I am currently pursuing an MSc in Ocean Sciences through Memorial University of Newfoundland under the joint mentorship of Drs. Rachel Sipler and Sue Ziegler. My research investigates the influence of terrestrial-derived dissolved organic matter (tDOM) on local microbial communities and the N and C cycling in boreal rivers and the associated coastal ocean. The aquatic microbial communities at the freshwater to marine interface are critical to the productivity ofin these systems and constitute the base of the food web. The influence of tDOM in these watersheds is predicted to increase in magnitude and complexity with climate changes, and the goals of this research are to elucidate the interactions and responses of local marine microbes to that ecosystem change.
Previously, I completed a BSc in Biology and Environmental Science (Hons.) from Mount Allison University (New Brunswick, Canada), where I worked with Drs. Zoe Finkel, Andrew Irwin, Justin Liefer, and Rosie Sheward on understanding how the macromolecular composition of marine microalgae is related to environmental conditions and algal physiology. Specifically, my work investigated the macromolecular dynamics of a size range of centric diatom species under N and P limitation.
You can contact me by email at sjmfaulkner@mun.ca