Joanna MacKenzie, M.Sc.

OACC Website Coordinator

E-mail: jmackenzie@nsac.ca
Phone: 902-896-2249
Fax: 902-896-7095

Born and raised in Truro, Nova Scotia, I had been surrounded by a farming community for many years before I became involved in agricultural research.

Growing up in a wonderful home surrounded by nature, I quite naturally became interested in biology. This led me to Dalhousie University where I completed my B.Sc., and then on to McGill University in Montreal for an M.Sc in evolutionary biology.

Although I enjoyed my M.Sc. studies, I realized that I desired a more hands-on approach to research. So, I returned to my home in Nova Scotia and was introduced to agricultural research and the many opportunities to, quite literally, get my hands dirty!

I began my agricultural work at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College with projects examining the impacts of a range of management practices, including organic strategies, on the levels of healthy bioactive compounds in the wild blueberry.

When the opportunity arose in the spring of 2007 to work for the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada, I jumped at it as an opportunity to learn more about the principles and practices of the expanding field of organic agriculture. As a research technician for the OACC, I had the opportunity to be involved in numerous aspects of organic agricultural research on a variety of crops, with particular focus on exploring organic management strategies for control of harmful wireworm species. While working, I also obtained my Certificate of Specialization in Organic Agriculture through distance education in my spare time.

In 2009, the opportunity arose to expand my horizons and develop a new set of skills. I moved away from active research in the field and took on the position of OACC Website Coordinator. It is a position that will challenge me, but which I see as a very rewarding way to serve the organic community of Canada.

Posted January 2010