Kara Scott

Background

About Kara Scott

I have completed my Master of Science in Biology at Carleton University, which included hands on research experience. I was under the supervision of Dr. Steven Cooke (Carleton U) and co-supervised by Dr. Graham Raby (Trent U), and I conducted research at Kenauk Nature Reserve, Quebec. I studied hatchery brook and rainbow trout late-season stocking and movement ecology in two different lakes on the nature reserve, where I looked at year-round habitat selection with regards to depth and temperature gradients. This involved surgical implantation of transmitters in both species of trout, deploying and maintaining acoustic telemetry arrays, and data management/analysis. This research will contribute to better hatchery management practices by providing thermal and seasonal stocking recommendations for trout. I also studied wild brook trout movement ecology in the Kinonge West River on the nature reserve, where I looked at year-round habitat selection with regards to temperature. There was an at-risk mussel species found in the river system that presumably uses the brook trout as a glochidia obligate host. This project involved electro-fishing, surgical implantation of transmitters, maintaining a radio telemetry array, weekly manual tracking of trout movement, and data management/analysis. The goal of this study was to protect the mussel population through proper management and habitat protection for the brook trout host population. Furthermore, I participated in a graduate level course where I was part of a student-led research group, where we conducted a horizon scan on Arctic biodiversity threats. I created infographics for our social media/email blitz campaign, where we reached out to experts to provide pertinent questions about emerging Arctic biodiversity threats. I then helped plan and run a workshop, where experts from all over the world participated to delve deeper into the topic. This resulted in a successful submission of a manuscript to Arctic Science.