Richard Ecker
Expertise
Richard Ecker
Mr. Richard M. Ecker, Director of Marine Sciences Laboratory (MSL) in Sequim, Washington, the only marine laboratory within the U.S. Department of Energy's national laboratory system, leads business development and operations in coastal assessment and restoration, marine biotechnology, and coastal security. Under his direction, the Marine Sciences Laboratory has shown steady financial growth to an annual research volume of over $10 million. The laboratory specializes in an integrated approach to coastal and aquatic issues, applying expertise in trace-level chemistry, ecotoxicology, coastal ecology, coastal modeling, and geospatial analysis to programs requiring measurement of contaminants, habitat restoration, and evaluation of risk. Innovative research is currently being conducted in the development of laboratory methods, effects of endocrine disruptors, biodegradation kinetics, bioremediation technologies, genomic and proteomic studies, biosentinels, instrument and sensor development, climate change, carbon sequestration, and hydrogen energy production. In conjunction with over 15 years of upper-level management experience, Mr. Ecker has over 30 years experience in scientific disciplines, with an emphasis in sedimentary processes in river, estuarine, coastal, and ocean systems.
Education
- B.S. Geological Oceanography, University of Washington
- Graduate Studies in River Mechanics and Sediment Transport, Colorado State University