Piper McWilliam (biology)
As an environmental and sustainability co-op student working with the Prince Rupert Port Authority, Piper McWilliam did everything from monitoring the presence of invasive species to looking at underwater noise from passenger ships in the harbour, and so much more.
In this photo, she is conducting a vertical net tow to capture zooplankton in Todd Inlet. Sampling zooplankton is necessary to monitor for the larval stages of aquatic invasive species, such as European Green Crabs.
Monitoring water quality
As part of my co-op, I carried out ecological sampling and participated in local and national monitoring programs.
Throughout the summer I trapped and sampled zooplankton to monitor for aquatic invasive species such as the European Green Crab. I also sampled marine environmental water quality to look at the effects of development on the Skeena River estuary, and collected data on dustfall and wet deposition to monitor the effects of development on local residences.
I also had the opportunity to support ongoing biological monitoring and took on new sampling projects such as underwater noise collection for large passenger ships in the Prince Rupert harbour.
Promoting environmental initiatives
Throughout the summer, I wrote and published information campaigns to encourage Prince Rupert Port Authority staff to engage with port environmental initiatives, compensation project updates, and even local species identification.
I also conducted research on new green initiatives and restoration projects to be shown to the executive committee in the early fall.
These projects will help the Prince Rupert Port Authority to maintain existing green certifications like the Green Marine program and to secure ISO 14001:2015 certification.
Exploring biodiversity
In my final weeks as a co-op student, I had the opportunity to expand on an existing project and design an intertidal biodiversity forecasting model using seven years of historical data.
The goal of this project is to predict changes and trends in biodiversity over time, contribute to the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s ongoing species registry, and to hopefully inform future decisions of development around Kaien and Ridley Island.
Seeing the impact of my studies
Working with the Prince Rupert Port Authority allowed me to improve the skills learned through my time at UVic such as statistics, ecological sampling, and research.
I was fortunate in my time as a co-op student to be able to work with many port partners, departments, and even other summer students to learn new skills and have many new experiences.
I have developed competencies in intertidal species identification, scientific communication and public speaking, navigating and sampling in the field, and working on vessels. I feel that this experience with the Prince Rupert Port Authority has equipped me to tackle new challenges and find success in future coursework and opportunities at UVic.
The co-op advantage
I would wholeheartedly recommend co-op to other students who may be considering it.
Aside from an opportunity to gain school credit, co-op provides a chance to network with like-minded individuals in your field, gain new skills, have new experiences, and ultimately find your passion.
As an aspiring marine biologist, I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to connect with organizations like OceanWise, OceanNetworks Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and many others.
My experiences in co-op so far have allowed me into some amazing environments from thriving intertidal beaches to bustling construction zones to even the engine room on a bulk container ship at anchorage.
I feel that my experiences so far with co-op have prepared me to handle challenges and find success in my future opportunities, and I am excited to see what’s in store!