Consulting Work Friends of Sable Island I was asked to help with a literature review chapter to support research into the Species at Risk on Sable Island. This was a partnership between the Friends of Sable Island and the Parks Canada in hopes of establishing exclusion areas to study the impacts of wild horses and grey seals on the Species at Risk found on the island. Wai Wah Environmental LP. In fall of 2018 I relocated yet again to Northwestern British Columbia. Here, I started to work as a environmental ecologist and wildlife biologist for Chu Cho Environmental , a culturally based environmental assessment company owned by Tsay Keh Dene Nation. I was asked to be a field manager and help start up an environmental monitoring company in partnership with Kitselas First Nation. Wai Wah Environmental is a small but growing environmental assessment company motivated by the core values represented in Kitselas vision for a safe, healthy and sustainable nation. The company and our partners have been involved with environmental monitoring for some of the largest projects in the area. From marine mammal observation and monitoring, amphibian monitoring, Marbled Murrelet observations and stream assessments. The company is fast creating lasting strategic relationships that lay the groundwork for capacity building and growth opportunities, and ultimately the well-intentioned succession planning that will continue to make Wai Wah Environmental a sustainable company for Kitselas.
Alberta Caribou In October 2017, I relocated to the foothills of Alberta to work as a Caribou Research Intern for fRI Research Caribou Program. Here I contributed to multiple project regarding caribou conservation in Alberta in partnership with members of government organizations and industry. From March 9th-11th 2018 I attended and presented at The Alberta Chapter of The Wildlife Society in Lethbridge, Alberta. I presented preliminary results on calving site selection by the A La Peche central mountain caribou herd. I am currently working to publish my results.
Coats Island Seabird Study During the summers of 2017, 2018 and 2019 I worked for Environment Canada. I was hired by Grant Gilchrist (ECCC) and Kyle Elliott (McGill University) to assist with the long term population studies on Thick-Billed Murres (Uria lomvia) and Glaucous Gulls (Larus hyperboreus) in Canada's Arctic on Coats Island. At 5,498 km² in size, it is the 107th largest island in the world, and Canada's 24th largest island. Sitting at 62.4682° N, 83.1042° W the island is just south of the Arctic Circle. The bedrock in this area is predominantly limestone. At the northeastern tip of the island, a small, elevated outcrop of Precambrian gneiss occurs at Cape Pembroke ( I was just west of here). The cliffs at the cape rise to an elevation of 215 m above sea level, and provide nesting habitat for colonial seabirds like the Thick-Billed Murres. I was responsible for climbing safety for all crew members while conducting research on these cliff ledges.
My Master's research explored the effects of seasonal food availability and how it contributes to site fidelity in fall feeding areas of female black bears. I also was interested in habitat selection during movement. Using data collected from 15 GPS radio collars on adult female American black bears (Ursus americanus), I used generalized linear mixed models to determine the factors affecting between-year variation in fall fidelity and the habitat selection in movement paths. I also assessed second and third-order habitat preference by female bears moving between seasonal home ranges.
Undergraduate Research
As part of an undergraduate honours thesis at the University of Guelph, I explored the connection between female black bear movement and the presences are absences of cubs. I did this through the use GPS collar data on female black bear in Algonquin Provincial Park that have been collected since 2006. Through this research I discovered that differences in reproductive states of
individual female black bears stimulate differences in the average daily
movement rates they exhibit.
Public Outreach
I am very passionate about my research and its contribution to environmental protection and wildlife management. I place importance on the effective communication of scientific research and collaboration, promoting stewardship and active participation in environmental initiatives. I think and integral aspect of scientific research is collaboration between disciplines and through public engagement and outreach. I give talks and presentation to school groups (Grade 1 - University Students) about bear ecology, wildlife management and arctic ecology. I try to engage people through interactive displays and stimulating and enthusiastic presentations. I have given talks to High school students providing perspective on scientific research and the importance of dedication and passion. I am also a former instructor with Trent Aboriginal Cultural Knowledge and Science initiative, where I link scientific research with stories of cultural significance to the Canadian Aboriginal heritage. If you are a teacher or a professor who would like me to give a presentation to your classes, please contact me!