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My research sets out to examine adaptation among first-year students at the University of Waterloo. Providing a better understanding of successful adaptation to postsecondary life is key to Canada’s future competitiveness on both a local and global stage. This work is equally critical from an equity perspective as certain segments of the population have greater difficulties adapting relative to others. Findings from my research can inform programs and policies that can be tailored to better support those in need to facilitate a sustainable and diverse community at UW. As a result, this research can disrupt historical patterns of inequities evident in higher education.

I will investigate how bacteria that grow on methane (a potent greenhouse gas) are able to do so in the absence of oxygen. Traditionally, methanotrophic bacteria (bacteria that oxidize and grow on methane) are known to depend on oxygen; but recently, scientists have encountered evidence of methane consumption by bacteria in methane-rich but anoxic deep waters of lakes (i.e. in the absence of oxygen). Current predictions indicate that lakes will get warmer and less oxygenated, leading to the question of how methane consumption and thus methane emissions will be affected in these ecosystems. Therefore, the findings from my work could help understand how methane emissions to the atmosphere will be affected in future ecosystems.

The main societal impact of my work relates to its intended attempt at raising broader public awareness of the violence committed on Indigenous communities through settler-colonial fossil fuel extractivism in Canada. To secure long-term societal impact, I will organize a workshop, a public lecture series, produce podcasts and develop several other modes of public engagement, which should help to create and expand such public awareness. Part of my work aims to make and facilitate recommendations regarding (Indigenous) energy policy in settler-colonial nations and beyond.

Working with Dr. Neufeld and the urban Indigenous communities within Katarokwi (greater Kingston area) and Wellington-Waterloo Region offers a unique opportunity to bring people together to strengthen new and growing Indigenous food sovereignty initiatives. Our project is an opportunity for Indigenous Peoples to tell stories and take action in support of land and each other.