Dr. Ellie Mackay

Professional summary

Understanding the causes and consequences of environmental change in lakes. I am interested in both the short-term dynamics and long-term patterns of change seen in lakes. I contribute to work on the CEH Cumbrian Lakes long-term monitoring programme and UKLEON automatic monitoring buoy network investigating linkages between physical, chemical and biological components of the lake ecosystem. In particular, I am interested in the role of mixing processes on biogeochemical cycles and their consequences for plankton communities. I am also part of the DOMAINE project, looking at the role of organic nutrients in supporting algal growth in rivers.
Spatial and temporal dynamics of lake plankton communities. I am interested in how and why plankton communities change across the lake surface, through the water column and over time. I am involved in a UK assessment of the drivers phenological change in a range of terrestrial, freshwater and marine habitats and am also contributing to the spatial analysis of phytoplankton communities in the GLOBOLAKES project.
Responses of lake ecosystems to restoration. Dealing with the legacy of nutrient enrichment has led to the development of a range of tools for restoring lake ecosystems. I am interested in the efficacy and impact that these measures have on lake ecosystems.

2016 to present: Freshwater nutrient ecologist at CEH Lancaster
2013 to 2016: Research Associate Freshwater Ecology at CEH Lancaster
2011 to 2013: PDRA at Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University
2007 to 2011: Doctorial student jointly supervised by Lancaster University and CEH Lancaster

2011 PhD in Geography awarded by Lancaster University
2004 MSc Distinction in Transport Planning awarded by University of Leeds
2002 BSc (Hons) First class in Physical Geography awarded by Lancaster University