Field Research Logistics

The student will be using peer-reviewed literature to help plan a field project on Franklin's ground squirrels in Alberta. They will also connect with other experts in the field to help design the field logistics.

Disease analysis of forest tent caterpillar eggs

Using microscopy, the student will complete a microsporidia disease analysis on ~100 forest tent caterpillar egg masses.

Caterpillar colony production and maintenance (Phase 2)

The student will produce and maintain a colony of forest tent caterpillars in the insect growth chambers in the MacEwan Department of Biological Sciences research laboratory. These colonies will be used for field and lab research, which the student may assist with.

Conservation Communication

AWA uses multiple mediums to increase public awareness of environment issues in Alberta. This includes written formats like newsletters (~500 words) and journal articles (1000 – 2000 words), visual assets like presentations and long-form videos , and social media content like tweets , carousels, and reels . Create a public messaging campaign raising awareness on one of AWA’s areas or species of concern. Campaigns should be consistent with AWA’s voice and style (examples can be found in the embedded links above). Campaign subjects could include : The conservation of the Greater Sage Grouse (or any of AWA’s species of concern)/current protections for the species/ what needs to be done.   The importance of designating Plains Bison as wildlife rather than livestock.  Raising awareness/highlighting the importance of non-obvious/less appreciated ecosystems like peatlands or grasslands + lack of protections and threats to major natural regions in the province ( prairies, parklands, foothills ) Anything water-related: the state of Alberta watersheds or highlight important bio-indicators like native trout, mayflies, stoneflies, caddisflies, beavers, etc. – what their populations (or lack thereof mean). Any other ideas you might have!