Wendy Fleming

Resource & Environmental Management master's student in the Faculty of Environment

Tell us a little about yourself, including what inspires you to learn and continue in your chosen field

I am passionate about preserving the integrity of Canadian watersheds by improving our understanding of freshwater ecosystem functions and sharing this knowledge with communities. Exploring aquatic ecosystems has been a focus throughout my personal pursuits, education and professional work. During my BSc, I developed my interests in aquatic ecology while working on a doctoral project studying trophic transfer of microplastics in the Pacific Intertidal. Over several years, I have continued to develop my knowledge and interest in this field while working with environmental non-profits and the federal government on the monitoring and restoration of freshwater salmonid habitat. I started canoeing and kayaking as a way to explore aquatic areas and share my passion with others, and I have continued to pursue this both personally and professionally as a canoe expedition guide and whitewater boating instructor.

Why did you choose to come to SFU?

I appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of the REM program, as it provides unique insights and opportunities that contribute to the development of my research. I am also interested by the connected nature of my research, knowing that I am developing a small part that will ultimately contribute to a larger, long-term research project.

How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?

My research broadly aims to assess how freshwater habitat characteristics and environmental factors in British Columbia streams can explain differences in individual juvenile Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) condition.

What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?

Physiology, Energetics, Habitat

How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?

My courses have contributed valuable guidance in my approach to research and its connection to communities. My experience with fieldwork throughout my program has been a wonderful way to better understand my research, as well as gain invaluable mentoring and professional opportunities.

Have you been the recipient of any major or donor-funded awards? If so, please tell us which ones and a little about how the awards have impacted your studies and/or research

I received the NSERC CGSM grant and the SFU Graduate Fellowship. This has helped support me during my time as a student.

Contact Wendy:wendy_fleming@sfu.ca

Additional Links

• LinkedIn

MORE ABOUT RESEARCH