About Me
I'm Jessica and I am 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.
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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.
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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.
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I'm always happy to talk about my work and answer questions! Contact me:
@Mother_of_Toads
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