Rochelle Johnson

Background

About Rochelle Johnson

I am a second-degree Indigenous environmental science student, studying wildlife management at the University of Manitoba. I have a strong science background with my first degree being a BSc in Biochemistry. During my first degree I developed many skills working in a laboratory setting preparing buffers, identifying amino acids using acid-base titration, experienced with thin-layer chromatography, etc. Through my courses taken at the University of Manitoba, I have become familiar about the Species at Risk Act, as well as other Environmental laws. I have taken a wildlife management course where we were required to work as a group to create a wildlife management plan for the red-sided garter snake populations in Manitoba. As well, I have completed an Environmental Assessment course in which we were tasked with creating an assessment for the development of a hypothetical landfill in Manitoba. During the summers I have completed various positions working in an Indigenous community in the Yukon. One position was a health and wellness assistant, which involved spending time with the elders in the community. This involved cleaning elders homes, preparing meals, taking them out on the land for traditional practices such as medicine picking as well as preparing community dinners, and hosting community events to get people involved. Another position that I worked in was a Heritage Assistant. I was able to work alongside Parks Canada to do archaeology work in the mountains. We flew in by helicopters and were required to hike through adverse weather conditions to our sites. I worked on projects related to reviving the Southern Tutchone language. I also helped out in the community daycares and day camp to provide fun and engaging activities to the children. In 2020 and 2021, I obtained an Undergraduate Research Award. In 2020, I used the award to work alongside a professor at the University of Manitoba working on various grassland bird conservation projects as well as an urban wildlife camera trapping project. I am a highly motivated and outgoing individual who has a passion for wildlife and conservation and my goal is to eventually become a Certified Wildlife Biologist through The Wildlife Society. Thanks for reading my about me section!