Wildlife Research Assistant – The University of British Columbia
During my second term as a research assistant for UBC’s Tree Ring Lab, I have performed a variety of fire-related research tasks. Mainly, my work this summer included collecting fire history data from published reports and papers to support a fire history reconstruction study led by Dr. Jen Baron. I also organized and completed my own data collection on Galiano Island in collaboration with the Galiano Conservancy Association to support my undergraduate thesis with this lab this fall.
Both experiences have helped me develop data input and organizational skills that will be critical for the completion of my thesis. I have also assisted pre- and post-fire data collection in the Okanagan and the Caribou, collecting forest fuels and tree data, doing vegetation surveys, and estimating burn severity. In June, I was offered the opportunity to prepare and deliver a lesson on tree rings to an elementary class as part of the lab’s outreach activities. I think it’s safe to say that this summer has been full of diverse and exciting roles.