RESEARCH TEAM

Dr. Tamzin Blewett (she/her) (Principal Investigator)
 ​My research is multidisciplinary (e.g. a skill set comprising core techniques in biology, physiology, toxicology, chemistry, biogeochemistry), with a specific focus in areas aligned with the protection of aquatic ecosystems and the biota therein. Much of my research effort has been focused on supporting the development of regulatory tools that not only seek to identify levels of aquatic contaminants that are likely to cause harm, but which set appropriate regulatory limits for our industrial economy. I am passionate about a sustainable future for Canadian waters.

CV
2019 - Assistant Professor - University of Alberta, Canada 
2016-2019 Post-Doctoral Fellow - NSERC Fellowship, University of Alberta, Canada
2015-2016 Post-Doctoral Fellow - Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada
2011-2015   PhD - McMaster University, Canada
2009-2011  MSc - McMaster University, Canada
 2004-2009 BSc - Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada

Graduate Researchers  

Isabel Aragao (PhD Student)

​I’ve recently completed an MRes in Ecology and Environmental biology at the University of Glasgow. My research project investigated the effect of temperature and individual metabolic rate on the social networks of an air breathing catfish (Corydoras Aeneus). I received my BSc in Marine Biology from the University of Liverpool. For my honours project I studied the cumulative effect of physical and chemical disturbance on benthic invertebrate communities. Throughout my PhD I intend to look at the physiological impact of crude oil and novel emerging organics on Northern Arctic species, with the intention of better informing policy and regulatory guidelines for the region.

Ivy Luu (MSc Candidate)

I graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2019, where I received my BSc in Biochemistry. My undergraduate thesis was on how venlafaxine, increased water temperature, and decreased oxygen affect miRNA and mRNA targets of multiple generations of Danio rerio. For my masters work, I will be investigating the effects of hydraulic fracturing flowback and produced waters on the freshwater water flea (Daphnia magna).  We will be taking a multigenerational approach using epigenetic markers to observe how many generations are affected after exposure and if recovery  is possible. 

Rob Griffin (MSc Candidate)

I graduated from the University of Guelph in 2019, receiving my BSc in Marine and Freshwater Biology. My undergraduate research examined how environmental oxygen concentrations impact crustacean musculature and function, as well as multi level diversity assessment preformed out at Huntsman Marine Science Centre in New Brunswick.  My MSc project focuses on assessing and understanding amino acid transport across the gills in multiple crustacean species of the Pacific Ocean. Overall, we are interested in understanding if this ability is native to the invasive green crab (Carcinus maenas) or shared among crustaceans. 

Connor Stewart (MSc Candidate)

​ Co-Supervised with Dr. Keith Tierney. My research is looking into the the effects of three common sunscreen components on Daphnia magna. Octocrylene, avobenzone, and oxybenzone are UV blockers common in many sunscreens in various concentrations and combinations and little is known about their impact on the environment. I will be looking at both the acute and chronic effects of these three substances to gain a better understanding of the impact they may have when released into aquatic environments. Such research is pertinent as human recreational activity often causes the release of these substances into water, yet the consequences of such activity is poorly understood. 

Hannah Lowes (MSc Candidate)

I graduated from the University of Alberta in 2020 with a BSc in Biological Sciences. During my undergraduate thesis project in the Blewett lab, I studied copper toxicity in Daphnia magna with a comparison between group and individual toxicological exposures. I acquired a strong interest in aquatic toxicology and invertebrates during my undergrad, so I didn’t stop there! Moving forward into my MSc, I will be working with species such as the sea cucumber Cucumaria miniata and the freshwater sponge Ephydatia muelleri to examine the interplay between natural stressors and anthropogenic toxicants (specifically metals such as copper) on invertebrates in both marine and freshwater environments.

Sienna Overduin (MSc Candidate)

​In May 2020 I completed my BSc at the University of Alberta majoring in Psychology and minoring in Biology. During my undergraduate degree I conducted research in Dr. Keith Tierney’s lab focusing on betaine and its use as a palatability enhancer in zebrafish (Danio rerio). This project analyzed the extent of betaine’s attractiveness to zebrafish when mixed with aversive odors. These findings have laid the foundation for future research investigating numerous protein sources (using betaine to ensure complete consumption) to determine whether alternate food sources differentially impact fish growth and development.
Throughout my master’s degree I will investigate whether fish respond differently to stressors depending on their species’ social structure. In particular whether social fish species are capable of withstanding toxic environments to a greater degree than solitary fish species due to the heightened level of competition.
I am interested in how biology influences behaviour and if certain behaviors are protective to species. In upcoming years anthropogenic created challenges will be occurring at increasing rates, with detrimental impacts on the environment. I am passionate about understanding the situational factors that alter how a species is affected by these challenges, with hopes of enhancing detection of problems and in turn minimizing harm to ecosystems. 
Undergraduate Students
499:
Jenelle McCuaig (NSERC USRA)
​
Lab Alumni 
Postdoctoral Fellows:
Dr. Patrick Gauthier (2020-2021)
BSc Honours: 
Gurvinder Dhaliwal (399) (2020-2021)
Alejandro Escobar-Lopez (499) (2020-2021)
Sunil Myers (499) (2019-2020)
Hannah Lowes (499) (2019 - 2020: NSERC USRA)
Connor Stewart (499) (2019-2020)