Research and Services that Support Healthy Aquatic Ecosystems
Press Releases
CAHS Coop Work Term Provides Exceptional Learning Experience
Campbell River - In April 2010, Jeff Forbes finished an eight month coop work term at BC CAHS. Jeff's willingness to help out made him an exceptional addition to the lab. Here's what Jeff had to say about the experience:
"Hello! My name is Jeff Forbes, and I am currently a third year science student within the microbiology department at the University of Victoria. As a student in Uvic’s co-op program, it was my co-op coordinator who led me to interview with the BC Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences; my goals for a future career lay in medicine, but I was looking for a lab position in which I could really polish my lab skills. I was not disappointed with CAHS. The staff of CAHS went beyond my expectations entirely, giving me not only the opportunity for experience in lab techniques, but also in planning projects and actively participating in research.
Aside from basic lab techniques such as staining, making media and practice with aseptic technique, I also performed DNA extractions, viral assays, tested for ATPase activity, performed RNA extraction and learned to identify sea lice species at their various growth stages. Projects I was involved in include studies into the effect of pressure and pH alteration on Kudoa thyrsitis, establishing the minimal lethal dose of ultra violet radiation on VHSV, IHNV and Escherichia coli, and finally the culture and minimum inhibitory concentration testing on Renibacterium salmoninarum, the causative agent of Bacterial Kidney Disease in salmonid fishes.
The staff of CAHS were incredibly supportive, and encouraged me to be involved with their many and various projects, going out of their way to provide me with a positive learning and working experience. To any future students who may be considering CAHS as a work place to gain lab exposure, I would highly recommend that you apply here."
Jeff doing field work
New Executive Director at BC CAHS
Campbell River —The British Columbia Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Sonja Saksida, as the new Executive Director. Dr. Sonja Saksida is a veterinarian and epidemiologist, recognized nationally and internationally as a leader in Aquatic Animal Health.
Sonja has lived in Campbell River since 1995, and has been with BC CAHS since 2005 as the Director of Fish Health. She was one of the original proponents of the project currently ongoing between the Quinsam Hatchery, the A’tlegay Fisheries Society and BC CAHS to bring more Coho salmon back to the Campbell River. In addition, Sonja’s work on projects investigating sea lice on wild and farmed salmon has been well recognized by the research community. Throughout her career she has been committed to understanding and improving the health and welfare of wild and farmed finfish.
“I am very excited about taking on the role of Executive Director for BC CAHS. In our 5 years of operation, we have built an exceptional team and are recognized as being a key player in aquatic animal health research. I look forward to continuing to exploring new research and development opportunities relevant to ensuring the sustainability of our local marine environment.”
Canada Summer Jobs - 2009
CAHS was successful in getting 2 summer students with this program
Cameron Strachan - 2nd year science student attending UBC
Currently I am starting my second year in the faculty of science at UBC where I am working towards a degree in cell biology and genetics with a minor in marine biology. I had lived in Campbell River my entire life until moving to university and I returned home after my first year to work throughout the summer. When I first started at CAHS, I was trained to use some fundamental lab equipment such as pipettes, analytical and top loading scales, centrifuges and pH meters. The next weeks consisted mainly with helping the technicians, preparing solutions, and studying some of techniques and chemicals used in the lab. Throughout June I was able to work on colorimetric assays, DNA extractions and protein sample preparation. By the end of the summer I was carrying out molecular techniques such as SDS-Page, microscopically identifying the species and life cycle stages of sea lice, and getting involved with bacteriology and virology testing. The centre also made sure I had gained experience with field work, data interpretation and scientific reading and writing.
The experience I have gained at CAHS has given me confidence to work in the lab, inspired me to explore different areas in science and assured me that I am on the right academic path. I was also able to help improve local fish health while living at home with my friends and family. This is a rare opportunity in a small community and I hope there will be many more students who have the chance to work with the awesome group of people at CAHS.Melissa Kubinec - NI College student this fall
My name is Melissa Kubinec and I am a student going into my first year of studies at North Island College. I have worked as a full time summer student at the BC Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences this year and have gained much wisdom from the experience. My main duties have involved being part of the Sea Lice Project, but I have also been engaged in the Protein Analysis Project and have taken the Fish Health Course. I have been trained in water filtering, making TSA, pipetting, referencing and making buffers. My career goal is to get my Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and to finish college as a Registered Nurse. I hope to work in pediatrics, making a difference in the lives of children. From the experience at the BC Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences I have learned so much. I have not only soaked in practical lab knowledge but have also learned from those who I work with about what I might encounter in my future career. I have built relationships with my co-workers, and through the times we have been together I have seen evidence of my growth in many areas. I now know that I don’t need to be afraid to ask questions, to be bold with what I have to say if I feel it is important, to pay very close attention when needed and to follow through on all tasks. I feel very privileged to have been chosen for this job and know that it has been valuable for my upcoming career plans and my personal development.
Corey Brown Scholarship
Corey J Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund- $1000 each
(2 available annually)
This scholarship is available to a full-time student attending North Island College, Vancouver Island University or the University of Victoria studying marine sciences or aquaculture and who has demonstrated academic excellence. If the recipient is in the final year of their program, they may qualify for a $1,000 graduation bonus. To be eligible applicants must submit an application, including a short essay description and a sealed transcript. Please review the attached file for details related to the application process. The deadline for submission is July 31st of each year.
Cory Brown graduated from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Science. He worked in the aquaculture industry for nearly 20 years. As a registered biologist, RPBio, he held positions managing salmon farm sites as well as doing geographic survey work. He had a deep passion for the ocean and all its creatures.
This scholarship was generously funded by friends, family and the aquaculture community.
For more information about the Corey J Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Turner Designs Donates Fluorometer for Quinsam Plankton Monitoring Study to find out more about Turner Designs - (click for details)
The Trilogy™ Laboratory Fluorometer is a compact laboratory instrument for making fluorescence, absorbance and turbidity measurements using the appropriate snap-in Application Module.
Trilogy™ provides you with excellent sensitivity and measurement range. The all solid-state design ensures you will make reliable and repeatable readings.
Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program - AIMAP
DFO - AIMAP Funding Announcment - (click for details)
Workshop and Meeting Room Rental now available at the BC Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences - (click for details)