About Me
Hi, I'm Jess! I'm a biology faculty member at Dawson College in Montreal, Quebec. Previously, I was a PhD student at the Redpath Museum at McGill University. I spent my childhood flipping over rocks and playing in the mud, fascinated with whatever creatures I could find, and now I do that as part of my research. I study toad tadpoles, and how the environment reacts when they disappear. I also raise endangered toad tadpoles for release. Prior to my toad research, I analyzed data on how temperature and pollutants affected turtle development and adult size. I am hopeful that my research will help further conservation efforts in herpetology.
In addition to being passionate about herpetology and conservation, I am passionate about making these fields, and science as a whole, more inclusive and diverse. I wrote, illustrated, and developed a colouring and activity book for kids featuring "draw yourself as a scientist" activities and exercises based on the research of famous women and minorities in STEMM. I am now developing a lesson plan to accompany this colouring book. I hope to show that anyone who is curious can do science, despite the challenges they may have to overcome.
I am a strong proponent of science outreach, and participate in many outreach organizations. I also sit on the Herpetologist's League Equity and Diversity Committee. You can read more about that in the "Outreach" and "Inclusion" tabs.
I'm always happy to talk about my work and answer questions! Contact me:
@Mother_of_Toads
