Jack Ganzhorn

Background

Jack Ganzhorn has taught in the fisheries program since 1990 and is currently the program coordinator. His current courses include fisheries techniques, aquaculture, statistics, aquatic habitat assessment, and fisheries ecology. He has completed a Bachelor of Science in fisheries science and a Master of Agriculture in fisheries. His graduate studies focused on fish physiology and microbiology. Jack’s work experience includes wildlife field work, conservation of endangered desert fishes, aquaculture, and aquatic ecology research. Prior to coming to Peninsula College, he was manager of technical services for one of the largest salmon rearing facilities in the world. In addition to teaching full time in the fisheries program, Jack has done aquaculture consulting in Asia and Europe, field studies in the Olympic National Park, and institutional research for the college.

Caption: Jack Ganzhorn, Fisheries Program Coordinator

Approach to Teaching

Jack uses a framework of inquiry and research in all his courses. From the very first fisheries course that students take to the ending capstone course, students are engaged in meaningful research. Jack’s current research focus is centered on the conservation and recovery of Pacific Northwest salmon and trout populations. This includes on-going projects associated with the Elwha watershed where two hydropower dams are going to be removed. This represents one of the largest ecosystem restoration projects in the country and there’s enormous potential for meaningful research. Jack’s approach to these opportunities is to engage students in field studies in partnership with researchers from multiple agencies. This provides students not only a means of learning about fisheries and aquatic sciences, but also provides opportunities to build a network of professional contacts that can lead to successful employment after graduation.

Caption:  Aquaculture consulting trip to Eastern Europe. Helping farmers develop sustainable carp culture businesses.

Caption: Students engaged with field studies associated with the Elwha ecosystem restoration project. Sampling fish communities in the marine nearshore environment with seine nets.