CV
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My research centers on subtidal benthic marine ecosystems, using kelp forests and particularly the interactions between kelp and sea urchins to address questions of benthic primary productivity, herbivory, ecosystem services and the impacts of changing ocean conditions. I am particularly interested in the interactions between an organism and its environment, and my research focuses on the role that behaviour plays in modifying these interactions, using diverse techniques including acoustic telemetry, SCUBA diving and remotely deployed cameras. |
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Education
PhD in Biology
2020 : PhD in biology (direct transfer from Masters of Biology program finalized in January 2013), Laval University (Quebec)
Dissertation : Individual- and population-level responses to the environment: Environmental modification of movement behaviour in the green sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis
Advisor : Dr. Ladd E. Johnson (Laval University)
B. Sc., Biology (with distinction)
2005 : B. Sc. in Biology (with distinction), University of Victoria (British Columbia), Concentration in marine biology including a session of field-based courses at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Center
PhD in Biology
2020 : PhD in biology (direct transfer from Masters of Biology program finalized in January 2013), Laval University (Quebec)
Dissertation : Individual- and population-level responses to the environment: Environmental modification of movement behaviour in the green sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis
Advisor : Dr. Ladd E. Johnson (Laval University)
B. Sc., Biology (with distinction)
2005 : B. Sc. in Biology (with distinction), University of Victoria (British Columbia), Concentration in marine biology including a session of field-based courses at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Center
Professional experience
Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Chris McKindsey - Mont-Joli, Québec
October 2022 to present
Biologist (BI-02) – Design research projects using many methodologies including acoustic telemetry, diving, video and still images, dive collections, dissections; Analyze data and write scientific articles presenting the results; Organize all aspects of field work; Pariticipate in field work (diver, boat captain, surface assistant, or other duties as necessary); Manage research budgets and spending.
Laval University – Québec, Québec
January 2021 – January 2022 (co-directed by Philippe Archambault and Chris McKindsey)
Postdoctoral researcher – combine research objectives from acoustic telemetry work in the Saint Lawrence and work on Arctic Kelp forests to address questions of seasonal dynamics of subtidal kelp beds, and apply this information to predicting the responses of Arctic kelp forests to future climate change. In particular, use the rapidly changing boreal system of the Saint Lawrence as a laboratory to explore the impacts of changing ocean conditions on benthic productivity and population dynamics.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Ocean Protection Plan funded project - Mont-Joli, Québec
January 2019 to October 2022
Biologist (BI-02) contract for post-doctoral project – Design research project to explore the seasonal dynamics of subtidal benthic macroinvertebrate communities on the North Shore of the Saint Lawrence (Godbout, Québec) combining acoustic telemetry and in situ observational data; Responsible for analysis of data and redaction of scientific articles presenting the results; Organize all aspects of field work; Dive to perform various sampling tasks as part of the field team (transects, equipment retrieval, etc.).
Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Mont-Joli, Québec
July to November 2017
Environmental Technician (EG) and Diver – Dive to perform various sampling tasks as part of the field team (transects, equipment retrieval, etc.). Captain small boats and ensure the safety of on-board operations.
Ministère des forêts, de la faune et des parcs (MFFP) – Quebec, Quebec
July 2016 to September 2018
Biologist – Analyze data from a long-term monitoring program to determine the magnitude of mortality caused by wind turbines in Quebec. Write a peer-reviewed article and a scientific report presenting the results of the analysis. Organize repairs at all modified hibernacula sites for which the MFFP is responsible.
Laval University, Biology Department – Quebec, Quebec
May 2011 to present
Dive Safety Officer and Team leader – Supervise all diving activities at Laval University. Train and certify new members of the dive team. Develop and implement security guidelines and practices. Organize field seasons including SCUBA diving operations for the lab's dive team. Supervise field assistants.
Environment Canada – Gatineau, Quebec
September to October 2015 (Contract number: 3000589087)
Professional services (short-term professional contract) to develop English common names for sponges, corals, decapods, sea urchins and sea cucumbers – Performed literature and database searches for existing common names and harmonized cases where multiple names existed. Translated latin names and based the creation of new names on these translations. Deliverable included spreadsheets with references, existing names (including sources), translation and suggestion of new name to be adopted.
Laval University Biology Department – Quebec, Quebec
September 2011 to May 2014
Teaching assistant (Invertebrate Zoology x 2, Diversity and Ecology of Plants x 2, and Marine Field Ecology) – Teach and present material pertaining to the identification, taxonomy, and physiology of invertebrates and plants. Assist professors and technicians responsible for labs with the preparation and presentation of material. Lead groups in field explorations of the marine intertidal zone, including identification of invertebrates and discussion of ecological concepts. Evaluate students.
Quebec Aquarium – Quebec, Quebec
May 2007 to May 2011
Aquarist and Naturalist – Developed jellyfish cultures and improved husbandry techniques for cnidarians at the Aquarium. Dove and performed both underwater presentations and maintenance. Led guided tours and presented scientific information to the general public.
Ministry of the Environment – Victoria, British Columbia
January to April 2003; September 2003 to April 2004
Species at Risk assistant – Gathered current information on species at risk in British Columbia, including status and background information on the species, the status of the provincial management plan and the composition and contact information for the recovery teams. Created a database and a process for updating the information gathered. Wrote a draft management plan for a species at risk (Bidens amplissima).
Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Chris McKindsey - Mont-Joli, Québec
October 2022 to present
Biologist (BI-02) – Design research projects using many methodologies including acoustic telemetry, diving, video and still images, dive collections, dissections; Analyze data and write scientific articles presenting the results; Organize all aspects of field work; Pariticipate in field work (diver, boat captain, surface assistant, or other duties as necessary); Manage research budgets and spending.
Laval University – Québec, Québec
January 2021 – January 2022 (co-directed by Philippe Archambault and Chris McKindsey)
Postdoctoral researcher – combine research objectives from acoustic telemetry work in the Saint Lawrence and work on Arctic Kelp forests to address questions of seasonal dynamics of subtidal kelp beds, and apply this information to predicting the responses of Arctic kelp forests to future climate change. In particular, use the rapidly changing boreal system of the Saint Lawrence as a laboratory to explore the impacts of changing ocean conditions on benthic productivity and population dynamics.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Ocean Protection Plan funded project - Mont-Joli, Québec
January 2019 to October 2022
Biologist (BI-02) contract for post-doctoral project – Design research project to explore the seasonal dynamics of subtidal benthic macroinvertebrate communities on the North Shore of the Saint Lawrence (Godbout, Québec) combining acoustic telemetry and in situ observational data; Responsible for analysis of data and redaction of scientific articles presenting the results; Organize all aspects of field work; Dive to perform various sampling tasks as part of the field team (transects, equipment retrieval, etc.).
Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Mont-Joli, Québec
July to November 2017
Environmental Technician (EG) and Diver – Dive to perform various sampling tasks as part of the field team (transects, equipment retrieval, etc.). Captain small boats and ensure the safety of on-board operations.
Ministère des forêts, de la faune et des parcs (MFFP) – Quebec, Quebec
July 2016 to September 2018
Biologist – Analyze data from a long-term monitoring program to determine the magnitude of mortality caused by wind turbines in Quebec. Write a peer-reviewed article and a scientific report presenting the results of the analysis. Organize repairs at all modified hibernacula sites for which the MFFP is responsible.
Laval University, Biology Department – Quebec, Quebec
May 2011 to present
Dive Safety Officer and Team leader – Supervise all diving activities at Laval University. Train and certify new members of the dive team. Develop and implement security guidelines and practices. Organize field seasons including SCUBA diving operations for the lab's dive team. Supervise field assistants.
Environment Canada – Gatineau, Quebec
September to October 2015 (Contract number: 3000589087)
Professional services (short-term professional contract) to develop English common names for sponges, corals, decapods, sea urchins and sea cucumbers – Performed literature and database searches for existing common names and harmonized cases where multiple names existed. Translated latin names and based the creation of new names on these translations. Deliverable included spreadsheets with references, existing names (including sources), translation and suggestion of new name to be adopted.
Laval University Biology Department – Quebec, Quebec
September 2011 to May 2014
Teaching assistant (Invertebrate Zoology x 2, Diversity and Ecology of Plants x 2, and Marine Field Ecology) – Teach and present material pertaining to the identification, taxonomy, and physiology of invertebrates and plants. Assist professors and technicians responsible for labs with the preparation and presentation of material. Lead groups in field explorations of the marine intertidal zone, including identification of invertebrates and discussion of ecological concepts. Evaluate students.
Quebec Aquarium – Quebec, Quebec
May 2007 to May 2011
Aquarist and Naturalist – Developed jellyfish cultures and improved husbandry techniques for cnidarians at the Aquarium. Dove and performed both underwater presentations and maintenance. Led guided tours and presented scientific information to the general public.
Ministry of the Environment – Victoria, British Columbia
January to April 2003; September 2003 to April 2004
Species at Risk assistant – Gathered current information on species at risk in British Columbia, including status and background information on the species, the status of the provincial management plan and the composition and contact information for the recovery teams. Created a database and a process for updating the information gathered. Wrote a draft management plan for a species at risk (Bidens amplissima).
Organization of international conferences, congresses and symposiums
Knowledge transfer and dissemination activities
Evaluation of articles for scientific journals (Reviewing)
Consulting and contract activities
Research development activities
Supervisory experience
Seminar programs and journal club
Languages spoken
English (mother tongue)
French (high level of spoken, read, and written French)
- Proposed and organized (as co-moderator) topical sessions on Arctic macrophytes at ArcticNet in both 2019 and 2020
- Proposed and organized a thematic symposium on northern macrophytes for the Journées nordiques de l’Institut Nordique du Québec
- Helped to organize the Benthic Ecology Meetings 2015 held in Québec City
Knowledge transfer and dissemination activities
- Documentary for the series ‘La Faune Connectée’; interviews and presentation of key results (episode 'Les invertébrés').
- Radio interview: Les scientifiques sur le terrain : qu’est-ce que le kelp? (Première Heure, 21 juin 2021)
- Presentation of a seminar to the Québec City Women’s Club (2020)
- Pond Inlet school outreach activities (September 2019)
- Wrote a communication piece / vulgarisation of the ArcticKelp research grant I collaborate with for Coastal Zone Canada, a non-peer reviewed journal
Evaluation of articles for scientific journals (Reviewing)
- Biological Invasions (1)
- Communications Biology (1)
- Human-Wildlife Interactions (1)
- Journal of Experimental Marine Biology (2)
- Marine Biology (3)
- Marine Ecology Progress Series (4)
- Naturaliste Canadien (1)
- Polar Biology (1)
Consulting and contract activities
- Help to develop and organize an annual scientific diving training course in collaboration with Explos Nature, a not-for-profit educational organization on the north shore of the St Lawrence. The course is held every May and prepares new scientific divers for participation in underwater research projects.
Research development activities
- Designed and tested new techniques for applying acoustic telemetry methods to marine invertebrates (particularly sea urchins), as part of my participation with the Ocean Protections Plan research project “Caractérisation des écosystèmes côtiers - Suivi du comportement saisonnier des macro-invertébrés benthiques à l’aide de la télémétrie”
- Organized and participated in several Arctic dive expeditions to sample kelp and associated invertebrates (a research cruise going from Qikiktarjuaq to St-Pierre-et-Miquelon; a cruise around Southampton Island; three weeks of diving out of Mittimatalik)
Supervisory experience
- Co-direct a Masters students as part of my collaboration with the ArcticKelp grant
- Manage all diving operations and safety at Université Laval, plan sampling, and train student divers for field teams (2011-present) composed of researchers, technicians, students, and summer assistants.
- Directed field experiments for Honour’s project (Initiation à la recherche) in 2013.
Seminar programs and journal club
- Organized and led a statistical discussion group at Laval University (2013 – 2018)
- Organized ecology journal club (2016 – 2019)
Languages spoken
English (mother tongue)
French (high level of spoken, read, and written French)
Statistical and computing skills
I am very comfortable with computers and enjoy learning new programs. I have a large amount of experience working with both PC and Macintosh platforms. I am skilled in R and have become a resource person for the members of my lab at Laval University for statistical and programming help. I also have experience with extracting data from digital images using the software ImageJ. I am good at using QGIS for both planning and analysis. I have experience with Acoustic Telemetry equipment (VEMCO) deployment and spatial data analysis (VPS data) using both QGIS and R.
I am very comfortable with computers and enjoy learning new programs. I have a large amount of experience working with both PC and Macintosh platforms. I am skilled in R and have become a resource person for the members of my lab at Laval University for statistical and programming help. I also have experience with extracting data from digital images using the software ImageJ. I am good at using QGIS for both planning and analysis. I have experience with Acoustic Telemetry equipment (VEMCO) deployment and spatial data analysis (VPS data) using both QGIS and R.
- MS Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint
- MAC OS X and Windows 10
- SAS/STAT
- R / Rstudio / Emacs / Sublime
- QGIS
- ImageJ (including the plugin MTrackJ)
- Nortek programs (Vector and AWAC)
- Hoboware
- StarOddi SeaStar software
- Castaway software
- VEMCO Vue and Fathom Software
Skills and certifications
SCUBA diving – more than 1500 dives, with more than 1200 of those scientific dives
Dive Instructeur (CMAS M1* 2018)
Divemaster (CMAS P4/P5 2015)
Rescue diver (NAUII 2013)
CMAS** (2007)
CMAS biology certification (2009)
First aid/CPR (2023)
Oxygen Administration (2023)
Small Vessel Operator Proficiency certificate (SVOP) – Coast Guard/Transport Canada (2011)
Vehicle lourd – DFO (2021)
Transport of dangerous materials certificate – DFO (2019)
SIMDUT (2023)
Wilderness First aid (Slipstream, 2005, 1 week intensive course aimed at wilderness guides)
Northern Quebec: Issues, Spaces and Cultures MOOC: a course that offers an introduction to sociopolitical issues of Northern Quebec that is the ancestral territory of many Aboriginal peoples.
Drivers license class 5 (2004)
SCUBA diving – more than 1500 dives, with more than 1200 of those scientific dives
Dive Instructeur (CMAS M1* 2018)
Divemaster (CMAS P4/P5 2015)
Rescue diver (NAUII 2013)
CMAS** (2007)
CMAS biology certification (2009)
First aid/CPR (2023)
Oxygen Administration (2023)
Small Vessel Operator Proficiency certificate (SVOP) – Coast Guard/Transport Canada (2011)
Vehicle lourd – DFO (2021)
Transport of dangerous materials certificate – DFO (2019)
SIMDUT (2023)
Wilderness First aid (Slipstream, 2005, 1 week intensive course aimed at wilderness guides)
Northern Quebec: Issues, Spaces and Cultures MOOC: a course that offers an introduction to sociopolitical issues of Northern Quebec that is the ancestral territory of many Aboriginal peoples.
Drivers license class 5 (2004)
Kathleen MacGregor
Institut Maurice-Lamontagne | Maurice Lamontagne Institute
Pêches et Océans Canada | Fisheries and Oceans Canada
850 Rte de la Mer, Sainte-Flavie, QC G5H 3Z4
[email protected] / [email protected]
Institut Maurice-Lamontagne | Maurice Lamontagne Institute
Pêches et Océans Canada | Fisheries and Oceans Canada
850 Rte de la Mer, Sainte-Flavie, QC G5H 3Z4
[email protected] / [email protected]
