Lauren Damphousse

Why I'm running for the IAGLR Board of Directors

As someone who has grown up surrounded by the Great Lakes, my passion for freshwater science is reflected in my academic pursuits and career aspirations. I would be honoured to gain insight into the decision-making process of an environmental board such as this one, and to achieve that as a participant would be incredibly rewarding. My current research evaluates the outcomes of aquatic SAR conservation efforts through mitigation practices. This work is also incredibly policy based as I collaborate with government agencies toward improving these practices. With this background, I could bring an informed outlook to the board, while also witnessing a new perspective of policy-creation processes. I aspire for my career to create a positive impact on the environment and the communities that surround these beautiful freshwater habitats, and engaging in the IAGLR Board of Directors as a student representative would be a huge steppingstone in beginning that journey.

Bio

Lauren Damphousse (she/her) recently completed an undergraduate degree in biology at the University of Windsor and is now working towards her Ph.D. in integrative biology as a member of the Healthy Headwaters Lab. Lauren’s work focuses on freshwater mussel species at risk translocations as a form of mitigation, with a focus on southwestern Ontario. From this project she hopes to show the importance of integrating species at risk conservation with habitat restoration, especially regarding freshwater communities. Her research interests extend to benthic macroinvertebrate sampling and identification as well as agricultural drain management practices, and she has also assisted in research concerning freshwater mussel populations in the Sydenham River as well as stream health in urban and agricultural landscapes. During her time as a Ph.D. student, Lauren is also in the process of completing a joint internship with Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Natural Resource Solutions Incorporated, an environmental consulting firm. Following graduation, she hopes to continue to work toward restoring and protecting critical habitats as well as the species that depend on them.