How did she land at CEOS?  “Through a long list of jobs that built on each other,” she says. Debbie began research with a summer position in a pituitary lab focusing on regulating thyroid hormones. The following summer she worked at DFO where she found herself busy sampling water, dust and soil in a farmer’s field in Miami Manitoba, testing for the environmental fate of applied pesticide and herbicides in the local environment. This was the beginning of the path leading to CEOS. Her journey along the way took her to other programs such as genome mapping of barley for hops, and DNA paternity testing, but in 2001 she found herself back at DFO to analyze organic contaminants in fish, water and air samples. In 2006 she joined Dr. Wang’s team and the rest is history. 

Like her favorite SuperHero, Debbie still does a little bit of everything. On the 5^th floor of Wallace, you can often find her answering technical questions, working on new methods, ensuring Lab Safety and Health protocols are in place, writing papers to publish and teaching Environmental Chemistry at the UofM. Loving research, field work, and trying to solve problems while finding answers (and more questions), Debbie says she is now living the dream and that she truly has the best job.  Anyone who knows her can easily validate that statement as she is always at work with an enthusiastic smile on her face.

Q&A 

What do you do at CEOS?

I am the Lab Manager for the UCTEL (Ultra Clean Trace Element Laboratory).  My responsibilities include the operations of the UCTEL lab, analysis of samples, instrument maintenance, operating and sampling procedures, as well as training of new students and staff.  I am involved with the planning of field programs, developing sampling protocols, sample collection and the maintenance and packing of equipment for the field.  I am also the WHMIS coordinator for the Department of E&G, a member of the Faculty LASH (Local Area Safety and Health) committee, and I am the course instructor for Environmental Chemistry.

What’s the focus of your research?

Our research focuses on trace elements, mercury speciation and major ions in terms of anions. 

Favorite subject when you were in school?

Math, I  liked getting the correct answers.

If you could be a SuperHero, what SuperHero would you be?

Elastigirl.  She’s always doing so many things at once.  Holding a baby, fighting off the bad guys, cooking dinner.  That’s what I do.  (laughs)

What puts a smile on your face?

Kids playing in the snow.

Place you’d like to visit and why.

Anywhere in Iceland

Something you do better than anyone else (or most people) you know:

I’m a crazy multi-tasker.  Also, most people know where I always am.  I have a loud voice.

Something you appreciate or admire in another person:

I really like people who remain patient and calm.

Coffee or tea?

Latte only

Favorite snack?

Pretzels with hummus.

A goal:

That’s hard to say.  Right now I’m living the dream.  I have had so many opportunities to try things out and I am really happy where I have landed.

Favorite TV show:

Father Brown.  It’s a really good mystery show.

One thing not too many people may know about you:

That I have had so many different jobs before I worked at CEOS.  And that sometimes I do whisper.

Advice to students:

Do the things you want to do now.  You have to love what you do.

CEOS is excited to welcome Katelyn Rodgers, Master’s student (supervised by David Barber & Greg McCullough) to our team.  Let’s get to know her a little better with this week’s Coffee with a Co-worker.

Master’s student: Katelyn Rodgers

Studying in: Centre for Earth Observation Science (CEOS), Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources

Advisor: David Barber

Where are you from?

Winnipeg

Why did you choose CEOS?

In my last term of Undergrad I took a 3000 Environmental course, and did a research course with CJ Mundy.  We looked at what is going on underneath ice with phosphorus and chlorophyll levels during the fall, winter, and spring seasons.  That led me to looking at CEOS’ website and I saw Greg McCullough’s profile and the papers he published. His research really interested me, so I contacted him to find out if he accepted any students, and he put me in touch with David Barber.

What’s the focus of your research at CEOS?

Right now I am researching Freshwater Science, mainly focusing on the Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipegosis Watershed, and am looking to see how land use can impact water quality in rivers and streams.

What kind of water do you drink?

I prefer tap water, I don’t mind well water, but am not a fan of bottled water.

If you could be a SuperHero, what SuperHero would you be?

There’s no particular SuperHero that I would like to be but I am a huge fan of Matilida.  She gets to move objects. But if I can have a particular power it would have to be water bending.

Do you have any hobbies?

Gym, yoga, and I like reading books. This past summer I tried kick boxing. I am part of Ducks Unlimited U of M Wetlanders Student Chapter. When I am not busy, I volunteer at Parkland Mews where I get to work with Peregrine Falcons. I also love to dance.  Up until 5 years ago, I danced competitively in hip hop, lyrical and jazz.  I got to travel to different states each year for dance competitions, such as Minnesota and Chicago, and my team placed first for a few dance numbers. I would really love to get back into dance when I have more spare time!

What book are you currently reading?

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon.

Place you’d like to visit and why.

I would love to visit Europe, particularly Ireland to see the castles. New Zealand sounds like a really cool place to visit as well.

What puts a smile on your face:

A lot of things.  I think overall I am a pretty happy person.  Every day is a good day, you just have to find those good parts of the day.

What did you want to be as a kid?

I have always been interested in Science, but I also thought I would be a fashion designer or a Mechanic.  I found a lot of things interesting!

Coffee or tea:

Neither. But I do love my hot chocolate.

Salty or sweet:

Sweet.  Definitely sweet.  Pastries.  Aka. Pie

Favorite Holiday:

Halloween. I love dressing up and it’s my B-day!  (Author’s note: Look for Katelyn on Halloween, she gave me a preview of her costume and if she comes to CEOS dressed up, it’s going to be awesome!)

One thing not too many people may know about you:

I am a huge water bug.  My parents put me in the water at 3 months old and I have lived around water most of my life.  For many summers I worked as a lifeguard at beaches and pools, I’m not doing that anymore but then I became involved with water in water studies. The last few years I have been working with the Province of Manitoba obtaining water quality samples as part of their Beach Program, taking samples for E.coli levels and algae blooms, and their Long-Term Water Quality Program, taking water samples of various rivers around the Province.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

In a field that relates to water quality.

What led up to your time with us at CEOS?

During my Undergrad, I worked for a Professor, Dr. Peter Lee, who had a big influence on me. During my time working for Peter, we had a project working with a First Nations community west of Thunder Bay. The community was downstream from an abandoned mine. The community was concerned about mercury in their country food and how mercury in the food they were eating might be affecting their health. Working on this project for 2 years was an extremely positive experience and made me realize that I wanted a career where I worked on projects that meaningful engaged and involved Indigenous communities.

How did you end up at CEOS? 

I was always fascinated with the North and the Arctic in particular.  When I moved to Manitoba in 2012 I knew I wanted to do my Master’s. I was searching for a Supervisor whose research I was interested in and who worked closely with Inuit Communities.  Through my research, I discovered this amazing, world-renowned Arctic Research Centre right in Winnipeg and connected with Dr. Kuzyk.

What’s the focus of your research?

Initially when I started my masters, I was fascinated with sediment and what we can learn from the sedimentary record.  I’m still interested in this, but I am now expanding my research to projects that aim to understand the oceanography and the physical properties of marine coastal environments and how the physical environment (currents, tides, etc.) influences the cycling of nutrients and carbon and on the entire marine ecosystems. I think this is really interesting!

What is the most unusual type of food you have eaten in the field?

Honestly, I will eat pretty much anything. Nothing really phases me.  I grew up in Northwestern Ontario where my parents did a lot of hunting and fishing, and I always spent part of my summers on my grandparents’ cattle farm in western Manitoba. I think I’ve pretty much ate it all including my dad’s favourite…moose heart roast (I don’t recommend it!).  In the field, I have been lucky enough to be offered fresh seal and Ptarmigan meat.

What communities have you worked with?

These past couple of years I have mostly worked in communities around Hudson Bay.  I’ve done quite a bit of work in Chesterfield Inlet.

What do you find is a highlight when you get an opportunity to work with various communities?

Making friendships, and being exposed to a different culture, a different way of life.  We can learn so much from them, from just spending time out on the land together.  So many great research projects have developed out of conversations with Inuit hunters and communities, because they are concerned about something or noticed a change in their region, and when we all come together; it turns into some really interesting and valuable research.

I’m also always amazed at how kind people are in the north.  One of my most recent field trips to Naujaat, people in the community were so concerned about us going out on the ice in the cold that they showed up at our hotel with fur clothing to borrow.

 If you could be a SuperHero, what SuperHero would you be?

Thor

What puts a smile on your face?

My dog.  Although maybe I should say my husband (laughs).

Place you’d like to visit and why.

The West coast.  I’ve just never been there.

Donuts or Cookies?

Cookies

Coffee or Tea?

Coffee.  Black.

Something you appreciate or admire in another person:

When people are able to stand up and talk in front of large groups of people.

One thing not too many people may know about you:

My first name is Christina.

After completing her studies, Pardis moved to India for her Master’s in Environmental Science.  In her second year she taught 1^st year Master students Waste Water/Treatment Plan Design at the University of Mysore.  From India, Pardis travelled to Malaysia where she received her PhD in Environmental Pollution Control, worked as an Environmental Consultant in Oil Spills, and taught English.

In an effort to get to know our team members a little more, CEOS sat down with Pardis to ask her what her goals are, how she likes her coffee and why she chose the work she does.

Postdoctoral Fellow: Pardis Karimialavijeh

Studying in: Centre for Earth Observation Science (CEOS), Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources

Advisor: Gary Stern, Research Professor

Why did you choose CEOS?

I read that the Government of Canada was funding Oil Spill projects, and about that time I saw Dr. Gary Stern’s posting for researchers to study crude oil spills.  I was excited because that is exactly related to my PhD.

What’s the focus of your research?

My research focuses on the control and remediation of soil and marine hydrocarbon pollution, (ie. Oil).   I am primarily interested in pollution remediation using microorganisms, as well as the study of the bioremediation capability of bacteria.

What is it that fascinates you about this field?

I believe in balance and I think apart from the constant natural cycles occurring in the world we are expediting this change.  Having said that, petroleum contaminants are one of the major Environmental Contaminants.  I’ve always been looking for a more environmental friendly way of cleaning up and I think working with microorganisms to cope with this and looking at their genetics, how they change and adapt themselves to these stressors really fascinates me.

What is the best part of your job here?

I love what I do, I am not just in the field or in the labs, but it’s a good mixture of both.  When you’re involved with both and have an idea, you can implement that idea.

What did you want to be as a kid?

My Father was a Mechanical Engineer and my Mom holds two degrees, one in Nursing and one as an Analytical Chemist, so I grew up surrounded by a mixture of everything.  Initially I wanted to be a Biologist, so I chose Agriculture Engineering. 

If you could be a SuperHero, what SuperHero would you be?

I’d like to be a vampire.  They’re really powerful.

A goal:

I want to teach.  I would like to work in the Academic Field teaching Biodegration of Hydrocarbons.

Favorite TV show:

Friends, Big Bang Theory.  And I love Family Guy.

One thing not too many people may know about you:

I love technology, I’m a bit of a gadget freak.  I am also an Animal Rights Activist.  I have done Dog Rescues for over 10 years.  I don’t anymore, it’s a very emotional job.

Coffee or tea?

Coffee!  I am addicted to Starbucks.  I love all the flavored coffees, Mocha, French Vanilla and Caramel Macchiato. 

Any particular food you miss from home?

There is a really good dish in Iran, it’s like a rice and herb stew.  But because I have lived in so many places, I’ve learned to be flexible, and adapt to my new culture.  Every culture has really good dishes.  You can’t find curry like you can in India.

Favorite Canadian food?

Ribs.