Student Employment Opportunity - Herbarium

Description of Organization
The Claude E. Garton Herbarium includes a near-complete collection of gymnosperm,
angiosperm, bryophyte, pteridophyte, and lichen species found across northern Ontario along
with housing a large collection of species from all over Canada and around the world. This
extensive collection, acts as an ecological catalogue of Northern Ontario, allowing for trends in
biodiversity to be tracked over time through the detailed mapping of collected specimens. The
curated collection acts as a reference for identifying species and attributing new taxon changes
to species currently under review. The C.E.G. Herbarium plays a supporting role in research
involving botanical aspects, through the use of our collection and expertise, we are able to
instruct researchers on appropriate identification, collection, and preservation techniques to
further their own objectives. The C.E.G. Herbarium participates in a variety of outreach events
involving elementary and high-school students in order to educate and attempt to pique interest
in the ecology and biology of plants. The herbarium is also a resource for organizations such as
EcoSuperior, Thunder Bay Field Naturalists, National and Provincial Parks. Our website is:
http://www.lkhdherbarium.ca/

Description of Position
The individual, under the direction of the Acting Curator and working closely with other staff and
researchers will be devoted to the bryophyte collection. The successful candidate will focus on
cataloging collection of bryophtyes (and hepatics) including the development of a database and
digitization of the vouchers. This position will include the identification and updating of
taxonomic changes in addition to the collection, preservation and maintenance of vouchers.
Responsibilities would also include contributions to and the development of herbarium projects
through iNaturalist, provide auxiliary support to other researchers at Lakehead University, and
general upkeep of the facility.

The ideal candidate is highly dedicated and detail-oriented with the ability to work as a member
of a team. An individual is sought who has basic knowledge of plant taxonomy and systematics
with interest/experience in bryophytes an asset. Previous experience in digital macro
photography would be ideal but training will be provided. The candidate will be expected to
adhere to herbarium protocols, communicate with their supervisor and colleagues effectively.

To be considered for this position, please send your resume with a cover letter to:


Kristi Dysievick, Acting Curator
Claude E. Garton Herbarium
Centennial Building CB3027
phone : (807) 343-8593
Email: Kedysiev@lakeheadu.ca
Deadline for application: September 25, 2019

Introducing a New Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Club!

The Department of Biology is excited to welcome a new LUSU club to the Thunder Bay campus: The Lakehead University Applied Life Sciences Club (LUAPLS).

The Executive Team is currently looking for additional members to join their team.

Available positions include:

• Events Coordinator (1)
• 1st-year Representative (1)
• 2nd-year Representative (1)
• 3rd-year Representative (1)
• 4th-year Representative (1)

Application Deadline: Friday, January 25, 2019

To express your interest in an available position, please email LUAPLS President, Nikisah Hendrickson-Alexander, at nhendric@lakeheadu.ca and include the following in your email: 

1. Subject line: LUALPS Executive Position,

2. Information about yourself, and

3. Why you'll be an excellent fit for the team.

Thank you to both the Lakehead Association of Biology Students (L.A.B.S.) and LUAPLS for enriching student life!

EcoSuperior Summer Day Camps Visits the Biology Department

The Department of Biology hosted the EcoSuperior Day Campers for an afternoon of botanical discoveries.  After touring the Claude E. Garton Herbarium (LKHD) to learn about plant preservation, archiving, storage, and digitization, the campers learned about plant identification.  With dichotomous keys in hand, teams headed to the John W. Haggerty Arboretum for a scavenger hunt activity.

Special thanks to our summer student and Biology Major with a Concentration in Plant Sciences,  Myles Cummins, for helping out the biology technicians (S.Walford, K.Dysievick) with the planning and running of this activity.  We are hoping to see some of the camp participants here at Lakehead University in a few years!