risk to avian piscivores across western United States and Canada
Mercury in western North America: A synthesis of environmental contamination, fluxes, bioaccumulation, and risk to fish and wildlife
Spatial and temporal patterns of mercury concentrations in freshwater fish across the Western United States and Canada
Dragonfly Mercury Project—A citizen science driven approach to linking surface-water chemistry and landscape characteristics to biosentinels on a national scale
From tails to toes: developing nonlethal tissue indicators of mercury exposure in five amphibian species
Mercury in birds of San Francisco Bay-Delta, California: trophic pathways, bioaccumulation, and ecotoxicological risk to avian reproduction
Invasive crayfish as vectors of mercury in freshwater food webs of the Pacific Northwest
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.
Trask River Watershed Study Area Forestry Bioaccumulation Dataset, 2011-2015
If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.
Mercury and selenium concentrations in fishes of the Upper Colorado River Basin, southwestern United States: A retrospective assessment
Timber harvest alters mercury bioaccumulation and food web structure in headwater streams
Mercury bioaccumulation in estuarine fishes: Novel insights from sulfur stable isotopes
Reservoirs and water management influence fish mercury concentrations in the western United States and Canada
Assessing potential health risks to fish and humans using mercury concentrations in inland fish from across western Canada and the United States
Mercury risk to avian piscivores across western United States and Canada
Mercury in western North America: A synthesis of environmental contamination, fluxes, bioaccumulation, and risk to fish and wildlife
Spatial and temporal patterns of mercury concentrations in freshwater fish across the Western United States and Canada
Dragonfly Mercury Project—A citizen science driven approach to linking surface-water chemistry and landscape characteristics to biosentinels on a national scale
From tails to toes: developing nonlethal tissue indicators of mercury exposure in five amphibian species
Mercury in birds of San Francisco Bay-Delta, California: trophic pathways, bioaccumulation, and ecotoxicological risk to avian reproduction
Invasive crayfish as vectors of mercury in freshwater food webs of the Pacific Northwest
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.