Meet the Scientists

Name: Michael Massimi
Occupation: Invasive Species Coordinator
Place of Business: Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program

E-mail: michael@btnep.prg
Phone: 985-449-4714

How did you become interested in your field and working with invasive species?
I grew up in South Louisiana and have always had an interest in the outdoors, animals and plants.  Invasive species are a threat to the estuary I've grown to love, so I'm happy to work to help prevent and manage invasions.

What do you do?
Generally speaking, I am a project manager.  That means I help design, fund and implement projects that have a direct effect on invasive species control, research, management, monitoring or public awareness and involvement.  I am often out in the field gathering information that helps make decisions for specific projects or disseminating information to the press or the public.  I am frequently involved with workshops and technical conferences.

What do you like about your job?
I like the flexibility to direct project funds to the areas of work that I think are most important.  I like educating people who aren't very aware of invasive species issues and interacting with people who are.  Even though most invasives are here to stay, I like to think that my colleagues and I are having a positive effect on the overall ecological value of the system.

What advice would you give students who are interested in science?
I would advise them to please continue to be interested in science!  An inquisitive mind is never satisfied and can be a source of wonder, awe and power for a lifetime.  Our environment has historically been mistreated, but we have the power to make positive changes and live in a harmonious and sustainable way.  We will need great scientific minds to make that happen.