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 Helen Baulch
“I chose Trent because it is among the best places in Canada to study water,” says Dr. Helen Baulch, a graduate of the University’s Environmental & Life Sciences Ph.D. program. “There are amazing analytical facilities and a remarkable group of researchers interested in water quality.” The Toronto native started her Ph.D. at Trent in 2005 after completing her M.Sc. in Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta with Dr. David Schindler, one of the world’s leading limnologists and a former Trent professor. She explains that, in addition to the picturesque location of the University on the Otonabee River, she also decided to come to Trent for the opportunity to work alongside renowned biogeochemist Dr. Peter Dillon, a professor in the Environmental & Resource Studies and Chemistry Departments. Under the supervision of Dr. Dillon, Helen’s research explored the relationship between nitrogen loading to streams, and the production of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas and contributor to stratospheric ozone depletion. “Because nitrogen can be transported from agricultural fields into streams and rivers, aquatic ecosystems were thought to be potentially important sources of this gas,” Helen explains. “This was interesting to me because it suggested that we might be able to change our nutrient management practices in a way that would contribute to improved water quality, and to climate change mitigation – a win-win situation.” Her work focused on characterizing controls on nitrous oxide emissions from streams, testing the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change methods to estimate emissions, and using isotopes both to fingerprint the microbial pathway leading to nitrous oxide production, and to compare the character of nitrous oxide emitted from streams to other sources across the globe. Having built what she describes as the foundation of her research career at Trent, Helen plans to continue her work in aquatic ecosystems and climate change research. “Ultimately, I’d like to become a professor or government scientist,” she says. “In the long-term I hope my research will contribute to more effective management of our water resources and a better understanding of the consequences of global change.” Reflecting on her time as a doctoral student at Trent, Helen adds, “My time at Trent has been transformative – providing me with amazing opportunities for study, research, as well as teaching. The staff and students at Trent have provided great support and create a community I feel lucky to have been a part of.” |
Toronto, Ontario