Owen McKenna, PhD
Owen P. McKenna is a Research Ecologist at the USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center in Jamestown, North Dakota.
His research is focused studying how changes in climate and land use can alter the hydrology and geochemistry of prairie-pothole wetlands. Dr. McKenna has explored a regional climate-induced ecohydrological state shift in wetland ecosystems through analysis of long-term data. He also helped in development and application of the Pothole Hydrology Linked Systems Simulator (PHyLiSS), which is an integrated hydro-geochemical model for prairie pothole wetlands. Dr. McKenna is currently using PHyLiSS to assist land managers in estimating the future impacts of climate and land-use change on critical migratory waterfowl habitat. Additionally, Dr. McKenna is using the APEX model to integrate prairie-pothole wetlands into U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation planning efforts.
Professional Experience
2020 to present: Research Ecologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
2022 to 2024: Visiting Scientist, U.S. Geological Survey, Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center
2016 to 2020: Mendenhall Postdoctoral Fellow, U.S. Geological Survey, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
Education and Certifications
Ph.D., Environmental Life Sciences, Arizona State University, 2016
M.S., Environmental Life Sciences, Arizona State University, 2014
B.S., Biology w/Ecology emphasis, Loyola University Chicago, 2011
Science and Products
Alternative stable states in inherently unstable systems
Synergistic interaction of climate and land-use drivers alter the function of North American, Prairie-pothole Wetlands
Climate-driven state shifts in the Prairie Pothole Region: Assessing future impacts relevant to the management of wetland habitats critical to waterfowl
The Pothole Hydrology-Linked Systems Simulator (PHyLiSS)—Development and application of a systems model for prairie-pothole wetlands
Accommodating state shifts within the conceptual framework of the wetland continuum
Evidence for a climate-induced ecohydrological state shift in wetland ecosystems of the southern Prairie Pothole Region
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
Alternative stable states in inherently unstable systems
Synergistic interaction of climate and land-use drivers alter the function of North American, Prairie-pothole Wetlands
Climate-driven state shifts in the Prairie Pothole Region: Assessing future impacts relevant to the management of wetland habitats critical to waterfowl
The Pothole Hydrology-Linked Systems Simulator (PHyLiSS)—Development and application of a systems model for prairie-pothole wetlands
Accommodating state shifts within the conceptual framework of the wetland continuum
Evidence for a climate-induced ecohydrological state shift in wetland ecosystems of the southern Prairie Pothole Region
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.