Mark Kessel

Water Quality Manager, Mnr, Cho @Wildlife Conservation Society

Brooklyn, NY, US

My role at the New York Aquarium involves the management of water quality for exhibits, quarantine systems, holding pools, life support systems, seawater supply, and meeting Animal Welfare Act regulatory standards for marine mammals and US Fish and Wildlife Service compliance standards for sea turtles. As supervisor of the Water Quality Laboratory, I oversee a small team of water quality professionals who are responsible for the daily maintenance and operations of the laboratory and direct support of the various departments throughout the park. The WQ Lab is a part of the Aquatic Health Team, and we work closely with the Animal Hospital’s veterinarian staff to provide the best care for the Aquarium’s animal collection, and the life support systems that help maintain their wellbeing. By developing a strategic plan and a robust quality assurance program for our Water Quality Lab, we are able to produce valid and actionable data that is of use to WCS’s aquarium and zoos, as well as to other conservation and aquarium/zoo-based institutions throughout the world. In my position of leadership, I am thoroughly engaged with the larger WCS team at the Bronx Zoo and three city parks, whether by attending meetings or holding Zoom calls to discuss operational issues and/or organizational concerns. I stay actively engaged in various areas of training and certifications like OSHA 30, First Aid/AED, and industry best practices, as well as facilitating chemical safety training drills and maintaining the Laboratory Standard, and complying with Stormwater BMP, Community Right To Know, and SPDES compliance.

Virginia Tech

Bachelor of Science, Fisheries Science

Virginia Tech

Masters Degree, Executive Master of Natural Resources

Suffolk County Community College

Associates, Applied Science, Laboratory Technology