Related Links - More information on Bird Strikes

Bird Strike Committee USA

FAA Airport Wildlife Hazard Mitigation

United States Air Force Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH)

United States Navy Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH)

Education

M.S., George Mason University (2002), Biology
B.S., Biology. George Mason University (1999), Biology
A.S., Columbus State College (1985), Veterinary Technology

Research Interests

The main focus of Marcy's work is in avian species identification from microscopic and whole-feather characters. This specialized work in wildlife forensics is particularly important for aviation industry personnel that deal with civil and military birdstrikes. This feather identification service has led to collaborations with scientists in the fields of Aviation Safety, Wildlife Biology, Anthropology, and Law Enforcement. Marcy's current research is on the feather microstructure of the Ducks, Geese, and Swans.

Recent Publications

Dove, Carla J., Dahlan, Nor Faridah, Heacker, Marcy A. and Whatton, James F. 2010. Using Whatman FTA cards to collect DNA for bird-strike identifications. Human-Wildlife Interactions, 5(2): 218-223.

Dove, Carla J., Dahlan, Nor Faridah and Heacker, Marcy 2009. Forensic bird-strike identification techniques used in an accident investigation at Wiley Post Airport, Oklahoma, 2008. Human-Wildlife Conflicts, 3(2): 179-185.

Marra, Peter P., Dove, Carla J., Dolbeer, Richard, Dahlan, N. F., Heacker, M., Whatton, J. F., Diggs, N. E., France, C. and Henkes, G. A. 2009. Migratory Canada geese cause crash of US Airways Flight 1549. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 7(6): 297-301.

Complete List of Heacker's Publications and Downloadable PDFs