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  

Aaron Boyd (PhD Candidate)

I obtained a BSc in Ecology from the University of Calgary in 2017, and joined UAlberta for my graduate studies in Fall 2018.
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My primary research as a current PhD candidate is focused on the toxic effects of organic ultraviolet filter (UVF) exposure from sunscreens in freshwater and marine organisms. Many studies have sought to characterize the toxicity of UVFs; however they have been largely restricted to short term studies and/or testing exposures at concentrations greatly exceeding what has been found in the environment. My thesis will address these knowledge gaps by testing long-term exposures at environmentally relevant concentrations to understand the effects of contamination to populations over multiple generations, as well as to identify the specific mechanisms of action for these compounds. It is important to understand the effects of UVF contaminants in realistic scenarios so that we can make informed policy decisions to better protect ourselves and the environment. 

AGES Recipient (2019, 2021)

Rob Griffin (PhD Student)

​In May 2019 I completed my BSc at the University of Guelph in Marine and Freshwater Biology. In the final years of my undergraduate degree, I focused my research on the implications of variable environmental oxygen concentrations on the muscle function of Carcinus maenas, and completed a multi-level diversity assessment at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre. Upon starting my graduate research at the University of Alberta in 2020 I have been investigating the role of branchial amino acid uptake in crustaceans, with particular emphasis on the globally invasive green crab. Thus far, my research has shown that contrary to prior belief, branchial uptake of free amino acids is likely a shared trait among all crustacean species with both invasive and Canadian native crustaceans exhibiting species specific transport pathways. In the future, my research will investigate the role of waterborne amino acid uptake in the survivability of C. maenas under changing environmental parameters. Throughout this research we hope to outline how these previously unknown transport pathways may play a key role in the invasive success of C. maenas around the world. 

Sienna Overduin (PhD Student)

​During my undergraduate degree I completed a thesis project in Dr. Tierney’s lab at the University of Alberta, investigating appetite stimulants in zebrafish which initiated my interest in research. After graduating with a BSc from the University of Alberta I began my graduate studies with Dr. Blewett investigating the influence of metal exposure on the social dynamics of various fish species. Using multidisciplinary techniques including behavioural and biochemical analyses to understand whole body, as well as sub-cellular effects. The interplay between toxicology and social behaviour is not well understood but may be critical for understanding how species respond to anthropogenic stressors.

AGES Recipient (2021)

Connor Stewart (PhD Student)

I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Alberta in 2020, with a BSc in Biological Sciences with specialization in Integrative Physiology. My undergraduate research in the Blewett lab investigated the toxic effects of ultraviolet filters, the active ingredients in sunscreens, to the aquatic invertebrate Daphnia magna. For my PhD I will be investigating the implications of anthropogenic nickel contamination on multiple aquatic and marine species in arctic and subarctic waters. Rich nickel reserves found in the Arctic are being increasingly utilized, leading to increased environmental nickel load due to mining and smelting operations in the area. The implications of such nickel contamination need to be further investigated as the unique hydrogeochemistry of Arctic waters may alter nickel toxicity, preventing accurate extrapolation of existing risk assessment from other waters. The multi-species approach my research is taking will help develop our understanding of nickel toxicity in Arctic waters, with the ultimate goal of utilizing these findings to help develop our understanding of the risk nickel poses to waters in unique arctic environments.

​NSERC CGSM

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 and acquired a strong interest in aquatic toxicology and invertebrates, so I didn’t stop there! For my MSc, I am working with intertidal marine invertebrates including the orange sea cucumber Cucumaria miniata to examine the interplay between natural and anthropogenic stressors. Intertidal animals have evolved strategies to deal with stress caused by extreme variation in environmental conditions during the tide cycle, but the introduction of toxicants like copper may affect their ability to maintain homeostasis and survive. My research will provide further understanding of marine invertebrate stress physiology and will allow for improved protection of sensitive coastal species from environmental toxicants

​NSERC CGSM 

Jenelle McCuaig (MSc Candidate)

I received my Bachelor of Science degree with Specialization in Integrative Physiology from the University of Alberta in 2022. During my undergraduate research in the Blewett Lab, I studied the effects of copper toxicity on the invasive European green crab (Carcinus maenas), incorporating both behavioral and physiological aspects. For my Master’s project, I will be studying oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) toxicity, specifically the naphthenic acid fraction, using water fleas (Daphnia magna) as a model organism in collaboration with Environment and Climate Change Canada. I will utilize a multigenerational approach and proteomics to better understand the long-term effects of naphthenic acids and the potential for oil sands recovery and remediation. 

NSERC CGSM 
Current Undergraduate Students
Grace Mamo (499)
Sidney Martin (499)
Emma Carry (498)
​Kayla Lottin (399)
Caroline MacDonald (399)
Ally Legge (398)
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Lab Alumni 
Postdoctoral Fellows:
Dr. Patrick Gauthier (2020-2021)

MSc Thesis Students:
Ivy Luu (2020-2022)

BSc Honours (499 & 399)
2021-2022
Jenelle McCuaig (499)(NSERC USRA) (2020, 2021, 2022)
Nina Lawrence (499)
Kazeem Abolaji (499)
Emilie Petryshen (399) 
​Michelle Makila (399) 
2020-2021:
Gurvinder Dhaliwal (399) 
Alejandro Escobar-Lopez (499) 
2019-2020:
Sunil Myers (499) 
Hannah Lowes (499)  (NSERC USRA)
Connor Stewart (499)