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Earth and Environmental Science at Acadia offers programs leading to B.Sc. degrees in Environmental Science, Geology and Environmental Geoscience, and M.Sc. degrees in Geology, Environmental Science and Applied Geomatics.


Departmental News

A contingent from Earth and Environmental Science attended the Science Atlantic Environment Conference in Charlottetown PEI this past weekend (Match 22-24).

Photo: Arwen Estrada Perez; Jara deHoog; Dr. O’Driscoll; Hayley Newell; Holly Turner; Hannah Hayes Clara Ryan].

 

Five oral presentations were given by students on the following topics:

Holly Turner, Acadia University: Examining temporal trends in the production and bioaccumulation of methylmercury in a restored wetland habitat

Clara Ryan, Acadia University: Effects of biochar and Rhizophagus irregularis on Malus domestica, variety Honeycrisp, in the presence of apple, replant disease pathogens

Hayley Newel, Acadia University: MeHg and THg concentrations of Hawaiian invertebrates and surface soils: potential volcanogenic influence

Jara de Hoog, Acadia University: Technology and capitalism in Nova Scotia’s new climate change plan

Arwen Estrada, Acadia University: Utilization of marine and coastal fungi as bioremediation tools for plastic pollution

Students enjoyed a student social on the Friday night with triva as well as Keynote lectures at the conference and a banquet with career panel discussions. Next Year’s SAEC will be held at Mount Allison University in 2025, followed by Acadia University in March of 2026. Dr. O’Driscoll was named the chair of the SAEC committee for 2024-2025. Everyone enjoyed meeting other research students and faculty from across eastern Canada.

The annual EES Student Banquet took place on March 15th. Students and faculty gathered in Clark Commons for a great meal. Dr. Deanne van Rooyen gave a talk about career transitions with some unsolicited advice for graduating students. We also celebrated student awards, see photos for details.

Thank you to all the ESSA and Fletcher members who organized the event!

 

Keaton Markham received the Harcourt L. Cameron Award (Fletcher Club president) and Hayley Newell (ESSA president) received the Linda Lusby Award for their leadership in and contributions to the clubs and the Department

 

Hayley Newell and Taya Lucas-Desmond received NSERC USRAs for summer research this year.

 

Jonathan Kolouras received the Mineralogical Association of Canada Student Prize for excellence in mineralogy and petrology.

 

Keaton Markham received the Geological Association of Canada – Prospectors and Developers Association Logan Student Prize for leadership and contributions to the department, field skills, and academics. Keaton and Jonathan will also be representing Acadia at the Canadian Society for Exploration Geophysics Annual Canada-wide Student Challenge Bowl at the Geoconvention held in Calgary in May.

 

 

Dr. Sandra Barr was honoured at the 2024 Northeastern Section Meeting of the Geological Society of America in a special symposium celebrating her career. It was a wonderful celebration of her groundbreaking work in geology and many former students, current and past co-authors, and friends attended the event.