Emma Lippert Msc., P.Biol., Rpbio. Email & Phone Number

Calgary, Ab, Ca

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Fredericton

MSc. thesis defended and completed January 2022.

Burlington, Ontario

I was actively recruited for this work-term position at Environment Canada based on my prior performance with another scientist at this location. I actively launched and participated in a new project for the Bay of Quinte as part of the Great Lakes Action Plan. The project focused on the effects of storm water runoff and nutrient loading on the contributing tributaries of the Bay. I programmed and operated Teledyne Isco water samplers and data loggers at the sampling sites located in Napanee, Ontario. I was also put in charge of creating and running a water filtration system in the lab to filter our collected water samples for analysis. I produced a work term report on past and current phosphorus concentrations and loading trends in the Bay of Quinte to analyze the recovery of the Bay. I was given a great amount of responsibility in this position which I exercised by coordinating field trips, communicating with the Quinte Conservation Authority, handling technical difficulties with equipment and experimenting/problem-solving with filtering apparatus and techniques. The experience I gained helped me to further develop my time management and multi-tasking abilities, as well as my communication and report writing skills.

Burlington, Ontario

During this work-term, I worked as a Research and Laboratory Technician for Environment Canada as part of the Great Lakes Action Plan for the Niagara River Area of Concern. I was able to apply laboratory and field skills to determine and assess sediment quality in Lyons Creek (tributary to the Niagara River). I participated in a two-week field trip to Welland, Ontario, where we collected water, sediment and benthic invertebrate samples. I assisted in sorting and freeze drying the collected benthic invertebrates for tissue analysis. In the lab I was responsible for maintaining multiple benthic invertebrate cultures, which were used in toxicity testing of the sediment samples collected from the field. The toxicity tests required close attention to detail and careful lab procedures and techniques to ensure no contamination occurred during the test and the collection of the benthos. I had the opportunity to develop data analysis skills by tabulating and summarizing data using MS Excel and other programs to organize the collected data. I took part in a student seminar series where my presentation placed second overall. I produced a work-term report on polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations in the Niagara River Area of Concern and the effects that remedial efforts have had in the Niagara River.

Etobicoke, Ontario

During my work-term at the Ministry of the Environment, I had the opportunity to participate in various field work which included sediment and water sample collection, electrofishing and fish sample collection with gill nets and other equipment. I was responsible for receiving, logging and verifying the fish samples coming into the lab to ensure QA/QC. I homogenized and processed fish tissue and prepared electronic sample submission documents. I completed a work-term report on polychlorinated biphenyl trends in the walleye of Lake Erie.

Etobicoke, Ontario

In my position at CSA, I performed routine daily tasks following specific standards to expose different product samples (anything that carries or comes into contact with potable water) requiring certification. I prepared different types of reagents, each of which would produce a water with a different pH. Each type of pH water needed to have the proper chemical balance. To ensure the appropriate chemical make up, I would test pH, alkalinity, hardness, chlorine content and conductivity daily. Patience, precision, accuracy and extensive documentation were necessary when completing all of these tasks. Water collection from the products occurred multiple times a day and followed a strict schedule. I received product samples in the lab and created and maintained chain of custody for all products in the lab until they were released. I also got the opportunity to work in the chemistry lab assisting senior lab technicians, preserving water samples and weighing out chemicals.

Master Of Science - Ms, Biology, General

Bachelor'S Of Science, Environmental Biology

Activities and Societies: Activities: Swanson Group Lab volunteer, Residence Ambassador, Residence Council member, Sustainable Campus.