Julian Smith Email and Phone Number

- Analyze Zooplankton samples collected nearby offshore Pacific seamounts via traditional taxonomy;- Conduct bioinformatic analyses on zooplankton DNA sequences for (1) discovery/validation of species, and (2) understanding population dynamics via population genetics;- Curate and analyze datasets collected by plankton imaging devices such as Hydroptic’s Zooscan and UVP instruments;- Write data processing scripts in base R language for data analysis of all the above;- Collect chemical and biological oceanographic samples via Niskins and plankton nets, and physical oceanographic data via CTD profiles aboard research vessels surveying continuously up to 28 days at sea, multiple times per year

- In collaboration with the Plankton Team from the Institute of Ocean Sciences, our aim is to determine the oceanic-origin of a coastal copepod species, Acartia tonsa. This research involves the study of morphology, oceanography, and genetics to help understand oceanic anomalies observed in the northeast Pacific waters of BC. - My role entails the genetic analysis of two mitochondrial DNA markers, COI and 16S rRNA, using bioinformatic software such as MUSCLE, MEGA, DnaSP, Arlequin, etc.; using Rstudio to conduct oceanographic analyses with physical data and copepod biomass; and to synthesize our data in the form of a scientific manuscript.

- Co-op student working with UVic's Oceans of Biodiversity project and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. My role entails assisting in the data management, identification, and genetic analysis of zooplankton species to be sent for genetic sequencing at the Canadian Centre for DNA barcoding at the University of Guelph.- Using the sequence from mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1, we can distinguish between organisms at the species level. Therefore, my roles further include the analysis and interpretation of the genetic data we retrieve from sequencing for taxonomic validation and ambiguity of zooplankton species. - Additional project goals include expanding the zooplankton repertoire on the Barcode Of Life Database (BOLD), while attempting to answer research questions.

Co-op student assisting in the sampling and analysis of oceanographic data with the Water Properties Group at the Institute of Ocean Sciences. Data includes:Chlorophyll a Nutrients: nitrate, phosphate, silicateSalinity Dimethyl sulfideZooplankton biomassSpent 12 days at sea surveying the Juan de Fuca strait and Strait of Georgia on the CCGS Vector and Neocaligus.

Culturing predatory insects, mites, and parasitoids to apply on pest infested greenhouse crops.Insects include:Encarsia formosa, Aphidoletes aphidimyza, Delphastus catalinae, Stethorus punctillum, Dalotia coriaria, Micromus variegatusMites include:Stratiolaelaps scimitus, Neoseiulus fallacis, Phytoseiulus persimilis, spider mites Also experienced in horticulture of bean plants (strike and fordhook), tobacco plants, and zucchini plants to be used for rearing insects/mites.