M. Derek MacKenzie

M. Derek MacKenzie is an Associate Professor in the Department of Renewable Resources at the University of Alberta, specializing in soil science with a focus on soil-plant relations. He leads research on ecosystem responses to natural and anthropogenic disturbances, including fire biogeochemistry, land reclamation in oil sands regions, and nutrient cycling dynamics. His work integrates microbial ecology, spatial ecology, and soil chemistry to understand ecosystem recovery processes.

Dr. MacKenzie teaches courses such as Introduction to Soil Science (REN R 210) and Principles and Practices of Land Reclamation and Restoration (REN R 305). His research emphasizes soil organic matter stability, pyrogenic carbon impacts, and reclamation strategies for industrial sites. He collaborates on projects addressing soil health, biochar applications, and microbial community dynamics in disturbed ecosystems.

His lab focuses on quantifying soil-plant interactions in boreal forests and reclaimed landscapes, with a particular interest in how fire and human activities alter carbon storage and nutrient availability. Recent work includes evaluating the efficacy of biochar-amended soils for agricultural and reclamation purposes, and analyzing microbial responses to fertilization in post-industrial soils.

Dr. MacKenzie’s research has contributed to guidelines for sustainable land reclamation practices in the Athabasca oil sands region, emphasizing the importance of soil structure and microbial biodiversity for ecosystem resilience. He actively engages in interdisciplinary projects to bridge ecological theory with practical restoration solutions.