Experience

Postdoctoral Researcher 2022 – current
Jeff Riffell, Dept. of Biology, University of Washington
  • Areas of research included:
    • Olfactory-visual coupling in mosquitoes
Postdoctoral Researcher 2021 – 2022
Gerhard Gries, Dept. of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University
  • Areas of research included:
    • Vision in the host-finding and mating behaviors of biting flies (Haematobia irritans, Stomoxys calcitrans)
    • Visual ecology of other insects such as mosquitos and click beetles
Ph.D. Candidate 2012 – 2020
Gerhard Gries, Dept. of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University
  • Project: The use of polarized light as a host location and selection cue in phytophagous insects.
  • Designed complicated visual bioassays involving polarized light
  • Characterized host plants differences using polarimetry
  • Investigated the mechanisms underlying polarization sensitivity using histological and electrophysiological analysis
Research Associate / M.Sc. Student 2007 – 2010 / 2010 – 2012
L. M. Dosdall, Dept. of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Science, University of Alberta & B. A. Keddie, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta
  • Areas of research included:
    • Spatial distribution of canola pests and their parasitoids
    • Effect of plant nutrition on the preference, development and spatial distribution of canola pests
    • Mechanisms of Delia spp. resistance of plant material from Sinapis alba L. x Brassica napus L.
  • Designed and executed field and laboratory studies
  • Analyzed complex ecological data sets using multiple statistical techniques
  • Prepared manuscripts for publication
  • Coordinated multiple simultaneous studies and supervised up to 4 research technicians
Remote Aquatic Technician Summer 2007
Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute
  • Worked and camped in remote locations only accessible by helicopter
  • Sampled various aspects of wetlands including flora, fauna, and physical characteristics
  • Utilized a variety of equipment including quads, chainsaws, and boats
Research Technician / B.Sc. Student Summer 2005, 2006 – 2007
E. M. Bayne, Dept. of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta
  • Completed an undergraduate research project
  • Performed air photo interpretation of forest cover along BBS routes
  • Processed large numbers of arthropod samples
  • Performed nest searching, arthropod sampling, as well as various types of vegetation sampling
  • Completed worm transects, recorded bird vocalizations, and performed pairing observations on Ovenbirds
  • Utilized quads and 4×4 trucks in a remote setting