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 Henry Wilson
“I hope my future research will provide society with knowledge that will help us better manage watersheds in order to produce food and provide clean water,” Dr. Henry Wilson, new Ph.D. graduate, says about his future career goals and ambitions. Working with Trent Biology professor Dr. Maggie Xenopoulos, Henry completed a Ph.D. in Environmental & Life Sciences (formerly Watershed Ecosystems), studying the impact of land use on the ecology of stream ecosystems. In recognition of his innovative and important research, Henry was the recipient of many prestigious academic awards and honours during his time at Trent. His graduate work has been funded by the Edwin William & Irene Elizabeth Curtin Graduate Scholarship, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Graduate Scholarship, and the NSERC Alexander Graham Bell Graduate Scholarship, a $70,000 prize awarded to a top-ranked postgraduate student who shows outstanding research and leadership skills and demonstrates exceptional academic ability. Talking about the importance of the scholarships and funding he has received, Henry says, “I have been able to devote more time towards the completion of my research than I would otherwise. Funding a graduate student’s salary is a significant expense for a research program. The fact that much of my salary was funded from sources outside of my supervisor’s research funds meant more money was available for physical resources needed to complete my research.” Originally from Kenton, Manitoba, Henry started at Trent in 2005. His interest in ongoing Trent research activities and desire to contribute to the increasingly important field of water research attracted him to the University. “I had a great interest in and respect for my Ph.D. supervisor’s research,” he adds. “I also appreciated the interdisciplinary nature of the environmental science graduate program, which offers students an opportunity to interact with scientists working in a variety of complimentary fields.” With Henry’s research interests in aquatic ecosystems, it is not surprising to learn that even during his down time, he can be found near water. “I enjoy almost any activity involving water, from aquatic research to fishing, canoeing and swimming,” or gardening and hiking with his wife, Nicole and their dog. He is also a drummer and finds playing music with friends one of the best ways to relax. Like many of his fellow graduates, Henry’s fondest memories of Trent involve the University’s natural backdrop. “I have fond memories of fly-fishing for bass after work with my office mate, and racing other students down the drumlin on toboggans,” he says. From the academic perspective, his time at Trent has also provided Henry with invaluable experiences. He says: “My time at Trent has helped me to hone my skills as an environmental scientist and given me the ability to ask meaningful scientific questions and the skills to design research to answer those questions.” |
Kenton, Manitoba