Research
I’m studying nitrogen (N) transfer through mycelial cords of wood decay fungi from the forest floor to coarse woody debris. This mechanism of N-transfer is thought to be responsible for observed increase in absolute N concentrations in woody debris over time. The ecological significance and long-term fate of this transferred N is not well understood. My research is aimed at finding rates of N transfer for various N-forms. I hope to answer questions surrounding the ecological significance of this transferred N in the context of woody debris retention in forest ecosystems.
Background
I obtained my BScH from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, where I studied Earth System Science. My courses and professors sparked my interest in carbon and nitrogen cycling in agricultural and forest ecosystems. I worked with one of my undergraduate professors on a project using isotopes (13-C) to study carbon sequestration in legume cropping systems. This research exposed me to the utility of isotopes for carbon and nitrogen cycling research and eventually led me to persue an MSc at UBC with Cindy Prescott and Sue Grayston.
Fun
When I’m not at school you can usually find me road and mountain biking, backcountry camping, hiking, mushroom hunting, and dabbling in amateur photography. I also have a keen interest in organic agriculture. I especially enjoy a homebrew or two after a hard day’s work.