Manon Picard

Biological Science doctoral student in the Faculty of Science

Growing up in the beautiful Eastern Townships area in Quebec, I got a passion for water itself that developed into a passion for saltwater, which inspired me to make the long and fulfilling journey (academically, physically, and personally) to become a marine biologist. I did my undergraduate degree at UBC and during that degree I went on exchange to Adelaide (South Australia) where I learned that catching wombats at night is no easy task... I then did my master’s degree at UBC under the supervision of Dr. Christopher Harley on the effects of ocean acidification on the performance of commercial oysters, at early developmental stages, in an aquaculture setting. After working for two years at the UC Davis Bodega Marine on the effects of estuarine acidification on the native oysters, I am now a PhD student in Dr. Isabelle Côté Marine Ecology Lab in the Earth to Ocean Group (E2O).

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

My main incentive to study at SFU was having Isabelle Côté as my thesis supervisor. But the emphasis on the quality of education and research program throughout the University was also very appealing.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?

Have you ever wondered why you find a species in one place but not in another, even if it is nearby? That's what I am trying to figure out. I use, field surveys, experiments, and pooling together data from other studies to uncover why some kelps species are found in one place, but not another. Using this information, we can better predict how these patterns will change with changing conditions like coastal development and climate change.

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

I love the quality of the research, the sharing of statistical knowledge, and the great connectivity within E2O and the Department of Biological Sciences at SFU.

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 am very thankful to have been awarded the Glen Geen Graduate Scholarship in Marine Biology and the President’s PhD Scholarship. These awards did not only help me financially, by helping me focus more of my energy on my research, but they also gave me pride that the University and donors would support me and my research.

Contact : manon_picard@sfu.ca

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