Our Team - Bios
Dr. Sonja Saksida - Executive Director
Publications
Sonja has a BSC (major Marine Biology), a DVM from the Ontario Veterinarian College and a MSc in Epidemiology. She is recognized as a leader in aquatic animal health in British Columbia and internationally. She has conducted a number of outbreak investigations including an extensive investigation into the IHNv outbreak that occurred in farmed Atlantic salmon in BC in 2001. Recently she has been involved in a number of studies investigating the effects of sea lice on farmed and wild salmon. Dr Saksida has a keen interest in welfare issues of aquatic animals and is a member of the animal care committee at Bamfield Science Centre located on the west coast Vancouver Island. She is working closely with the BCSGA in the development of a shellfish management plan and code of practice and is working with a local salmon enhancement facility in developing a zooplankton monitoring program that could be used to improve juvenile coho salmon survival. Sonja recognizes the importance of knowledge transfer and as a result has been involved in coordinating as well as presenting at a number of courses, workshops, and conferences.
Dr. Luis Afonso - Senior Research Scientist
Luis is a fish physiologist who has received his PhD (1997) at the University of British Columbia (Canada) and his MSc (1992) at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil). His main research interests in fish biology are stress and reproduction, and his research questions are formulated to generate basic knowledge and/or could lead to practical application in aquaculture and fisheries biology. Luis has been involved in fish biology research projects and research management for over ten years. Throughout this period he has had the opportunity to supervise graduate and undergraduate students, obtain research funds, and develop numerous research collaborations at national and international levels. Luis believes that understanding stress is an important component of aquatic animal health management. Evaluation of potential stressful events (environmental stressors, grading, vaccination, transport, anaesthesia, etc) can lead to better husbandry practices (improved welfare), diseases prevention, and development of novel and reliable indicators of stress. Dr. Afonso has been working closely not only with his colleagues at academia but also with the private sector, as he thinks that an interdisciplinary team based approach is vital for understanding and maintaining aquatic animal health.
Dr. Alexandra Eaves - Research Scientist
Alexandra (Alex) has a BSc and MSc in Biology from the University of Victoria, and a PhD in Physiology, Development and Cell Biology from the University of Alberta. Her research examines the effects of environmental stress on developing marine organisms and has received international recognition. She also has a diverse background working with kelp, from the seed production stage to harvesting sea vegetable for commercial sale. In addition to her commitment towards developing sustainable aquaculture practices that benefit both industry and the environment surrounding coastal communities, Dr. Eaves has a diverse teaching background and dedication to outreach programs introducing the fascinating world of marine biology to students of all ages.
Paula Galloway - Marketing and Communications Manager
Paula brings a background in fish health, marketing and communications to her BC CAHS role. Her BSc in Microbiology and the numerous courses she has taken since are assets in understanding and communicating scientific information. Her interest in how messages are communicated and what makes them interesting, relevant and understandable to the listener is a focus for both her work and ongoing education. Paula’s work experiences include research assistant, laboratory supervisor, fish health technician, sales and marketing, and community relations. As a coastal BC native, she recognizes the beauty our coastline offers and the importance of local industry to building and sustaining healthy communities. Having visited fish culture operations across North America and globally, Paula is a proponent of all aquaculture types. She is proud of the role that BC CAHS plays in working with many partners (industry, academia, government and environmental organizations) and to finding solutions that make environmental, social and business sense.
Debbie Collins - Lab Technician
Debbie worked at a health research facility for 24 years before moving to Campbell River in 2004. Debbie has moved her focus from human to aquatic fish health. She joined the Centre in 2005 and her main role involves day to day lab research and technical functions.
Zina Richmond - Lab Technician
Zina studied at the University of Alberta in Edmonton majoring in Chemistry and Biology. Zina has worked as a Research Technologist for the past 26 years in the areas of immunology and vaccinology. Zina joined the Centre in 2006, her duties include viral assays, tissue culture, immunological assays and quantitative PCR.
Elan Downey - Research Assistant
Elan received her Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from the University of Victoria in 1986. Previous to joining the Centre, Elan worked for the Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans in Nanaimo, BC where she worked on Shellfish research. She then joined the finfish industry as a Fish Health Biologist and has been in the industry for 15 years. Elan also taught the Salmon Farm Technician Course at North Island College in Campbell River, B.C.