Sault native researching insects in Panama
(http://www.saultstar.com) Julie Helson is no stranger to books and bugs.
The Sir James Dunn graduate is busy this summer, researching at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama City, Panama. Her stay abroad is part of her PhD in ecology and evolutionary biology, which she's taking at the University of Toronto. Helson is looking at the impact humans have on aquatic life.
By comparing species in Panamanian rivers -- some more polluted than others -- variations can be noted. "We see how insect communities are changing in different areas," Helson said in a telephone interview.
By meshing the results with the amount of pollution -- often caused by dumping raw sewage into the river -- the impact of human activity can be measured.
Helson started going to Panama while studying for a master's degree in plant sciences at McGill University. Her past research dealt with brightly-coloured tropical beetles and their possible use in the fight against cancer.
Her two years at McGill and first two years of her PhD were covered by a scholarship from the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. Quite a feat, considering four years tuition is the maximum the federal agency can dish out.
"It's nice, because I can focus on my research and not worry (about a second job)." she said. "That's why I'm here."
The 28-year-old has received her fair share of academic awards over the years. Throughout her high school and university career, straight- A's were the norm.
"She has always given 110 per cent," said father Blair, who's a retired scientist for Natural Resources Canada. "Julie has always worked hard," said mother Susan. "We're extremely proud of her."
Living in Central America has been a wonderful experience, said Helson, who works near the Panama Canal. Not only is the weather unbeatable, she also met her husband, Erick Sarmiento, there.
But not surprisingly, Helson said she does long for home. "I miss summertime, going to cottage, and my family and friends. But I don't miss the winters," she laughed.
Source: http://www.saultstar.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1122803
