Robyn Auld
Robyn Auld
Robyn Auld originally began an MSc in Environmental Science at Memorial, but recently changes over to a PhD in Biology. “I am currently studying Hairy Chinch Bugs (Blissus leucopterus hirtus), as a turfgrass pest, in order to better anticipate the effects of different climates on the life history of insect s and develop appropriate integrated pest management approaches.”
“I am originally from Ottawa, where I attended the University of Ottawa for an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science with a concentration in Biodiversity and Conservation. During the last two years of my B.Sc., I also worked in Soil and Water Systems at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) centre in Ottawa. It was there that I completed my Honours project on Microscale relationships between Escherichia coli and soil environmental gradients.”
”I have always enjoyed academics, and the opportunity to challenge myself at a higher level was appealing. I have a great interest in the natural world and in sharing what I have learned with others. Having a graduate degree will allow me greater opportunities (hopefully) to pursue a multitude of career options.”
“Having completed my B.Sc. in Ottawa, I knew I wanted to reach out and experience culture in another area of Canada. The Atlantic region has a welcoming atmosphere! I was impressed with both the campus and the teachers at Memorial and I was enticed by the opportunity I had to collaborate with scientists at AAFC at the Atlantic Cool Climate Research Centre. Besides, who could resist being so close to the Ocean?!”
“Since my arrival at Memorial my co-supervisors (Dr. Murray Colbo in Biology at Memorial and Dr. Peggy Dixon at AAFC) have gone out of their way to make me feel welcome and to accommodate my research needs. Despite being a large University, Memorial has achieved a personal feeling, and I know the department and the university are behind me and my research. Living in St. John’s has given me greater insight into the characteristics that make Newfoundland unique. Now more than ever, I recognize the diversity of both the people and the natural world within Canada and this makes me more proud than ever to be Canadian. (As a bonus, I also met my future husband here and we are getting married this November!)”
“In my spare time, I have been playing Ultimate Frisbee since my arrival in St. John’s and am a huge advocate of this co-ed, self officiated, non-contact sport. Recently I have become president of the 150+ member organization in Newfoundland and Labrador and am looking forward to growing the league this summer. I also work for FutureSet in a program called Girl Quest, in which I help deliver scientific programming to girls between grades 2-8 on Saturdays.”
In 2004, Robyn received honourable mention from the Entomological Society of Canada for some of my preliminary work on Hairy Chinch Bugs.
“There are so many career paths out there I would hate to lock myself into just one! I have always enjoyed teaching and feel that scientific literacy and educational resource development are areas in which I could achieve great satisfaction. My current research is also cultivating my interest in integrated pest management. I can’t wait to see where life will take me after my degree is completed!”