Mary Jane

Moses

Biology student Mary Jane Moses is studying one of the most complex processes through one of the simplest organisms.

Working with unicellular green algae, she's able to test theories of habitat selection and add to her understanding of evolutionary ecology, a field which long ago captured her interests in biodiversity, the great outdoors and scientific inquiry.

Why are evolutionary studies important?

"Plants, animals, humans - we're all dependent on the same resources," explains Moses, "so we have to have an appreciation and an understanding of the natural systems as well the impacts we have on them."

Her "average" day begins at 7 in the morning, when she tends to her algal cultures in the laboratory. Outside the lab, Moses balances her GA/teaching assistance, group meetings, and various duties as part of the evolutionary-ecological research team. She also gets to spend some time outside doing fieldwork, for which she always comes prepared.

"Always plan for the unexpected," advises Moses. "You never know what's going to happen."

She adds that major benefits of the biology program are the hands-on opportunities. Moses has had many chances to assist professors beyond the scope of her project, which greatly increases her skill set for future opportunities. Additionally, she has worked with members of the Faculty of Natural Resources Management, assists with research in Nunavut, and will soon be off to Ottawa to attend the Canadian Society of Ecology and Evolution's first ever Joint Congress on Evolutionary Biology . "It's the largest in 100 years with researchers attending from all over North America and Europe."

Though undecided at this point whether she'll continue on her academic stream to PhD studies or pursue a working career upon graduation, Moses is confident that her experience at Lakehead and well-earned skill set has left her with many prospects.