Trent Geographers 'write home' from the Water Survey of Canada (Dec. 17, 2014)
"Just wanted to let you know that we here at Water Survey of Canada, have not forgotten where we came from! We all started our journey at Trent, and went in many different directions before coming to WSC, but we all agree that our time at Trent was invaluable to making this happen!"
Otto Bedard, BSc GEOG, MSc ENLS; Kristina Palmer, BSc BIOL, (minor GEOG); Ian Hay, BSc GEOG; Luke Harvey, BSc ERSC; Zac Bishop: BSc GEOG
Rachel Herron, BA (Hons) 2009, MA (CSIS) 2011, PhD Queen's University
Professor at Brandon University specializing in Health Geography
Tim Ensom, BSc (Hons) 2005, MSc Carleton University, PGeo
Hydrologist with Golder Associates, Edmonton
Following graduation from Trent, Tim completed a GIS certificate from Algonquin College and then continued on in graduate studies to examine the thermal regime of Mackenzie Delta surface waters and their control on regional permafrost configuration. In working as an hydrologists with Golder Associates, Tim's current responsibilities centre around the delineation of watersheds and the investigation of watercourse discharge and water quality parameters. Tim's career path was recently profiled in GOGEOMATICS.
Matt Huber, BSc (Hons) 2007
Teacher , NWT
Matt graduated with a joint-degree in Geography and ERSC. One of the highlights of Matt's Trent experience was assisting Geography technician, Miles Ecclestone, in carrying out annual glacier mass balance measurements on Axel Heiberg Island. Matt and his wife, Marie LaForme (also a Trent alumni, 2007) now live and teach in Colville Lake, NWT which is located at the end of the Mackenzie ice road above the Arctic circle.
Alexandra Penn, BSc (Hons) 2009, BEd, MEd (Queens)
College Teacher, School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Durham College
Alexandra completed a double major in Geography and Biology. Following a departmental tradition that strongly supports field experience, she carried out mass balance measurements for White glacier on Axel Heiburg Island with Miles Ecclestone, and then completed an Honours thesis in glaciology with Professor Graham Cogley. Subsequent to her undergraduate degree at Trent, Alexandra obtained a Masters degree in education (Queens) with her research interests focusing upon teacher's beliefs about mathematics education. She currently lives in Toronto. Her latest project is the development of a college level course on natural disasters.
Mike Smith, BSc (Hons) 2003
Water Resource Technician, Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority
Working as part of GRCA’s Watershed Services Team since 2006, Mike is responsible for monitoring surface water and groundwater resources. He provides flood forecasting and warning and drought response services to local municipalities. He has undertaken detailed studies of baseflow hydrology, surface water impacts due to development and water takings as well as the effects of different hydrologic conditions such as storm event runoff on water quality. He also monitors groundwater resources using a network of stream bed piezometers and monitoring wells. Water resources monitoring data has proven extremely valuable in characterizing watersheds prior to development, identifying unique natural features worth protecting or enhancing and in protecting sources of drinking water. A practical understanding of monitoring equipment technology coupled with a theoretical understanding of natural systems has been essential in fulfilling the duties of this position.