York University Thesis Prize Winner
Analysis of Bythotrephes longimanus Spatial Dynamics in Harp Lake
TORONTO, ON. - When York University's Jennifer Petruniak began studying Bythotrephes longimanus she never would have imagined that her research would take her from the iconic beauty of Muskoka to a state-of-the-art research institute in Australia. Nor did she think it would pave the way to distinction, and a prestigious accolade.
Her thesis, Analysis of Bythotrephes longimanus Spatial Dynamics in Harp Lake, has provided researchers with new and applicable insight into the population movement of the Spiny Water Flea in Harp Lake, one of Ontario's most beloved cottage communities. What's more, it was significant enough that she was awarded her M.Sc. with distinction and hers was one of only three M.Sc. theses to receive the York University Thesis Prize.
Jennifer credits much of her success to CAISN and the additional funding and training provided by the Strategic Network Enhancement Initiative (SNEI).
"Without the opportunities created by CAISN and the SNEI, I would have never had the opportunity to go to Australia," she says. "Such opportunities are innate to the network and the direct result of the network's depth and access to funding."
Now a biologist with Dillon Consulting (Toronto), Jennifer's work with invasive species involves only a small percentage of the work she does. However, the well-rounded experience gained through CAISN has set her up for a successful career in consulting. It is her hope that the work CAISN and others have done will be reflected in future legislation that addresses and prevents the detrimental effects often seen from invasive species.
For today, anyway, there's an award to celebrate and new minds to inspire.
"I benefited greatly from CAISN and the SNEI," says Jennifer. "I would hope that other researchers, old and new, find time to reach out to each other to continue the momentum of the ground-breaking research already generated."
Jennifer's comments are also a testament to CAISN's success. More importantly, her amazing accomplishments have set the foundations and raised the bar for future students within the network.