OTTAWA, ON. - Standing along the shores of the Greet Lakes or sailing down the winding St. Lawrence, it's hard to believe that beneath the waves there's an aquatic universe that plays out like an underwater War of the Worlds; where invading species upset the delicate balance of an ecosystem thousands of years in the making.  Yet,  that's the where Dr. Kestrup found herself when she began studying with Dr. Ricciardi at McGill University's Redpath Museum.

Originally from Sweden, Dr.Kestrup's CAISN-funded study of Great Lake and St. Lawrence River invaders has broadened our understanding of just how these foreign bodies arrive and, more importantly,  survive. It's expected that her work will have permanent implications.

When discussing CAISN and the Strategic Network Enhancement Initiative,  Kestrup's comments echo those of many network colleagues. "The depth of experience and knowledge throughout CAISN and the SNEI is unique to anything I have encountered," she says. "If you have a question, you are  going to find the answer, or at least begin a dialogue, within the group."

Now a research assistant addressing the effects of climate change at the Quebec Centre of Biodiversity Science, Dr. Kestrup hopes to one day find her dream job at Fisheries and Oceans Canada. She thinks the network could help her do that.

"At the annual general meetings I had the opportunity to meet a lot of people from a lot of different disciplines," she explains. "As I explore different career paths, it's my hope that I can turn to my former CAISN colleagues for direction. This, for me, is the network's greatest strength"

While Dr. Kestrup's voice within the network may not be as loud as other's, her belief in the networks strength for new, present and, even former members tells the minds that created CAISN that it's working. 

That type of support is immeasurable.