IMES community profile: Max Reynolds
May 28, 2026
Max Reynolds, Research Program Coordinator, works on several IMES initiatives, primarily the MIT-MGB Seed Program and MIT Program for Health Sciences & Semiconductors.
Mindy Blodgett | IMES
Max, who joined IMES in January, few up in the Midwest, where he was raised in Peoria, IL. Read on to learn more about Max.
Tell us about where you grew up.
I’m from Peoria, IL which is a small, industrial and agricultural city on the Illinois River. Besides corn and soybeans, Peoria is known for its hospital system, and many natural parks and wildlife areas. It might not be for everyone, but the Midwest has a lot of charm.
Where did you go to school, what did you study?
I attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison for both undergrad and grad school. During my undergrad, I studied zoology with an emphasis on aquatic ecology, and for my master’s I studied integrative biology with my research being on the population genetics and ecology of a non-native fish species in the Great Lakes.
Can you tell us more about some of your past jobs?
Most of my work experience has been in the public sector. In between undergrad and grad school I worked at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in their Bureau of Fisheries Management as a policy and database specialist. I traveled the state assisting with fisheries policy making, analyzing data, and surveying fish populations in lakes and streams. During COVID, I pivoted to working on geospatial databases.
After grad school, I had a brief stint as a research technician at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center tracking the spread of the fungus responsible for bat white-nose syndrome before moving to Boston with my partner.
Most recently, I worked on the MIT Generative AI Impact Consortium (MGAIC) team, which is what led me to MIT. Currently working with IMES on some of the HEALS programs, my previous position provided a great overview on the presidential strategic initiatives and insight into building community engagement across campus and with industry partners.
Do you have any pets?
I have a giant three-year old cat, Cosmo and a small fish tank with freshwater shrimp.
Best vacation you’ve ever taken?
My favorite vacation was a trip to France, where I stayed in Paris, Lyon, and Nice, but I’m headed to Ireland (Dublin and Galway) in a few weeks which I’m looking forward to.
What is an interesting fact about you, that you’d like to share?
I was on the men’s swimming and diving team at UW, where I competed at both springboard and platform diving! It was a really rewarding (and challenging) experience, but I made amazing friends and was able to travel across the country for competitions.
What do you do in your spare time?
I’ve been knitting consistently for 6 years. I taught myself after I was gifted knitting needles from a family member. I enjoy making my own clothes and using natural fibers, mostly making hats and sweaters. Stay tuned for a crafting social sponsored by the IMES Community Fund this summer!
Other activities I enjoy are exploring New England, thrifting, and working out.
What is on your bucket list?
I’d love to be on Survivor, I’m a fan of the show and I think it would be an interesting experience.