Sara Smith Email & Phone Number

Calgary, Ab, Ca

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Current Research Streams: Genomics of adaptations to climate change in aquatic ectothermsImpacts of landslides on the genomics of Pacific salmonGenomic basis of kinematics in Gasterosteus aculeatus Genomic assembly and annotation for Oligocottus maculosusConvergent evolution of obligate brood parasitism in AvesPrey preference of invasive Carcincus maenus in the PNWTeaching Highlights:Big Questions & Big Data in Biology, 2024-25Science Communication &… Show more Current Research Streams: Genomics of adaptations to climate change in aquatic ectothermsImpacts of landslides on the genomics of Pacific salmonGenomic basis of kinematics in Gasterosteus aculeatus Genomic assembly and annotation for Oligocottus maculosusConvergent evolution of obligate brood parasitism in AvesPrey preference of invasive Carcincus maenus in the PNWTeaching Highlights:Big Questions & Big Data in Biology, 2024-25Science Communication & Writing in Biology, 2025Field Research Techniques in Ecology, 2023Evolution of Eukaryotes, 2023Capstone in Ecology & Evolution, 2022-24Principles of Ecology & Evolution, 2022-24 Show less

Bamfield, British Columbia, Canada

Teaching Faculty:Marine Ecology, Summer 2024Applied Data Analysis in Marine Sciences, Fall Program 2023Directed Studies in Marine Sciences, Fall Program 2023Marine Ecology, Summer 2023Applied Data Analysis in Marine Sciences, Fall Program 2021Directed Studies in Marine Sciences, Fall Program 2021Course Coordinator:Applied Data Analysis in Marine Sciences, Fall Program 2023, 2024Directed Studies in Marine Sciences, Fall Program 2023, 2024

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Greater Boston Area

My postdoctoral research focuses on the comparative genomics of convergent evolution, using obligate brood parasitism in birds as the convergent phenotype of interest. In this role, I am developing novel bioinformatic pipelines, producing de novo high-quality genome assemblies, assessing gene annotation pipelines, and using novel methods to assemble mitochondrial genomes. My central project has taken three main analysis branches after the de novo assembly and whole-genome alignment:… Show more My postdoctoral research focuses on the comparative genomics of convergent evolution, using obligate brood parasitism in birds as the convergent phenotype of interest. In this role, I am developing novel bioinformatic pipelines, producing de novo high-quality genome assemblies, assessing gene annotation pipelines, and using novel methods to assemble mitochondrial genomes. My central project has taken three main analysis branches after the de novo assembly and whole-genome alignment: phylogenomic analyses using conserved non-exonic elements (CNEEs), phylogenetic polytomy resolution using orthogroups, and comparative population genomics using the pipeline I developed to implement variations on the McDonald-Kreitman (MK) test and other scans for signatures of selection using whole-genome population resequencing data. My code is all available on Github (sjswuitchik). My research was advised by Dr. Tim Sackton (Harvard University) & Dr. Mike Sorenson (Boston University). Show less

Calgary, Alberta

I study the genetic basis of behaviour in threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) using thermal tolerance and preference phenotypes in wild freshwater and marine populations, lab-raised pure marine and freshwater F1 and F2 generations, as well as hybrid marine-freshwater F1 and F2 generations. Collectively these data, along with QTL mapping and mechanistic species distribution modelling informed by trait evolution, will contribute to an understanding of how fish populations may evolve… Show more I study the genetic basis of behaviour in threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) using thermal tolerance and preference phenotypes in wild freshwater and marine populations, lab-raised pure marine and freshwater F1 and F2 generations, as well as hybrid marine-freshwater F1 and F2 generations. Collectively these data, along with QTL mapping and mechanistic species distribution modelling informed by trait evolution, will contribute to an understanding of how fish populations may evolve in response to contemporary environmental change and help elucidate the mechanisms underlying correlated traits and patterns of selection in association with temperature. My research is supervised by Dr. Sean Rogers (University of Calgary) and Dr. Rowan Barrett (McGill University). Show less

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

As the sole lecturer, I prepared and delivered three 50-minute lectures every week spanning topics from physiological ecology at an individual level to landscape ecology and macroecology at a global level, scaling up the ecological interactions such that each topic built off the previous topic. The students were assessed in-class through TopHat class engagement software, four case studies that required high levels of student participation, and two exams that provided both formative and… Show more As the sole lecturer, I prepared and delivered three 50-minute lectures every week spanning topics from physiological ecology at an individual level to landscape ecology and macroecology at a global level, scaling up the ecological interactions such that each topic built off the previous topic. The students were assessed in-class through TopHat class engagement software, four case studies that required high levels of student participation, and two exams that provided both formative and summative feedback. I also sponsored six undergraduate Peer Mentors in the course that provided extra tutorials and resources for the students regarding the lecture material. I guided the creation of content and tutorial sessions that allowed the students to have more review material, sessions to hone skill sets that were important to the course, and general open sessions that allowed students to direct their learning experience and resource utilization.As the laboratory coordinator, I provided major edits to the existing lab manual, trained nine graduate student teaching assistants (TAs) to deliver the lab exercises, trained and calibrated the TAs to use a holistic rubric to assess and provide formative feedback on written assignments, as well as facilitating and fostering 64 self-directed team projects on forest ecology, animal foraging behaviour, urban biodiversity, and plant competition across 16 lab sections. I also mentored one of the graduate TAs as my Head TA in the labs. The students were assessed via instant feedback technique assessment quizzes, a study design proposal, team poster project, three individual written assignments, and the team research project. All team interactions were mediated using our in-house team designer and team health assessment reports that were completed at the middle and end of the term; these evaluations also allowed the weighting of team contributions to be reflected in the final team grade. Show less

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

I coordinated the laboratory sessions for the intensive Principles of Ecology spring semester course, which ran two lab sessions per week. I oversaw the training of three graduate teaching assistants in lab procedures and protocols, marking written essays and weekly instant feedback technique assessment quizzes, and guided the independent team research projects for 60 undergraduate students. This was the first time a graduate student has been asked to coordinate the laboratory section of this… Show more I coordinated the laboratory sessions for the intensive Principles of Ecology spring semester course, which ran two lab sessions per week. I oversaw the training of three graduate teaching assistants in lab procedures and protocols, marking written essays and weekly instant feedback technique assessment quizzes, and guided the independent team research projects for 60 undergraduate students. This was the first time a graduate student has been asked to coordinate the laboratory section of this core biological sciences course. Show less

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

In my capacity as Head TA, I provided feedback on laboratory content, helped organize and foster student projects for 304 students across 17 lab sections, calibrated and led 8 full-time teaching assistants through weekly lab exercises and marking assignments, and presented job opportunities to the undergraduates every week to motivate and inspire them, in addition to teaching my own lab section. My students appreciated my unique teaching approach by nominating me for their university-wide… Show more In my capacity as Head TA, I provided feedback on laboratory content, helped organize and foster student projects for 304 students across 17 lab sections, calibrated and led 8 full-time teaching assistants through weekly lab exercises and marking assignments, and presented job opportunities to the undergraduates every week to motivate and inspire them, in addition to teaching my own lab section. My students appreciated my unique teaching approach by nominating me for their university-wide 2015-2016 Students’ Union Teaching Excellence Award, which I received in April 2016. Show less

Biogeosciences Centre, University Of Calgary Field Station In Kananaskis Country

I was offered the Instructor position for Field School in Ecology, a core course requirement for ecology major undergraduates at the University of Calgary. I developed a module on aquatic ecology for 20 students at the Biogeoscience Institute in Kananaskis, Alberta comprised of lecture, lab, and field components. The objective of the course was to introduce students to the diversity of Alberta fishes and to strengthen their study design skill set through independent research projects in an… Show more I was offered the Instructor position for Field School in Ecology, a core course requirement for ecology major undergraduates at the University of Calgary. I developed a module on aquatic ecology for 20 students at the Biogeoscience Institute in Kananaskis, Alberta comprised of lecture, lab, and field components. The objective of the course was to introduce students to the diversity of Alberta fishes and to strengthen their study design skill set through independent research projects in an immersive environment. These components were focused on teaching students current techniques used for sampling fish biodiversity and associated environmental variables in freshwater ecosystems. This was the first time a graduate student has been asked to be the instructor for a course that would normally be developed and taught by a faculty member. The course was a great success and provided students with the field skills they need to identify local biodiversity and the associations with natural environments. Show less

Bamfield, British Columbia, Canada

I was the sole teaching assistant for Functional Ecology, a field course combining the areas of ecology and biomechanics at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre. This field course integrated lecture and lab components to focus on the function and form of plants and animals in the ecological context of their natural habitat. The goal was to provide a meaningful and fun field experience by supplementing field excursions with labs to include the identification and study of freshwater and marine… Show more I was the sole teaching assistant for Functional Ecology, a field course combining the areas of ecology and biomechanics at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre. This field course integrated lecture and lab components to focus on the function and form of plants and animals in the ecological context of their natural habitat. The goal was to provide a meaningful and fun field experience by supplementing field excursions with labs to include the identification and study of freshwater and marine fishes and invertebrates, as well as terrestrial plants. Experimental techniques and individual research projects honed experimental design skills, culminating in a student symposium. I worked alongside Dr. Tim Higham (University of California Riverside) in course design, lab creation, and field trip planning in preparation for the course, and assisted in all teaching avenues during the course, including guest lectures. Show less

Bamfield, British Columbia, Canada

I was the sole teaching assistant for Biology of Marine Fishes, a field course at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre. This course integrated lecture and lab components to focus on the ecology, behaviour, evolution, and conservation of fishes in the Pacific Northwest. The goal was to provide a meaningful and fun field experience by supplementing field excursions with practical labs. Students gained skills in the identification and study of freshwater and marine fishes through current sampling… Show more I was the sole teaching assistant for Biology of Marine Fishes, a field course at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre. This course integrated lecture and lab components to focus on the ecology, behaviour, evolution, and conservation of fishes in the Pacific Northwest. The goal was to provide a meaningful and fun field experience by supplementing field excursions with practical labs. Students gained skills in the identification and study of freshwater and marine fishes through current sampling techniques in natural environments, as well as fish husbandry skills involved with caring for fishes in lab settings. Experimental techniques and independent research projects honed experimental design skills, culminating in a student symposium. I worked alongside Drs. Sean Rogers (University of Calgary) and Tim Higham (University of California Riverside) in course design, lab creation, and field trip planning in preparation for the course, and assisted in all teaching avenues during the course, including guest lectures. Show less

Victoria, British Columbia

I collect for, stock and care for a 150 gallon open system aquarium aboard a 60 ft catamaran that does harbour tours around Victoria, BC. The aquarium touch tank was stocked with local marine invertebrates, fishes, and algae, of which the health of was monitored before, during, and after cruises. Collections via beachcombing and diving occur frequently throughout the season, as organisms were routinely returned to collection sites to decrease time spent in aquarium. I designed various talks on… Show more I collect for, stock and care for a 150 gallon open system aquarium aboard a 60 ft catamaran that does harbour tours around Victoria, BC. The aquarium touch tank was stocked with local marine invertebrates, fishes, and algae, of which the health of was monitored before, during, and after cruises. Collections via beachcombing and diving occur frequently throughout the season, as organisms were routinely returned to collection sites to decrease time spent in aquarium. I designed various talks on local species and history of the Victoria area which I presented during the two hour tours. Show less

Victoria, British Columbia

Managing customer care in office as well as on board, answering of questions before, during, and after trip, giving safety briefings before trips, introduction of the boat and its operations to the passengers, present topical presentations geared towards the current audience on the natural, cultural, geological, and oceanographic features of the area along with essential "take-home" conservation messages in between biological presentations on local marine mammals, sea birds, and fishes, along… Show more Managing customer care in office as well as on board, answering of questions before, during, and after trip, giving safety briefings before trips, introduction of the boat and its operations to the passengers, present topical presentations geared towards the current audience on the natural, cultural, geological, and oceanographic features of the area along with essential "take-home" conservation messages in between biological presentations on local marine mammals, sea birds, and fishes, along with mammal identification and life histories. Show less

Toronto, Ontario

As a member of the opening animal husbandry team during the construction phase I was involved in the transportation, acclimation, and handling of thousands of animals from both freshwater and marine habitats, ranging from live corals and various other invertebrates to large sharks, including Sand Tiger Shark and Sawfish. Pre-opening also included various plumbing and lighting projects, as well as construction of habitats. Both construction and opening phases included water quality… Show more As a member of the opening animal husbandry team during the construction phase I was involved in the transportation, acclimation, and handling of thousands of animals from both freshwater and marine habitats, ranging from live corals and various other invertebrates to large sharks, including Sand Tiger Shark and Sawfish. Pre-opening also included various plumbing and lighting projects, as well as construction of habitats. Both construction and opening phases included water quality testing, correction and maintenance; record keeping and daily observation of a variety of habitats; food preparation and management of the live harvesting of Artemia; diving in habitats via SCUBA, hookah, and free diving; dive and safety supervising; interviews for print and television; necropsy dissections and mortality reports; disease diagnosis, prevention, and drug administration; maintenance of habitat cleanliness; and training of new husbandry staff. I was personally responsible for the largest public jellyfish kreisel in the world, which houses the Pacific Sea Nettle, as well as the point person for the live food preparation and harvesting for the jellyfish gallery. Show less

Sidney, British Columbia

My responsibilities included directing and training new volunteers and staff in both education and husbandry departments, creating and presenting talks for the general public, interpretation of marine habitats, teaching school programs and summer camps for children ages 5 to 14 years old, water quality analysis, general record keeping, food preparation and feeding, monitoring of animal health, enrichment experiments with Giant Pacific Octopus, collection of new specimens by seine net, dipnet… Show more My responsibilities included directing and training new volunteers and staff in both education and husbandry departments, creating and presenting talks for the general public, interpretation of marine habitats, teaching school programs and summer camps for children ages 5 to 14 years old, water quality analysis, general record keeping, food preparation and feeding, monitoring of animal health, enrichment experiments with Giant Pacific Octopus, collection of new specimens by seine net, dipnet, and beachcombing. Show less

Doctor Of Philosophy (Phd), Ecology And Evolutionary Biology

Activities and Societies: BMSC Ambassador, BMSC Journal Club, BMSC Graduate Student Society, Canadian Ocean Awareness Student Network.

Bachelor Of Science (Bsc), Marine Biology And Oceanography

Activities and Societies: UVic Scuba Club, Ocean Students' Society, BMSC Ambassador BSc in Biology, Oceanography minor, Marine Biology.