Sara Abate is no stranger to hard work and meeting challenges head-on. That’s why, when the third-year University of Waterloo honours science student was given the chance to take her studies outdoors on a research project with DUC, she jumped in with both feet.
From May to August this summer, Abate collected water, air samples and while collecting data at 16 different wetland sites from Cambridge to Petrolia. She was hand-picked for the role by her lab professor to assist DUC’s research institute on a project funded through the federal government’s Climate Action and Awareness Fund.
Often dressed in hip waders, Abate collected both filtered and unfiltered samples, took water level, PH, dissolved oxygen and temperature readings and entered data. The readings were then sent to two different laboratories. It was her first time conducting field work, which came with an added bonus of being directly connected to her earth sciences discipline.
“This summer I learned what field work is all about,” says Abate. “I was trained by and worked with incredible people dedicated to conservation work and that was my favourite part. I really enjoyed the work and felt I contributed to something positive.”
I was trained by and worked with incredible people dedicated to conservation work and that was my favourite part. I really enjoyed the work and felt I contributed to something positive.
DUC research biologist Bryan Page trained and supervised Sara’s work this summer and was impressed by her curiosity, enthusiasm and eagerness to learn.
“Sara was exceptionally mature and with her attention to detail,” says Page. ”I knew she could be trusted to bring back accurate data for the study. Although she didn’t have experience in wetlands, she asked a lot of questions and wanted to apply her academic training to the research. Sara was a real help to us.”
Wading through wetlands in the summer might not be everyone’s idea of a great time, but Abate appreciated the experience she had, thanks to DUC.
“Sure, it was challenging,” says Abate. “There’s the heat, the bugs and the long hours, but when you look at the bigger picture, it’s the kind of work that matters. Now I have a bigger appreciation for those who work in this field, and I want to work in conservation in the future.”
This is the first year of a multi-year nationwide research project that DUC is co-leading with Dr. Irena Creed from the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus and several other academic institutions.
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