Research topic
Research Description
Globally, coastal waters contribute a phenomenal amount in cultural, ecological and economic services to humankind. Despite the fact that coastal waters are transition zones between land and the open ocean, we understand very little about how freshwater inputs from coastal watersheds influence the health and productivity of coastal marine ecosystems. To address this knowledge gap, I will use paired freshwater and marine water quality datasets from the Central Coast of British Columbia with the aim of understanding what happens to freshwater carbon and nutrients as they enter coastal waters. Specifically, I will determine a) the fate of large freshwater nitrogen exports in coastal ecosystems using field surveys and controlled incubations, and b) the relative importance of carbon and nutrient exports from different watershed types (rain vs. snow vs. glacial melt-dominated) in nearshore ecosystems. Combining freshwater and marine sciences will improve our understanding of the connections between land and the oceans, information required for the responsible management of freshwater and coastal resources and proactive adaptation as these systems face increasing stress from human activities and climate change worldwide.
Why did you decide to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship at UBC? Did you consider other opportunities?
I had applied to several postdoctoral fellowships following the completion of my graduate studies, but I was really keen on expanding my experience working on freshwater ecosystems to the oceans. UBC is a world leader in marine sciences, and given its location at the nexus of the Fraser River and the Pacific Ocean, it is really a perfect place to think about the connections between land and sea.
What advice do you have for new postdoctoral fellows?
Make an effort to meet new people and jump at the opportunity to try new things with people at all levels. Being a postdoc is a bit of a strange transition period--you’re not a student but not yet group leader, so it is important to take advantage of the unique situation that you find yourself in. You do not have to do write a thesis, but you are also in a position where you can teach, mentor and try new things.
What do you like to do for fun?
I love to cook, bake and be active (I taught barre fitness for 4 years during my PhD). I really enjoy travelling and being outside in nature and have been known to jump in a few puddles.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of your postdoctoral fellowship?
Working with an amazing, supportive team. The work that I do is interdisciplinary, and so getting perspectives from a number of different people is really critical for honing in on understanding these ecosystems and finding solutions.
What in your life or career has prepared you for this position?
I did my core PhD work at an extremely remote station in the Canadian High Arctic, where you have to plan and prepare for every eventuality. Trying to coordinate a cutting-edge scientific program while also having to worry about where people can go to the bathroom and the likelihood of running out of cookies is a stressful combination that really prepares you for anything that working elsewhere might throw at you.
What does receiving this award mean for your career?
Receiving this fellowship provides me with the opportunity to continue my research, building on some of the foundational work that I began when I first arrived at UBC. A number of questions emerged during my initial work that I will be able to pursue thanks to this fellowship. It also provides some stability for two years, which is not something to overlook as a postdoctoral fellow.
What do you think the next step in your career will be?
That’s an excellent question and I’m open to the possibilities!