Alexander MacLeod

Alexander MacLeod is a Ph.D. student within the Department of Environmental Science and Technology at the University of Maryland, College Park. His research is focused on understanding the reproductive biology associated with declining yellow perch populations in Chesapeake Bay tributaries since at least the 1980s. In the early 2000s, wild egg hatching success was <10% and became a consistent trend in Maryland, motivating scientists to investigate. The researchers consistently observed egg abnormalities in wild yellow perch collected during the spawn for several years. A decade later, Alex and his collaborators have set out to ascertain the molecular and cellular changes that may shed light on the reproductive condition of this native species. Alex is involved in his professional society and is currently finishing a 3-year leadership position on the North America Student Advisory Council. Outside of his academic pursuits, he enjoys backpacking in the wilderness, writing music with friends, and exploring the culinary arts.