12/18/23

By FHSU University Communications

HAYS, Kan. – Mackenzie Reh never questioned her commitment to completing her graduate program, even while spending weeks searching the Kansas badlands for the often-elusive Chihuahuan Green Toad. On the contrary, Mackenzie credits the hands-on experiences of her research and coursework, part of the requirements to complete her M.S. in Biological Sciences at Fort Hays State, as key to her growth and future success.

“I felt like the [FHSU Biology] program and my advisor, Dr. Stark, challenged me to come out of my comfort zone and to grow as a professional,” Mackenzie said.

Originally from Newton, Mackenzie received her B.S. in Biological Sciences – Ecological/Environmental/Organismal Concentration degree from Wichita State. This qualified her for a summer position with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) doing stream surveys. During this time, she learned of the master’s program in biology at Fort Hays State University.

“One of the [people] on the crew had her master’s from Fort Hays State, and she spoke really highly of Dr. Stark and the program,” Mackenzie said. “I also found out that the KDWP likes to hire [graduates] from FHSU because they know the program is so good. I thought that I wanted to work for [KDWP] in some capacity, and that is when I decided I should go to FHSU.”

“I had friends who had enjoyed working with Dr. Stark, and he is one of the only people doing herpetology, working with amphibians and reptiles. I knew that this was the perfect fit for me.”

According to her advisor, Dr. William “Bill” Stark, professor of biological sciences at FHSU, Mackenzie entered the program with an idea of what she wanted to accomplish and a great attitude to help her achieve her goals.

“Mackenzie came to us with enthusiasm to “make a difference in conservation” as she developed her research project, and she took on a really challenging research organism, the Chihauhan Green Toad,” Stark said. “She showed real grit and tenacity in challenging remote field conditions and used innovative technologies to help clarify questions. She also demonstrated a willingness to reach out to private landowners to help them appreciate this cryptic creature on the Plains.”

As part of her graduate program, Mackenzie was required to complete a range of courses, fieldwork, and research for a graduate thesis. While the work outside of the classroom kept her busy, Mackenzie found these aspects of the programs the most rewarding.

“I really enjoyed my taxonomy classes,” Mackenzie said. "That’s not something I had in my undergrad. Not only was the classwork invaluable, but for each of these classes, we went on a big field trip. These trips allowed us to learn about [the subject] in the actual environment so that we are not only learning the taxonomy but also the skills and techniques used to collect and study [various biological species].”

The hands-on approach to classes is one of the things Mackenzie credits that helped her transition from school to work. Another was the requirement to present at professional conferences.

“I had to go to and present at a lot of conferences,” Mackenzie said. “These conferences helped shape me into a professional and gave me a lot of confidence in myself to be able to overcome various challenges.”

Mackenzie ended up presenting at seven conferences in less than two years. This newfound confidence helped her find a new position with the KDWP as the Pratt Education Center and Museum director.

“Her professional growth and confidence over the course of her program was really gratifying to see as a mentor,” Stark said. “Although I might be a bit biased, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks thought she was pretty remarkable as well, offering her the director position at their Center for Education in Pratt prior to her graduation. I am sure she will be a positive contributor to the conservation of natural resources and a great representative for FHSU for a long time to come.”