Bio

Zach Bengtsson is pursuing a doctorate at the University of Washington in the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, where he studies environmental genetics and ecophysiology of marine invertebrates. Prior to entering graduate school, he received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Boston University. Outside of research, Zach enjoys thrifting, hunting for cool bugs and raising jumping spiders.

Zach is interested in how oyster genetics are impacted in response to changing habitats and human influence. Genetic variation within and across populations is important to ensure oysters are able to adapt in the face of environmental stress. Zach is investigating how stressors, like temperature, salinity, and turbidity, as well as hatchery restoration practices, influence oyster population genetics. He hopes to identify key drivers of genetic variation and simulate the impact of hatchery introductions to inform Olympia oyster restoration and preservation efforts in the Puget Sound region.

Learn about Zachary’s research project