Mount Allison University Biology students Sula Swart and Brent Walker walked away with several awards when they presented at the annual Science Atlantic Aquaculture & Fisheries and Biology Conference, hosted at Crandall University earlier this term.

Both received prizes during the Aquaculture and Fisheries Awards ceremony with Swart earning the best overall undergraduate award, an undergraduate research award (1st place), and the Science Atlantic communication award for her research presentation entitled: The effect of diel thermal cycles on metabolism and performance in wild Atlantic salmon (Salmo Salar).

Walker earned a Science Atlantic undergraduate research award, tying for third place for his presentation, Seasonal distribution and network analysis of shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) in the lower Saint John River basin.

Nine Mount Allison students attended the conference with Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Diana Hamilton giving the keynote address at the regional event titled: Semipalmated Sandpipers and mudflats in the upper Bay of Fundy: a tale of a critical ecological relationship in flux.

“It was great to have so many of our students and faculty attend the conference and present their research. This is a wonderful learning experience for our students to talk about their work with their peers and researchers from across the region,” says Dr. Matthew Litvak, Mount Allison biology professor and department head. “I wish to congratulate all our students on their presentations and for representing Mount Allison so well.”

Swart’s research looks at how temperature variability affects the performance and metabolism of salmon in the Miramichi River. She started her research last summer and has continued this work throughout the year as part of her honours degree.

Originally from South Africa, Swart has called Miramichi home for the past four years. She works with biology professor Dr. Andrea Morash and former biology professor and now Dean of Science and Graduate Studies at Acadia University, Dr. Suzie Currie.

“The number of wild Atlantic salmon have declined drastically over the last few decades, and I hope that through my study we can gain a better understanding of how fish respond to changes in their environment.” says Swart. “This summer, after graduation, I look forward to continuing my research in the lab.”

Walker is studying the habitats of shortnose sturgeon in the Saint John River. Working with Litvak, Walker is looking at the wintering sites of the fish to learn more and assist with implementing better conservation efforts in the region. From Yarmouth, NS, it was his first time presenting at a conference.

“I’m so glad I took this opportunity [to present at the conference],” says Walker. “It was scary but worth it. I’ve learned so much from these experiences — conducting summer research and then presenting at an academic conference. It’s a lot of work but was a huge bonus for my degree. Take the chance if you get it.”

Walker will also graduate this May. He will stay in Sackville for the summer, working with the Canadian Wildlife Service where he will study shore bird ecology.