Research Assistant/Honours Student
There are many moving parts within a research lab, and for those conducting research, it can be difficult to manage day-to-day duties while supervising personal projects. My role within the Metaxas Lab is to oversee the behind-the-scenes tasks that must be taken care of for the lab to function effectively. This includes planning and executing scientific diving operations, handling logistics and transportation, and general errand running. I also assist students with their research projects by providing resources, ideas, data analysis, and an extra set of hands for any necessary tasks.
Recently, I was tasked with running an experiment testing the tensile strength of multiple kelp species. My goal was to determine if there were significant differences in tissue strength and elasticity at different areas along the blades. This data contributed to another student’s honours thesis and helped to fill in crucial gaps in the methodological approach the student was taking.
Next summer, I am embarking on an honour’s thesis with the Metaxas Lab. I hope to continue studying the themes of ecosystem connectivity and resilience in Nova Scotia’s subtidal environment.
Awards
NSERC USRA Research Award (2022)
Relevant Experience
Water Quality Technician
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Dartmouth, NS
May 2022 – September 2022
Research Assistant
Dalhousie University – Whitehead Lab
Halifax, NS
December 2020 – November 2021
Research Assistant
Utila Coral Restoration Project
Utila, Honduras
March 2019 – June 2019
Marine Benthic Ecology and conservation 