69成人电影网 students earn top spots at 2018 Science Atlantic Environment Conference
The Geography and Environment Department of 69成人电影网 University hosted the Science Atlantic Environment Conference 2018 in March. Students, faculty, and staff came from ten universities across Atlantic Canada to attend the conference. Two 69成人电影网 students, Taylor Crosby and Sally Faulkner, received 1st and 2nd place for their presentations in the undergraduate category.
The conference is for those interested in the interdisciplinary area of the environment. Crosby received 1st place for her presentation on her research on microplastics. Faulkner鈥檚 presentation was on her research on phosphorus in phytoplankton in marine systems.
鈥淭here were 25 undergrad presentations, so their accomplishments are impressive,鈥 says conference co-organizer and 69成人电影网 environmental studies professor, Dr. Joshua Kurek.
Crosby鈥檚 research looked at whether waste-water treatment facilities may be a source of microplastics and if these contaminants are being transported further downstream in rivers across South-Eastern New Brunswick. She found that not only are microplastics present but more plastics were found downstream of these facilities. Microplastics contamination of the ocean has been well studied but fewer studies have looked at freshwater contamination.
Kurek, Crosby鈥檚 advisor for honours research, says of her presentation, 鈥淭aylor often exceeds expectations and has excelled with this experiential learning opportunity. With her combined passion for environmental science, confident communication skills, and positive attitude, she deserves significant recognition for all her accomplishments. We are proud of her!鈥
Crosby received another special surprise when her parents drove down from Halifax to see her presentation.
Faulkner presented on her research on macromolecules in diatoms that hold their phosphorus. Phosphorus is a key element of life and limits phytoplankton growth and productivity. Her research helps to give a better understanding of how and what these diatoms contribute to the food web and may help to predict what will occur in these systems with climate change.
鈥淚 am grateful for the opportunity to talk to anybody about diatoms, let alone a room of other equally-enthusiastic students and professionals,鈥 says Faulkner.
Faulkner鈥檚 advisor for her honours research, Dr. Zoe Finkel, Canada Research Chair in Environmental Science, was not surprised by Faulkner鈥檚 achievement. Finkel describes her as an engaged student who loves research and is fun to talk to in and out of class as she is always so engaged.
鈥淪ally gave a lecture in my Earth Systems class based on her experience as an interpreter at the Joggins Fossil Cliffs. What student can give a 50-minute lecture? It was impressive. She is a natural communicator,鈥 says Finkel.
Both students enjoyed hearing and learning from the other presenters about their research. 鈥淭he presentations were all really excellent. It would have been a hard decision to choose between them,鈥 says Faulkner.
The conference also included a panel discussion, 鈥楢dvancing policy with science,鈥 with experts from government, First Nations, and academia.
鈥淪uch events are really useful in advancing knowledge and creating excitement and energy for our students,鈥 says Dr. Nauman Farooqi, Dean of Social Sciences.
Photo caption (l-r): Taylor Crosby and Sally Faulkner each received awards for their research presentations at the 2018 Science Atlantic Environment Conference hosted at 69成人电影网 in March.
