Environmental DNA workshop (Queen's University)
This eDNA workshop provides a broad overview of the approaches used in eDNA studies for both single-species and multi-species detections. This five-day course benefits those interested in undertaking or overseeing eDNA studies, or evaluating research proposals and research, especially in management and monitoring applications. The workshop includes lectures, field and hands-on training (qPCR, ddPCR, PCR and agarose gel). We offer a background on sources and fates of eDNA in the environment, methods and applications with emphasis on design, implementation, analysis and interpretation of species-specific and multi-species eDNA approaches. We cover advantages and limitations of each, as well as the precautions needed through the whole process to get robust data. We provide a manual that includes method overviews, field and lab protocols, links to key web resources, and useful literature. Participants receive a Queen's University Faculty of Arts and Sciences micro-credential.
Guest speakers (2022): Dr. Elizabeth Clare (York University) and Dr. Robert Hanner (University of Guelph)
Ecology of Spring field course (Ontario Universities Program in Field Biology)
Spring is a pivotal season for temperate organisms, a time for return from wintering grounds or emergence from hibernacula, for mating and reproduction, and for germination and flowering for spring wildflowers. In week 1, on successive days we introduced students to the ecology and wonderful local diversity of Eastern Ontario of key taxonomic groups (amphibians, reptiles, birds, wildflowers, pond invertebrates) through a mix of lectures, student presentations, hikes, and hands-on field exercises. They also participated to the Student Network for Amphibian Pathogen Surveillance activity. In week 2 we focused on research projects where groups of students formulated their own hypotheses based on observations in week 1 and in consultation with instructors and peers, designed experiments, and gathered and analyzed data.
Biology field course BIOL307 (guest speaker) (Queen's University, Kingston)
I was invited to give a short presentation on bat captures and non invasive collection of guano, and discuss with students on fieldwork challenges.
