Aquatic Research Technician | River and Stream Ecology Lab

I have been interested in fish and aquatic ecosystems from a young age. As a child I could often be found catching minnows and frogs in the pond at my parent's farm, trolling for trout in a boat with my father, or fishing for rock bass off the dock at our family cottage. Thus, it was a logical progression for me to choose to pursue a career in the environmental sciences.

My academic studies at Sir Sandford Fleming College allowed to me gain further appreciation for aquatic ecosystems and the natural and anthropogenic influences acting upon them. I furthered my education at Trent University, where I majored in Environmental Science with a specialization in Ecological Management.

I've been involved in the field of aquatic ecosystems since graduation, with a heavy emphasis on flowing waters; from small headwaters to large regulated rivers. I have worked for several conservation authorities conducting stream and river monitoring, spent a brief period working for MNR's Fisheries Policy Section and, most recently, spent almost two years researching aquatic species at risk under the guidance of Dr. Scott Reid. My work has allowed me to work with a variety of aquatic organisms, including fish (from channel darter to American eel), benthic invertebrates, freshwater mussels and crayfish. I joined the River and Stream Ecology Lab in winter 2011 and am pleased to be able to continue doing research and learning about Ontario's flowing waters and organisms living within them.