My research takes a data-driven approach to understand the complex and interacting effects of global change on terrestrial biodiversity including species range dynamics, biotic interactions, phenology and plant-soil feedbacks. I combine different methods including field and greenhouse experiments, ecological field and drone surveys, environmental senor arrays etc. I synthesize ecological and environmental data across these multiple sources, as well as from publicly available global climate and trait databases, long-term experimental monitoring networks, environmental DNA sequencing data and other digital repositories. I have a passion for ecological modeling and employ numerous different approaches to quantify the mechanistic drivers and impacts of global change on terrestrial ecosystems. I actively utilize and teach best practices in reproducible research and open data science including creating and leading a live coding workshop on “Incorporating Github into your workflow.” You can find my Github page here.
FFEC Research My research at the FFEC is focused on understanding and predicting the myriad drivers of tree species distribution across British Columbia, both historically, and in response to global change. I am currently developing historic species feasibility models to improve the future feasibility projections in the Climate Change Informed Species Selection (CCISS) tool (Mackenzie & Mahony 2021). In addition, I am co-leading a project on Mapping postglacial forest succession using drone imagery collected in alpine areas of the South Coast Mountains in BC along with collaborators at Simon Fraser University (SFU).
Postdoctoral research My Postdoctoral research aimed to further understand how climate change is influencing alpine and arctic tundra plant communities through changes in plant phenology, functional traits, and community composition. I utilized long term datasets from the International Tundra Experiment (ITEX) and Niwot Ridge LTER, and collaborated with fantastic tundra scientists at CU Boulder, UBC and around the world. As a postdoc at UBC, I also began co-leading a large project carrying out tundra plant research at Garibaldi Provincial Park (Garibaldi ITEX). For more info on this project and to get involved check out our website HERE.
PhD research My dissertation research focused on climate driven shifts in alpine plant community composition, in particular woody plant range expansion, and how these shifts alter soil microbial communities, nutrient cycling and below-ground ecosystem function. I worked primarily in the White Mountains of California, studying the below-ground impacts of a native range expanding shrub species (Artemisia rothrockii, timberline sagebrush) and it’s feedbacks to other native plant species (See photos below!). Towards the end of my dissertation, I expanded the focus of this research to the global scale by examining the impacts of alpine woody plant range expansion on soil microbial communities (AWESoM) at 13 sites across 10 countries and 4 continents.
Publications
For the most up to date information, please check my google scholar page
Lertzman-Lepofsky, G., Dolezal, A., Waters, M., … Chardon, N., Collins, C.G.* (2025).Temporal changes in taxon abundances are positively correlated but poorly predicted at the global scale. Ecography e07195. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecog.07195 *senior author with mentorship role for student authors
Henn, J. J., Anderson, K., Brigham, L., Bueno de Mesquita, C., Collins, C.G. et al. (2024) Long term alpine plant responses to global changes depend on their functional traits. Ecology Letters 27: e14518. https://doi.org/10.1111/ele.14518
Suding, K. N., Collins, C.G., Hallett, L., et al. (2024) Biodiversity in changing environments: an external-driver internal-topology framework to guide intervention. 105(8): e4322. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecy.4322
Collins, C.G. Angert, A, Henry, G., Elmendorf, S., Elphinstone, C, Clark, K. (2024) Flowering time responses to warming drive reproductive fitness in a changing Arctic. Annals of Botany. 10.1093/aob/mcae007
Collins, C.G., Spasojevic, M.J., Pombubpa, N., & Diez, J.M. (2023). Legacy effects post removal of a range-expanding shrub influence soil fungal communities and create negative plant-soil feedbacks for conspecific seedlings. Plant and Soil. https://doi. org/10.1007/s11104-023-05896-w
Chardon, N. I., P. Stone, C. Hilbert, T. Maclachlan, B. Ragsdale, A. Zhao, K. Goodwin, C. G. Collins, N. Hewitt, and C. Elphinstone. (2023). Species-specific responses to human trampling indicate alpine plant size is more sensitive than reproduction to disturbance. Plants 12:3040. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12173040
Collins, C.G., Elmendorf, S.C., Smith, J.G., Shoemaker, L., Szojka, M., Swift, M., Suding, K. N. (2022). Global change re-structures alpine plant communities through interacting abiotic and biotic effects. Ecology Letters
Collins, C.G. et al. (2021). Experimental warming differentially affects vegetative and reproductive phenology of tundra plants. Nature Communications. 12, 3442. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-23841-2
Prevey, J. … Collins, C.G. et al. (2021). The tundra phenology database: More than two decades of tundra phenology responses to climate change. Arctic Science. https://doi.org/10.1139/AS-2020-0041
Collins, C. G., Spasojevic, M. J., Alados, C. L., Aronson, E. L., Benavides, J. C., Cannone, N., … Diez, J. M. (2020). Belowground Impacts of Alpine Woody Encroachment are determined by Plant Traits, Local Climate and Soil Conditions. Global Change Biology. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.15340
Kattge, J., Bönisch, G., Díaz, S., Lavorel, S., Prentice, I. C., Leadley, P., … Collins, C.G, ….Wirth, C. (2020). TRY plant trait database – enhanced coverage and open access. Global Change Biology, 26(1), 119–188. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.14904
Collins, C.G., Bohner, T. F., & Diez, J. M. (2019). Plant-Soil Feedbacks and Facilitation Influence the Demography of Herbaceous Alpine Species in Response to Woody Plant Range Expansion. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 7, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2019.00417
Yang, F., Niu, K., Collins, C.G., Yan, X., Ji, Y., Ling, N., … Hu, S. (2019). Grazing practices affect the soil microbial community composition in a Tibetan alpine meadow. Land Degradation and Development, 30(1), 49–59. https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.3189
Collins, C.G., Stajich, J. E., Weber, S. E., Pombubpa, N., & Diez, J. M. (2018). Shrub range expansion alters diversity and distribution of soil fungal communities across an alpine elevation gradient. Molecular Ecology, 27(10), 2461–2476. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.14694
Collins, C.G., Carey, C. J., Aronson, E. L., Kopp, C. W., & Diez, J. M. (2016). Direct and indirect effects of native range expansion on soil microbial community structure and function. Journal of Ecology, 104(5), 1271–1283. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2745.12616
Collins, C.G., Wright, S. J., & Wurzburger, N. (2016). Root and leaf traits reflect distinct resource acquisition strategies in tropical lianas and trees. Oecologia, 180(4), 1037–1047. 10.1007/s00442-015-3410-7
• Assistant Professor, University of British Columbia, Canada (2025~) • Assistant Professor, Howard University, USA (2023-2024) • Postdoc, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA (2019-2023) • Visiting scholar, The University of Tokyo, Japan (2017-2019) • Summer Intern, University of Saskatchewan, Canada (2016) • Ph.D., Plant Biology, Iwate University, Japan
We study cell division to understand plant development, environmental response, and drug discovery.
Selected publications:
Olivia Hazelwood, M Arif Ashraf*. (2024) Molecular markers in cell cycle visualisation during development and stress conditions in Arabidopsis thaliana. Quantitative Plant Biology. 5: e14.
Olivia Hazelwood, M Arif Ashraf*. (2024) Opposing polarity domains provide direction and play a role in cell division in plant growth. Developmental Cell. 59 (9): 1091-1093.
Le Liu, M Arif Ashraf, Taylor Morrow, Michelle Facette. (2024) Stomatal closure in maize is mediated by subsidiary cells and the PAN2 receptor. New Phytologist. 241 (3): 1130-1143.
M. Arif Ashraf*, Le Liu, Michelle Facette. (2023) A polarized nuclear position specifies the correct division plane during maize stomatal development. Plant Physiology. 193 (1): 125-139.
M. Arif Ashraf*. (2023) A nuclear Pandora’s box: Functions of nuclear envelope proteins in cell division. AoB Plants. 15 (2): pla065.
M. Arif Ashraf, Michelle Facette. (2020) BASL gives the plant nucleus a sense of direction. Current Biology. 30 (22): R1375-R1377.
M. Arif Ashraf, Takashi Akihiro, Keita Ito, Sayaka Kumagai, Ryohei Sugita, Keitaro Tanoi, and Abidur Rahman. (2021) ATP binding cassette proteins ABCG37 and ABCG33 function as potassium-independent cesium uptake carriers in Arabidopsis roots. Molecular Plant. 14 (4): 664–678.
M. Arif Ashraf, Kana Umetsu, Olena Ponomarenko, Michiko Saito, Mohammad Aslam, Olga Antipova, Natalia Dolgova, Cheyenne D. Kiani, Susan Nezhati, Keitaro Tanoi, Katsuyuki Minegishi, Kotaro Nagatsu, Takehiro Kamiya, Toru Fujiwara, Christian Luschnig, Karen Tanino, Ingrid Pickering, George Graham, and Abidur Rahman. (2020) PIN FORMED 2 modulates the transport of Arsenite in Arabidopsis thaliana. Plant Communications. 1(3): 100009.
M. Arif Ashraf, Abidur Rahman. (2019) Cold stress response in Arabidopsis thaliana is mediated by GNOM ARF-GEF. The Plant Journal. 97 (3): 500–516.
Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, -specifically related to Genetics
Indigenous Ways of Knowing
Creative Ways of Visualizing Cells and Microscopic Organisms
Climate change
Assisted Evolution of Coral Reefs
Courses Taught/Teaching
BIOL 111 Introduction to Modern Biology
BIOL 180 (formerly BIOL 140) Thinking Like a Life Scientist
BIOL 234 Fundamentals of Genetics
BIOL 337 Introductory Genetics Lab
SCIE 300 Science Communication
Community Work
Growing Chefs, a local initiative to teach children about growing, cooking and eating plants
Jennifer wearing plants used in cooking during lesson AND student’s aesthetic salad plate
Selected Publications
Klenz JE. 2024. Characterizing an Organism Through a Highly Adaptable Lab Jigsaw Activity. Article 30 In: Boone E and Thuecks S, eds. Advances in Biology Laboratory Education. Volume 44. Publication of the 44th Conference of the Association for Biology Laboratory Education (ABLE). DOI: https://www.ableweb.org/biologylabs/wp-content/uploads/volumes/vol-44/30_Klenz.pdf
Klenz, J. 2021. A Picture is Worth 1000 Words: Using Pictorial Expression Data in Bioinformatics Assignments. Advances in Biology Laboratory Education Publication of the Association for Biology Laboratory Education Volume 42, Article 33, (K. McMahon, Editor) Proceedings of the 42nd (virtual) Conference of the Association for Biology Laboratory Education (ViABLE).
Klenz, J. and Couch, B. 2021. Teach it to Children: Placemat Posters. Volume 42, Article 63, (K. McMahon, Editor) Proceedings of the 42nd (virtual) Conference of the Association for Biology Laboratory Education (ViABLE).
Klenz, J.Leander, C. and McDonnell, L. 2021.Alternative Assessments for Online Teaching That Are Bulletproof (Cheat-resistant) Advances in Biology Laboratory Education Publication of the Association for Biology Laboratory Education Volume 42, Article 45, (K. McMahon, Editor) Proceedings of the 42nd (virtual) Conference of the Association for Biology Laboratory Education (ViABLE).
Klenz, J., M. Chow and T. Fontana. 2015. Are You a Hidden Heterozygote? Use of PCR to Genotype Brown vs. Blue- Eye-Color Alleles. Article 61 in Tested Studies for Laboratory Teaching, Volume 36 (K. McMahon, Editor). Proceedings of the 36th Conference of the Association for Biology Laboratory Education (ABLE). https://www.ableweb.org/biologylabs/wp-content/uploads/volumes/vol-36/61_Klenz.pdf
McDonnell, L. and Klenz, J. 2015. Teaching Genetic Linkage and Recombination through Mapping with Molecular Markers. CourseSource. https://doi.org/10.24918/cs.2015.13
Department of Botany in the Faculty of Science at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver.
Position Description
The Department of Botany in the Faculty of Science at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver invites applications from exceptional emerging scholars for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (Tier 2 CRC) appointment in Plant Resilience for Food Security. This full-time tenure-track faculty position is at the rank of Assistant Professor, with a start date set for no earlier than July 1, 2025. The expected starting salary range for this position is $115,000 to $130,000 per annum. Applicants conducting innovative research in crop stress biology are encouraged to apply, including those who employ cellular, molecular, physiology, genetic and/or genomic approaches or related techniques to address fundamental plant adaptive mechanisms to environmental stresses and those whose research involves the use of food crops, or wild relatives, to address fundamental questions on food security. In evaluating candidates, we will also consider evidence of leadership within the candidate’s community and their potential for developing and implementing evidence-based teaching approaches.
Eligibility Criteria
Tier 2 CRCs are intended for exceptional emerging scholars (i.e., candidates must have been an active researcher in their field for fewer than 10 years at the time of nomination). Applicants who are more than 10 years from having earned their highest degree (and where career breaks exist, such as maternity or extended sick leave, clinical training, etc.) may have their eligibility for a Tier 2 CRCs assessed through the program’s Tier 2 justification process. Effective March 1, 2020, research interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are recognized and may be counted as an eligible delay. All CRC nominations are subject to review by the CRC Secretariat, and appointment as a CRC is conditional upon their approval. Please consult the Canada Research Chairs website [https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/] for further eligibility details.
In accordance with UBC’s CRC Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Action Plan UBC’s Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion within the CRC Program, and pursuant to Section 42 of the BC Human Rights code, the selection will be restricted to members of the following federally designated groups: people with disabilities, Indigenous people, racialized people, women, and people from minoritized gender identity groups. UBC recognizes the legitimate impact that COVID-related research interruptions and eligible leaves (e.g., maternity, parental, medical, bereavement) can have on a candidate’s record of achievement. These leaves will be taken into careful consideration during the assessment process.
Applicants are asked to complete this equity survey https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6WJHol7SfPxRMu9 as part of the application, and candidates from these groups must self-identify as belonging to one or more of the designated equity groups to be considered for this position. Because this search is limited to those self-identifying as members of designated equity groups, candidates must also provide their names to be considered.
Personal information is collected under the authority of sections 26(a), 26(c) and 26(e) of the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The information you provide will be used to determine whether you qualify for participation in this restricted process, and to advance accessibility, equity, and fair adjudication in this process. Data will be collected by the Equity & Inclusion Office and only the names of those eligible for the search process will be shared confidentially with the search committee. All responses will be stored in a secure database.
Eligible applicants conducting innovative research in crop stress biology are encouraged to apply, including those who employ cellular, molecular, physiology, genetic and/or genomic approaches or related techniques to address fundamental plant adaptive mechanisms to environmental stresses and those whose research involves the use of food crops, or wild relatives, to address fundamental questions on food security.
The successful candidate will be required to hold a minimum of a PhD degree, have postdoctoral experience, and demonstrate an exceptional track record in crop stress biology or related disciplines. Responsibilities include establishing and conducting an internationally competitive and externally funded research program, commitment to and excellence of teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, supervising graduate students, and participating in service roles contributing to the department, university and academic/scientific community. They will have a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, to create a welcoming community for all, particularly those who are historically, persistently or systemically marginalized.
Location Description
UBC’s campuses are located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Syilx (Okanagan) Peoples and of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil Waututh) Nations.
The Botany Department at UBC is one of the largest and most comprehensive plant-science-focused departments worldwide, offering a wide range of research and educational programs at the frontiers of plant, algal, fungal, and protist biology (https://www.botany.ubc.ca/). This organismal diversity is studied at all biological levels, from biochemical, molecular, genomic, and cellular levels, to the evolution of species and domains of life and the ecology of populations, communities and ecosystems through to the biosphere. In our research and teaching, we have made significant progress in incorporating values of equity, diversity, and inclusion into all aspects of our work. Botany is home to 30 highly diverse, collegial, and accomplished research faculty supported by dedicated staff, exceptional research associates, post-doctoral fellows, and graduate and undergraduate students. The Centre for Plant Growth facilities, the Bioimaging Facility (BIF) microscopy infrastructure, the proteomics and metabolomics core facilities, the Sequencing + Bioinformatics Consortium, and the UBC herbarium support research in the department. Botany faculty occupy research labs in two adjacent modern research facilities, the Biosciences Building and the Biodiversity Research Centre.The position includes opportunities for strong interaction with UBC’s Biodiversity Research Centre, Michael Smith Laboratories (MSL), Beaty Biodiversity Museum, UBC Botanical Garden, Faculty of Land & Food Systems, and the Faculty of Forestry. The Department is also home to 15 teaching Faculty collaborating with the Department of Zoology to teach the UBC Biology undergraduate teaching program. The Department has a strong tradition of valuing teaching excellence, and our educational mission embraces innovative pedagogy and scholarship in teaching, promotes the engagement of undergraduates in research, and places an emphasis on experiential learning and organismal biodiversity.
How to Apply
Applications must be addressed to the Botany Head, Professor Shawn Mansfield, submitted via Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/29004, and include the following:
Cover letter (up to 2 pages) describing your research vision and accomplishments, how your expertise, scholarship and planned research will integrate with the Department of Botany, with examples of leadership in research, teaching, service, community engagement, outreach, contributions to equity, diversity and inclusion, or other relevant activities.
2. Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications.
3. Research statement (up to 3 pages) describing your current and proposed research program.
4. Teaching statement (1-2 pages) describing teaching philosophy/interests and accomplishments, addressing how you will teach core undergraduate courses in the UBC Biology program.
5. Diversity statement (1 page) describing your lived background experience (if comfortable), and your past experience and future plans regarding working with a diverse student body, and contributing to a culture of equity and inclusion. When preparing the statement, applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with UBC EDI mandates and resources (https://equity.ubc.ca/).
6. Up to three representative publications in PDF format.
7. Names and contact information for three referees.
The closing date for applications is November 30, 2024 at 5pm (Pacific Standard Time).
Additional Information
UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. Inclusion is built by individual and institutional responsibility through continuous engagement with diversity to inspire people, ideas, and actions for a better world. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuk, or Indigenous person. UBC acknowledges that certain circumstances may cause career interruptions that legitimately affect an applicant’s record of research or educational leadership achievement. We encourage applicants to note in their applications whether they would like consideration given to the impact of any circumstances, such as those due to health or family reasons, in order to allow for a fair assessment of their research productivity.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority, and members of historically marginalized groups will be given special consideration.
The University is committed to creating and maintaining an accessible work environment for all members of its workforce. Within this hiring process we will make efforts to create an accessible process for all candidates (including but not limited to disabled people). Confidential accommodations are available on request by contacting Jessica Sui, Faculty HR Manager at jessica.sui@botany.ubc.ca.
To learn more about how the University is working to create a more inclusive working and learning environment, please see the UBC Inclusion Action Plan’s goals related to recruitment and retention [https://equity.ubc.ca/about/inclusion-action-plan/recruitment- retention-and-success].
The Department of Botany in the Faculty of Science at The University of British Columbia, Vancouver Point Grey campus, seeks candidates to fill an Educational Leadership (tenure-track) Assistant Professor of Teaching position in the Biology Undergraduate Program in the area of botanical organismal diversity, with an expected start date of no earlier than July 1, 2025. The expected starting salary range for this position is $100,000 to $120,000 per annum. The UBC Biology Program values excellence in teaching and our courses are student-centred and emphasize evidence-based practices in large and small enrollment courses.
Applicants must have a PhD in plant biology, or an MSc in plant biology and a PhD in Biology Educational Research or Discipline-Based Educational Research. They should have teaching and research experience in the area of organismal plant biology, and must have demonstrated ability to teach lower- and upper-level plant diversity lecture and laboratory courses, as well as general biology (introductory) courses. Applicants must also be able to manage and develop diversity-focused plant labs, including the careful coordination of the sourcing, timing, and collection of plant material (e.g., wild-collected and greenhouse-grown material, and material from the Beaty Museum, UBC Botanical Garden, and UBC Farm).
A strong commitment to incorporating elements of sustainability, indigenization, plant anatomy, and the use of place-based learning (such as field-based teaching, and use of UBC’s natural history collections housed in the Beaty Museum, UBC Botanical Garden, UBC Farm) in plant-diversity courses is required. Candidates must have experience and be skilled in the identification of plants across a diversity of land plant groups.
Experience with evidence-based teaching, Discipline-Based Educational Research and/or Scholarship of Teaching and Learning is strongly preferred. Successful candidates will demonstrate evidence of outstanding teaching and excellent pedagogical content knowledge and expertise in the subject area. Candidates must be committed to improving biology teaching in a collegial and evidence-based manner, and demonstrate the ability to contribute to curriculum innovation, including the development of new land plant courses based on the Biology Program’s needs.
Applicants must show the ability and desire to contribute consistently to Educational Leadership and to service-related activities, including leading plant-diversity-related outreach activities, student advising, and helping colleagues and students with plant identification.
Duties of the position involve primarily teaching and managing lectures and labs for a variety of plant diversity courses, collecting specimen for the labs, training and coordinating Teaching Assistants associated with the laboratory, developing and teaching new plant-focused courses that incorporate sustainability and indigenization elements based on the Program’s needs, contributing to the teaching of general biology courses, engaging in Educational Leadership activities, and contributing to service.
As a member of the UBC Educational Leadership stream, which currently consists of 14 tenure-track faculty, the candidate is expected to demonstrate promise in educational leadership. Please see https://science.ubc.ca/sites/science.ubc.ca/files/FacultyofScience_EL_DP.pdf for examples of current educational leadership within the Faculty of Science. There are also opportunities to work in collaboration with a Science Education Specialist (https://skylight.science.ubc.ca/contact) in the Biology Program. The candidate is expected to participate actively in departmental activities, service, events, and initiatives. The successful candidate will have a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, to create a welcoming community for all, particularly those who are historically, persistently or systemically marginalized.
• the applicant’s background and expertise in organismal plant biology;
• how the applicant’s expertise and scholarship in teaching will integrate within the UBC Biology Program;
• how the applicant has displayed leadership in education, community engagement, outreach, and other relevant activities.
(2) Curriculum vitae, including a summary of teaching experience.
(3) Statement (2 page maximum) of teaching interests and philosophy including evidence of past effectiveness.
(4) Diversity statement (1 page maximum) describing the applicant’s lived background experience (if comfortable), past experience, and future plans regarding working with a diverse student body and contributing to a culture of equity and inclusion.
(5) Contact information for three or more people willing to serve as references.
The closing date for applications is November 30, 2024 at 5pm (Pacific Standard Time), with the appointment anticipated to begin on or after July 1, 2025.
UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. Inclusion is built by individual and institutional responsibility through continuous engagement with diversity to inspire people, ideas, and actions for a better world. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuk, or Indigenous person. UBC acknowledges that certain circumstances may cause career interruptions that legitimately affect an applicant’s record of research or educational leadership achievement. We encourage applicants to note in their applications whether they would like consideration given to the impact of any circumstances, such as those due to health or family reasons, in order to allow for a fair assessment of their research productivity.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority, and members of historically marginalized groups will be given special consideration.
The University is committed to creating and maintaining an accessible work environment for all members of its workforce. Within this hiring process we will make efforts to create an accessible process for all candidates (including but not limited to disabled people). Confidential accommodations are available on request by contacting Jessica Sui (Jessica.sui@botany.ubc.ca)
Applications are invited for a part time Sessional Lecturer position in 2024 Winter Term 2.
BIOL 433 Plant Genomics – 3 credits. Course Description: Emphasis on molecular aspects. Systems and techniques for genetic analysis in plants.
Job Description: Primary duties include teaching lectures in the course, preparing materials for in-class and homework activities, mentoring and managing the course section Teaching Assistants, marking students’ exams, maintaining records of students’ grades. The term runs from January 6 to April 27, 2024.
We seek an innovative educator with demonstrated experience in teaching or TAing biology using evidence-based and learning-centred pedagogical approaches, and engaging students in active learning classroom environment.
Candidates with a Ph.D. or a senior graduate student close to defending their Ph.D. in a Biological Sciences discipline, with recent coordinating and teaching experience in BIOL 433. Previous relevant experience in biology post-secondary teaching is an asset.
The current salary for a 3-credit course is $10,300.
Applications should include an up-to-date curriculum vitae, including the names, addresses and e-mail or telephone contact information of three people who can be contacted to provide reference letters, and a teaching statement. Application deadline is September 15, 2024.
Applications should be emailed to Dr. Pam Kalas, Associate Head of Biology, kalas@zoology.ubc.ca
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. Our department is committed to confronting systemic biases, particularly as they affect individuals from Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities, and intersect with other forms of discrimination.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
Applications are invited for a part time Sessional Lecturer position in 2024 Winter Term 1.
BIOL 180Thinking Like a Life Scientist- 2 credits. Course Description: Science as a process, the skills of scientists, and the exploration of a current biological challenge with a practicing UBC scientist.
Job Description: Primary duties include, teaching in the course, working with TAs, and active participation with the BIOL180 teaching team. The term runs from September 3 – December 21, 2024.
We seek an innovative educator with a keen interest in teaching introductory biology using evidence-based and learning-centered pedagogical approaches, mentoring and managing teaching assistants, and engaging students in active learning classroom environment.
Candidates should have a background in biology. Current and active engagement in biological research is required. Additional relevant teaching experience at the post-secondary level will be an asset. Preference will be given to sessionals whose research topic adds diversity to the teaching team.
The current salary for teaching this course is $5,150
Applications should include an up-to-date curriculum vitae, including the names, addresses and e-mail or telephone contact information of three people who can be contacted to provide reference letters, and a teaching statement. Application deadline is August 2, 2024
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. Our department is committed to confronting systemic biases, particularly as they affect individuals from Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities, and intersect with other forms of discrimination.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
Monika is a mycologist who is passionate about understanding the biological mechanisms that drive ecological processes. Our lab seeks to understand what it means to be a fire-adapted fungus, and the role(s) that these fungi play during post-fire recovery. Fire-loving fungi are highly active within days following fire, including the model organism, Neurospora crassa. To build a holistic framework of the fungal role in post-fire recovery – we work across scales, using a breadth of techniques including classical genetics, cell biology, genomics, directed laboratory experiments with synthetic communities, and field surveys.
Selected Publications
MS Fischer, NJ Patel, PJ de Lorimier, MF Traxler. Prescribed fire selects for a pyrophilous soil subcommunity in a northern California mixed conifer forest. Environmental Microbiology 2023; 25, 2498-2515. doi:10.1111/1462-2920.16475
MS Fischer, FG Stark, T Berry, N Zeba, T Whitman, MF Traxler. Pyrolyzed substrates induce aromatic compound metabolism in the post-fire fungus, Pyronema domesticum. Frontiers in Microbiology 2021; 12, 729289. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2021.729289
MS Fischer, VW Wu, JE Lee, RC O’Malley, NL Glass. Regulation of cell-to-cell communication and cell integrity by a network of MAP-Kinase pathways and transcription factors in Neurospora crassa. Genetics 2018; 209(2), 489-506. doi:10.1534/genetics.118.300904
Applications are invited for a part time Sessional Lecturer position in 2024 Winter Term 1.
BIOL 121 Genetics, Evolution and Ecology – 3 credits. Course Description: Principles of storage and transmission of genetic variation; origin and evolution of species and their ecological interactions.
Job Description: Primary duties include teaching a lecture section in the course, setting up and maintaining the course section Canvas page, preparing materials for in-class and homework activities (materials developed by other instructors are available), collaborating with instructors of other sections in the development of BIOL121 assessment items, mentoring and managing the course section Teaching Assistants and Peer Tutors, marking students’ exams, maintaining records of students’ grades. The term runs from September 3 – December 21, 2024.
We seek an innovative educator with demonstrated experience in teaching or TAing biology using evidence-based and learning-centred pedagogical approaches, and engaging students in active learning classroom environment.
Candidates should have at least a MSc. in Biology, Zoology, Botany, or a related Life Sciences field. Previous relevant experience in biology post-secondary teaching is an asset.
The current salary for a 3-credit course is $10,300.
Applications should include an up-to-date curriculum vitae, including the names, addresses and e-mail or telephone contact information of three people who can be contacted to provide reference letters, and a teaching statement. Application deadline is July 31, 2024
Applications should be emailed to Dr. Pam Kalas, Associate Head of Biology, kalas@zoology.ubc.ca
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. Our department is committed to confronting systemic biases, particularly as they affect individuals from Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities, and intersect with other forms of discrimination.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
Applications are invited for a part time Sessional Lecturer position in 2024 Winter Term 2.
BIOL 201 Introduction to Biochemistry– 3 credits. Course Description: Biological molecules, protein structure and enzyme action, energy transfer, central metabolic pathways and their regulation. Examples drawn from plants, animals and microorganisms.
Job Description: Primary duties include teaching and coordinating Tutorials and graduate TAs in the course, facilitating and managing online marking of assessments using PLOM. The term runs from January 6 to April 27, 2024.
We seek an innovative educator with demonstrated experience in teaching biology using evidence-based and learning-centred pedagogical approaches, mentoring and managing teaching assistants, and engaging students in active learning classroom environment.
Candidates with a Ph.D. or a senior graduate student close to defending their Ph.D. in a Biological Sciences discipline, with recent coordinating and teaching experience in BIOL 201, and working with PLOM will be considered.
The current salary for this role is $20,000.
Applications should include an up-to-date curriculum vitae, including the names, addresses and e-mail or telephone contact information of three people who can be contacted to provide reference letters, and a teaching statement. Application deadline is July 20, 2024.
Applications should be emailed to Dr. Pamela Kalas, Associate Head of Biology, kalas@zoology.ubc.ca
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. Our department is committed to confronting systemic biases, particularly as they affect individuals from Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities, and intersect with other forms of discrimination.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
Applications are invited for a part time Sessional Lecturer position in 2024 Winter Term 1.
BIOL 112 Biology of the Cell- 3 credits. Course Description: The principles of cellular and molecular biology using bacterial and eukaryotic examples.
Job Description: Primary duties include teaching a lecture section in the course, developing materials for in-class and tutorial activities and assessments in Biol 112. The term runs from September 3 – December 21, 2024.
We seek an innovative educator with demonstrated experience in teaching introductory cell and molecular biology using evidence-based and learning-centred pedagogical approaches, mentoring and managing teaching assistants, and engaging students in active learning classroom environment.
Candidates should have a background in cell biology in both bacteria and eukaryotes. Previous experience in teaching and/or running tutorials in BIOL 112 or SCIE One is required. Other relevant teaching experience at the post-secondary level will be an asset.
The current salary for a 3-credit course is $10,000.
Applications should include an up-to-date curriculum vitae, including the names, addresses and e-mail or telephone contact information of three people who can be contacted to provide reference letters, and a teaching statement. Application deadline is July 20, 2024
Applications should be emailed to Dr. Pam Kalas, Associate Head of Biology, kalas@zoology.ubc.ca
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. Our department is committed to confronting systemic biases, particularly as they affect individuals from Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities, and intersect with other forms of discrimination.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
Dr. Michelle Tseng, botany and zoology professor, discusses what may have happened to all the butterflies, and what we can do to help.
Alex Walls
Jun 25, 2024
A Cabbage White butterfly rests on a flower. Photo credit: Dr. Michelle Tseng
A wet, cool spring and spraying for invasive insects may be the reasons behind a drop in butterfly sightings this year.
iNaturalist, an online service where anyone can upload their pictures or observations of plants and animals, records about 400 observations of 22 species of butterflies in Metro Vancouver from April to June, down from about 1,000 in the same period in 2023.
Dr. Michelle Tseng, assistant professor in the UBC departments of botany and zoology, discusses what may have happened to all the butterflies, and what we can do to help.
Where did all the butterflies go?
One factor could be that the spring has been cooler and wetter than usual. Butterfly species that ‘overwinter’, or spend the colder months in their pupal stage as a chrysalis, require a certain amount of heat to continue developing into adults. This is usually prompted as the seasons turn, but if the spring has been cooler, it takes the insects longer to develop and consequently, the adults emerge later in the spring. However, it’s actually been warm enough now that we should have seen cabbage whites flying around already. And, it’s unusual how widespread the dearth of butterflies has been, from North Vancouver to Burnaby to central Vancouver.
And, butterflies don’t like flying in the rain, so when the weather is wetter, you don’t tend to see them.
Another factor could be the spraying of insecticides to combat invasive pest insects. These could also have the potential to harm butterflies. It can be a difficult balance of keeping invasive or pest insects and plants out of an area, since these can have devastating effects on native wildlife, but also protecting our native insects and plants.
Why does the drop in numbers deserve attention?
Many insects living in cities play a huge role behind the scenes in creating a healthy environment, from keeping our soils healthy, to serving as food sources for other animals, to pollination – insect pollinators are required for 75 per cent of the world’s crops, and butterflies are no exception. As well, because butterflies are sensitive to environmental conditions, they can act as an indicator species, a first sign that something is off in the environment.
It’s possible something happened last fall. Something that has been worrying ecologists for a while is that summers are staying warmer later due to climate change. Is it the case that instead of starting their winter hibernation, or diapause, the caterpillars were tricked by these long, warm summers into not preparing for winter correctly by turning into a chrysalis?
What can we do?
Generally, we can think about encouraging more butterflies, including native butterflies, to live in our cities, thus boosting biodiversity. One of my recent papers found that native street trees in Vancouver were associated with five times as many native butterfly species as non-native trees. So we could start to use our city trees for multiple purposes: not just shade and heat control, but to also increase insect diversity in our urban areas.
And we can all reduce our use of insecticides, as well as increase habitat and food sources for butterflies by planting more native plants for the caterpillars to eat and more flowering plants which produce nectar for the adults.
Applications are invited for a part time Sessional Lecturer position in 2024 Winter Term 1 and Term 2.
SCIE 001 Science One Course Description: An innovative first-year multi-disciplinary course incorporating biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics with a strong focus on the connections between these traditional disciplines..
Job Description: Primary duties include teaching and/or co-teaching letures and tutorials for the biology component of the course, participating in team meatings with the rest of the larger teaching team, participating in two, multi-days field trips (one in each term), developing assessments and grading assignments and exams. The term runs from Sept 3 to Dec 21, 2024 (Term 1) and January 6 to April 8, 2025).
We seek an innovative educator with demonstrated experience in teaching introductory biology using evidence-based and learning-centred pedagogical approaches, mentoring and managing undergraduate teaching assistants, and engaging students in active learning classroom environment.
Candidates should have an M.Sc. or Ph.D. in a Biological Sciences discipline and relevant teaching experience at the post-secondary level in the area of Biology. Prior experience with teaching in SCIE 001 required.
The current minimum salary for a 3-credit course is $10,000
Applications should include an up-to-date curriculum vitae, including the names, addresses and e-mail or telephone contact information of three people who can be contacted to provide reference letters, and a teaching statement. Application deadline is July 15, 2024.
Applications should be emailed to Dr. Pam Kalas, Associate Head of Biology, kalas@zoology.ubc.ca
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. Our department is committed to confronting systemic biases, particularly as they affect individuals from Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities, and intersect with other forms of discrimination.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
Applications are invited for a part time Sessional Lecturer position in 2024 Winter Term 1.
BIOL 300 Fundamentals of Biostatistics- 3 credits. Course Description: Statistical procedures for biological research; estimation, hypothesis testing, goodness of fit, analysis of variance and regression; use of computers for statistical analysis.
Job Description: Primary duties include teaching in the course, working with TAs, developing assessments and grading assignments and exams. The term runs from Sept 3 to Dec 21, 2024.
We seek an innovative educator with demonstrated experience in teaching biostatistics using evidence-based and learning-centred pedagogical approaches, mentoring and managing teaching assistants, and engaging students in active learning classroom environment.
Candidates should have a Ph.D. in a Biological Sciences discipline and relevant teaching experience at the post-secondary level in the area of Biostatistics. Prior experience with BIOL 300 will be an asset.
The current minimum salary for a 3-credit course is $10,000
Applications should include an up-to-date curriculum vitae, including the names, addresses and e-mail or telephone contact information of three people who can be contacted to provide reference letters, and a teaching statement. Application deadline is July 15, 2024.
Applications should be emailed to Dr. Pam Kalas, Associate Head of Biology, kalas@zoology.ubc.ca
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. Our department is committed to confronting systemic biases, particularly as they affect individuals from Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities, and intersect with other forms of discrimination.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
Biodiversity and seasonality of seaweed communities in a changing climate
A Sentinels of Change Alliance postdoctoral fellowship
Biodiversity change in the Salish Sea is a major ecological concern. The need to understand these changes, and their causes, is a primary research objective so that knowledge can be mobilized to inform conservation and policy actions in the region. The Sentinels of Change Alliance brings together Hakai Institute scientists, university scientists and local communities to deepen our understanding of Salish Sea biodiversity change at an unprecedented scale and resolution. The goals are to implement standard observation systems for biodiversity across a range of taxa, to conduct experiments to test hypotheses about the causes of diversity change, and to integrate knowledge from observation and experimental systems into a sustainable ongoing biodiversity observation system for the Salish Sea.
The Sentinels of Change Alliance project will train postdoctoral researchers and technicians to implement a series of globally recognized biodiversity monitoring programs (e.g. Sentinels light traps, ARMS, MARINe Biodiversity monitoring and other systematic observation and experimental systems). Project personnel will use state of the art data science and statistical approaches in the context of emerging frameworks for detecting and attributing biodiversity change. Sentinel Postdoctoral researchers will be co-advised by UBC professors and Hakai scientists to develop projects that synthesize the information coming in from the monitoring program, as well as provide complementary theory development, mechanistic experiments and monitoring.
Focal project
Macroalgae are central components of marine ecosystems, creating habitat, providing food, and mitigating environmental factors, such as flow and seawater chemistry. The coast of British Columbia is world renowned for its rich, diverse, and well-studied marine flora with hundreds of macroalgal species, representing a mix of northern and southern species. For more than a decade, field surveys along the BC coast have not only discovered new seaweed species – many of which require taxonomic description – but have also documented significant changes in local seaweed communities coinciding with marine heatwaves: some species becoming less abundant and some species with advanced, delayed, or failed annual recruitment. Ocean warming has a major impact on seaweed growth, survivorship, reproduction, and seasonality, yet little is known about the thermal niche, reproductive timing, or successional dynamics of most seaweed species. Shifts in seaweed communities can have significant downstream effects on marine ecosystems. The Sentinels project offers an unprecedented opportunity to integrate field collections, recruitment methods, and molecular data (e.g., DNA barcoding, metabarcoding, eDNA) to investigate the seasonality, successional dynamics, and environmental tolerances of NE Pacific seaweeds.
The postdoc will be responsible for leading data synthesis, surveys, and/or experiments that advance one or more of the following goals.
1) How do seaweed recruitment and successional dynamics differ across sites and environments? This project will work with Hakai technicians to deploy ARMS (collected annually) and settlement plates (collected weekly or monthly) to investigate recruitment of seaweeds, competitive dynamics, and development of seaweed communities across environments. Data from previous ARMS deployments and pilot projects are available to inform this work. Possible comparisons include with and without kelp canopy, high flow vs. low flow, variable vs. stable thermal environments, or other areas of interest.
2) Linking sequence to seaweed. This project will integrate water column eDNA data (e.g., from spores) and settlement plate metabarcoding data (e.g., from recruits) with surveyed and barcoded seaweed communities. This integrated dataset will clarify the seasonality of reproduction and recruitment success of various seaweeds while also supporting ongoing taxonomic initiatives. Population genetics and current models may also be applied to assess population connectivity, dispersal capacity, and recovery potential of species at different locations.
3)Characterizing tipping points for reproduction, growth, and community assembly of NE Pacific seaweeds. This project will use a combination of lab and field experiments to unravel the impact of temperature and currents on seaweed communities and individual species. Lab experiments may isolate species and employ thermal gradient blocks to identify limits to reproductive success and productivity. Natural seaweed communities recruited to settlement plates may be transplanted across sites to explore the impact of environmental and biological drivers on succession. Communities may further be tested in growth flumes to isolate the impact of temperature and flow on community outcomes.
Post-doctoral research will complement ongoing research in the Martone Lab and the Hakai Institute focused on the biodiversity, physiology, and ecology of marine macroalgae.
Postdoctoral responsibilities and Requirements:
The postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for collating macroalgal datasets from within the Hakai network and the Martone lab.
Work with the Hakai Sentinels research scientists and technicians to design and implement sampling strategies that promote the integration of eDNA and metabarcoding data into biodiversity monitoring.
Postdoc will design and implement experiments to test the impact of the climate stressors, especially temperature, and mitigating factors (e.g. high current) on seaweed communities and focal seaweed species.
Required experience in phycology. Experience applying molecular methods to analyze biodiversity data preferable. Experience with experimental approaches in marine ecosystems welcome. Experience conducting field work is an asset but not required.
Project advising team:
The successful candidate will be housed in Dr. Patrick Martone’s lab at UBC, and co-supervised by Dr. Margot Hessing-Lewis and Dr. Matt Lemay of the Hakai Institute.
Additional details: Equity and diversity are essential to research excellence. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. Candidates of any nationality are encouraged to apply.
The position is based at the Vancouver campus of the University of British Columbia, which lies on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. Hakai is an independent research organization based in British Columbia with many scientists studying the fish, invertebrates, microbes, and seaweeds of coastal ecosystems. The postdoctoral fellow is expected to be able to travel within the Salish Sea Region to participate in experimental work, and accommodation at field stations will be provided.
The position is for two years with a performance review after one year. The expected pay for this position is $55,000.00 per year, plus a UBC Postdoctoral Research Fellow benefits package, and a dedicated annual professional fund allowance. We hope to fill the position for a start date of September 1, 2024 (negotiable).
Please contact Patrick Martone with questions (pmartone@mail.ubc.ca).
To apply, please email the following to Michelle McEwan (sentinels@hakai.org)
a cover letter
CV
Two reference letters directly submitted.
a sample research publication
Your cover letter should address your motivation to excel in this project, and the particular skills and experience you can bring to the work.
Patrick Keeling’s research program has illuminated fundamental properties of the evolution and diversity of algae, and microbial life in general. His prolific work has covered a broad range of biodiversity and disciplines, and had major impacts on our understanding of the tree of life, horizontal gene transfer, symbiosis, parasitism, and the evolution of the complex compartmentalization of eukaryotic cells. His work on plastid (chloroplast) diversity stands out, having combined evolution, cell biology, ecology, genomics, and theory to develop and experimentally test new models for the endosymbiotic origin and spread of photosynthetic organelles. The impact of this work has extended to a major theoretical reassessment of what endosymbiosis really means, calling into question longstanding and central assumptions about the mechanistic process of endosymbiosis, as well re-casting it as a primarily conflict driven process rather than mutualistic. His focus on diversity has similarly helped identify important new algal lineages, including many surprising links between algae and parasites, and more generally to re-draw the tree of eukaryotes highlighting the multiple origins of photosynthetic eukaryotes and their central roles in evolution and ecology. The impact of these advances is reflected in long and diverse lists of invited reviews in top journals, keynote lectures at major international meetings, and awards from distinguished scholarly organizations, including the Guggenheim Foundation, the Royal Society of Canada, and the US National Academy of Sciences. His work has made both profound and lasting impacts that change how we understand algae and the evolution of endosymbiosis more broadly.
Closing date: April 2, 2024 — Posting date: March 18, 2024
Applications are invited for a part time Sessional Lecturer position in 2024 Summer Term 1.
BIOL 111 Introduction to Modern Biology – 3 credits. Course Description: Concepts fundamental to biological issues, such as the genetic basis of biological variation, evolution, infectious diseases, causes of cancer, population growth, and human effects on ecosystems.
Job Description: Primary duties include teaching in the course, supervising and working with Teaching Assistant assigned, developing assessments and marking assignments and exams in BIOL 111. The term runs from May 13 – June 20, 2024.
We seek an innovative educator with demonstrated experience in teaching in the area of biology using evidence-based and learning-centred pedagogical approaches, mentoring and managing teaching assistants, and engaging students in active learning classroom environment.
Candidates should have a Ph.D. or is a senior Ph.D. candidate in Biology or related area with a strong background in biology. Previous experience in teaching and/or being involved in BIOL 111, and other relevant teaching experience at the post-secondary level in the area of biology will be an asset.
The current salary for a 3-credit course is $10,000.
Applications should include an up-to-date curriculum vitae, including the names, addresses and e-mail or telephone contact information of three people who can be contacted to provide reference letters, and a teaching statement. Application deadline is April 2, 2024.
UBC and the Department of Botany recognize that equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence, and that an open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged, leading to more relevant and impactful research and teaching. Accordingly, we particularly encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code. This includes racialization, status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status and/or age. Our department is committed to confronting systemic biases, particularly as they affect individuals from Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities, and intersect with other forms of discrimination. Botany department is committed to supporting success for individuals from traditionally-disadvantaged groups, building on existing efforts across the UBC Faculty of Science to promote equity, diversity and inclusion in our research and teaching missions (https://science.ubc.ca/faculty/diversity).
UBC’s Vancouver campus is situated on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the Musqueam people.
Applications are invited for a part time Sessional Lecturer position in 2024 Summer Term 1.
BIOL 200Fundamentals of Cell Biology- 3 credits. Course Description: Structure and function of plant and animal cells; membrane models, cytoplasmic organelles, biological information from gene to protein, the endomembrane system, secretion, intracellular digestion, endocytosis, transport processes, cytoskeleton and cell motility.
Job Description: Primary duties include, teaching a lecture section in the course, developing materials for in-class and tutorial activities and assessments in Biol 200. The term runs from May 13 – June 20, 2024.
We seek an innovative educator with demonstrated experience in teaching BIOL 200 using evidence-based and learning-centred pedagogical approaches, mentoring and managing teaching assistants, and engaging students in active learning classroom environment.
Candidates should have a PhD and a solid background in cell biology. Previous experience in teaching and/or running tutorials in BIOL 200 is required. Other relevant teaching experience at the post-secondary level will be an asset and considered.
The current salary for a 3-credit course is $10,000.
Applications should include an up-to-date curriculum vitae, including the names, addresses and e-mail or telephone contact information of three people who can be contacted to provide reference letters, and a teaching statement. Application deadline is March 26, 2024
UBC and the Department of Botany recognize that equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence, and that an open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged, leading to more relevant and impactful research and teaching. Accordingly, we particularly encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code. This includes racialization, status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status and/or age. Our department is committed to confronting systemic biases, particularly as they affect individuals from Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities, and intersect with other forms of discrimination. Botany department is committed to supporting success for individuals from traditionally-disadvantaged groups, building on existing efforts across the UBC Faculty of Science to promote equity, diversity and inclusion in our research and teaching missions (https://science.ubc.ca/faculty/diversity).
UBC’s Vancouver campus is situated on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the Musqueam people.
Applications are invited for a part time Sessional Lecturer position in 2024 Summer Term 2.
BIOL 300Fundamentals of Biostatistics- 3 credits. Course Description: Statistical procedures for biological research; estimation, hypothesis testing, goodness of fit, analysis of variance and regression; use of computers for statistical analysis.
Job Description: Primary duties include teaching in the course, working with TAs, developing assessments and grading assignments and exams. The term runs from July 2 – August 9, 2024.
We seek an innovative educator with demonstrated experience in teaching biostatistics using evidence-based and learning-centred pedagogical approaches, mentoring and managing teaching assistants, and engaging students in active learning classroom environment.
Candidates should have a Ph.D. in a Biological Sciences discipline and relevant teaching experience at the post-secondary level in the area of Biostatistics. Prior experience working with the BIOL 300 teaching team will receive priority consideration.
The current salary for a 3-credit course is $10,000.
Applications should include an up-to-date curriculum vitae, including the names, addresses and e-mail or telephone contact information of three people who can be contacted to provide reference letters, and a teaching statement. Application deadline is March 26, 2024.
Applications should be emailed to Dr. Sunita Chowrira, Associate Head of Biology, chowrira@mail.ubc.ca
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. Our department is committed to confronting systemic biases, particularly as they affect individuals from Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities, and intersect with other forms of discrimination.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
Postdoctoral, Friedrich Miescher Inst., Switzerland (1986-90)
Research Scientist, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada – Vancouver Research Centre (1990-1996) – Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre, Summerland (1996-now)
Associate Editor, Botany
Head, Secoviridae Study Group, International Committee for the Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV)
My research program is aimed at providing a molecular understanding of the replication cycle of plant viruses, with the long-term objective of designing new antiviral strategies. In particular, we are studying the function of viral proteins and the interaction between viruses and their host plants.
Tomato ringspot virus (ToRSV) is a nepovirus and an important pathogen of fruit trees and small fruits in North America. Our laboratory is dissecting various steps of the replication cycle. In recent years, we have (1) examined the function and cleavage site specificity of the viral proteinase; (2) studied the assembly of viral replication complexes and examined the interaction between viral replication proteins and intracellular membranes, and (3) characterized the interaction between ToRSV and the plant gene silencing pathway. We have also collaborated with Dr. Thierry Wetzel (AlPlanta, Germany) to study the proteinase and replication proteins of Arabis mosaic virus(ArMV, another nepovirus that causes serious diseases in grapevine in Europe and elsewhere). We use a combination of molecular biology, cellular biology, biochemistry and plant tissue culture techniques.
In response to the discovery of Plum pox virus in Canada (PPV, the causal agent of sharka disease, a devastating disease of Prunus species in Europe), we have also participated in a team research effort to develop resistance to PPV in Prunus germlines.
Selected Publications
Wetzel, T., Chisholm, J., Bassler, A. and Sanfacon, H. (2008) Characterization of proteinase cleavage sites in the N-terminal region of the RNA1-encoded polyprotein from Arabis mosaic virus (subgroup A nepovirus). Virology 375, 159-169
Jovel J., Walker M. and Sanfaçon, H. (2007) Recovery of Nicotiana benthamiana plants from a necrotic response induced by a nepovirus is associated with RNA silencing but not with reduced virus titer J. Virol. 81, 12285-12297
Chisholm, J., Zhang, G., Wang, A. and Sanfaçon, H. (2007) Peripheral association of a polyprotein precursor form of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of Tomato ringspot virus with the membrane-bound viral replication complex.Virology 368, 133-144
Zhang G. and Sanfaçon, H. (2006) Characterization of membrane-association domains within the Tomato ringspot nepovirus X2 protein, an endoplasmic reticulum-targeted polytopic membrane protein. J. Virol. 80, 10847-10857
Zhang, S. C., Zhang, G., Yang, L, Chisholm, J. and Sanfaçon, H (2005). Evidence that insertion of Tomato ringspot virus NTB-VPg protein in endoplasmic reticulum membranes is controlled by two domains: a C-terminal transmembrane helix and an N-terminal amphipathic helix. J. Virol. 79, 11766-11775
Wang, A., Han, S. and Sanfaçon, H. (2004). Topogenesis in membranes of the NTB-VPg protein of Tomato ringspot nepovirus: definition of the C-terminal transmembrane domain. J. Gen. Virol. 85, 535-545
Han, S. and Sanfaçon, H. (2003). Tomato ringspot virus proteins containing the nucleoside triphosphate binding domain are transmembrane proteins that associate with the endoplasmic reticulum and co-fractionate with replication complexes. J. Virol. 77, 523-534
Léonard, S., Chisholm, J., Laliberté, J.F. and Sanfaçon, H. (2002). Interaction in vitro between the proteinase ofTomato ringspot virus (genus nepovirus) and the eukaryotic translation initiation factor iso4E from Arabidopsis thaliana. J. Gen. Virol. 83, 2085-2089
Office: 323-2357 Main Mall | Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z4
Lab Phone: 604-822-6394
Research Interests
My research interests include understanding the role of plant genetics in the design of sustainable production systems, identifying relevant traits useful in these systems, combining them within superior germplasm, and integrating this germplasm into an optimized system. General areas of interest include plant breeding, intercrop interactions, nutrient use efficiency, root physiology, biotic and abiotic stressor resistance, and edaphic selection. Currently, I am focusing on understanding and designing intensive multi-trophic production systems and the re-integration of plant and animal production.
Associate Professor (Affiliate), University of Alaska, Fairbanks;
Visiting Lecturer, Vancouver Island University.
Contact Information
sandra.lindstrom@botany.ubc.ca
Research Interests
One of the world’s most complex coasts extends from Puget Sound, Washington, through British Columbia and around the coast of Alaska. Repeated glaciation has acted like a species pump, creating a more diverse marine benthic seaweed flora than one would expect in a region so recently covered by ice. Although this area has been studied by phycologists at U.B.C. since the 1950s, only recently have we had the molecular tools to address unequivocally questions of species limits and relationships and the biogeography of speciation in this environment. These tools have allowed us to recognize species that had previously been confused with other species, to hypothesize the existence of refugia that allowed species to persist within the glacial boundary through the Pleistocene, and to identify geographic boundaries that may have played a role in speciation.
These studies highlight the need for further systematic investigation of North Pacific species. More intensive collections are revealing not just additional cryptic diversity, but also concordant patterns of genotype diversity distributions and a strong signal for a Pacific origin of many Atlantic species. Culture studies have identified novel patterns of development and vegetative proliferation. These studies serve to further our knowledge of seaweed phylogeny, systematics and biogeography.
Hind, K. M., Gabrielson, P. G., Lindstrom, S. C., & Martone, P. T. 2014. Misleading morphologies and the importance of sequencing type specimens for resolving coralline taxonomy (Corallinales, Rhodophyta): Pachyarthron cretaceum is Corallina officinalis. J. Phycol. 50: 760-764.
Gabrielson, P. W., S. C. Lindstrom and C. J. O’Kelly. 2012. Keys to the Seaweeds and Seagrasses of Southeast Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon. Phycological Contribution No. 8, iv + 192 pp.
Martone, P. T., Lindstrom, S. C., Miller, K. A., & Gabrielson, P. G. 2012. Chiharaea and Yamadaia (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) represent reduced and recently derived articulated coralline morphologies. J. Phycol. 48: 859-868.
Lindstrom, S. C., Hughey, J. R., & Martone, P. T. 2011. New, resurrected and redefined species of Mastocarpus (Phyllophoraceae, Rhodophyta) from the northeast Pacific. Phycologia 50: 661-683.
[1] Sutherland, J. E., Lindstrom, S. C., Nelson, W. A., Brodie, J., Lynch, M., Hwang, M. S., Choi, H.-G., Miyata, M., Kikuchi, N., Oliveira, M. C., Farr, T., Neefus, C., Mols-Mortensen, A., Milstein, D., & Müller, K. 2011. A new look at an ancient order: generic revision of the Bangiales (Rhodophyta). J. Phycol. 47: 1131-1151.
Boo, G. H., Lindstrom, S. C., Klochkova, N. G., Yotsukura, N., Yang, E. C., Kim, H. G., Waaland, J. R., Cho, G. Y., Miller, K. A., & Boo, S. M. 2011. Taxonomy and biogeography of Agarum and Thalassiophyllum (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae) based on nuclear, mitochondrial and plastid gene sequences. Taxon 60:831-840.
[2] Lindeberg, M. R. and S. C. Lindstrom 2010. Field Guide to Seaweeds of Alaska. Alaska Sea Grant College Program, Fairbanks, iv + 188 pp.
Kawai, H., Hanyuda, T., Lindeberg, M., & Lindstrom, S. C. 2008. Morphology and molecular phylogeny of Aureophycus aleuticus gen. et sp. nov. (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae) from the Aleutian Islands. J. Phycol. 44: 1013-1021.
[1] This publication won the Provasoli Award for the best paper published in the Journal of Phycology in 2011.
[2] This publication won awards from the National Association of Government Communicators (US) in the Soft/Hardcover book category (content and design) and from the American Library Association, Notable Government Documents program.
Len was a cherished lecturer in UBC’s Department of Botany. When you first met Len, he had a somewhat gruff exterior, but students soon realized he was a knowledgeable, trusted teacher and scholar who loved sharing his enthusiasm and curiosity and showing them how to uncover hidden gems in the natural world.
Len completed a Bachelors’ of Science degree in Marine Biology in 1978, then a Masters’ of Science in Botany in 1991 and finally completed his PhD in Botany in 2004. All of his studies were at UBC and he began working for the university as a sessional lecturer in 2003.
He emulated and worked with many preeminent scholars in his field and helped the department carry their legacy into the future. His behind-the-scenes efforts in the department, his field collections and his work with students in the classroom make him truly irreplaceable. He had an amazing depth of knowledge, and a way of opening students’ eyes to the diversity of life that we study. His passion for learning about bizarre and beautiful organisms that few people ever get to see, inspired our students to feel that same passion and awe.
Mostly, I will miss Len’s laugh, which often followed some wry comment. It makes me tear up thinking that I won’t get to hear it again. He held his cards close to his chest, but as soon as you realized how much passion he had for his work, he was so much fun and a joy to be around. It was obvious that he was doing what he loved. He was a really special man.
All of those who knew Len are deeply and profoundly saddened by his passing. As we mourn his loss, we respectfully ask media to allow us the space to grieve in private.
Patrick Martone Professor, UBC Department of Botany
BIOL320 field trip, March 2017
Clover Point, Victoria, BC
Len is showing the difference between two brown seaweeds: Desmarestia aculeata and Desmarestia viridis (picture and information courtesy of Patrick Martone).
Professor Carl Douglas passed away tragically on Monday, July 25, 2016 in a climbing accident. Professor Douglas was a faculty member in the Department of Botany from 1987-2016. He was a plant molecular biologist, studying tree biology and the genes responsible for lignin in plant cell walls. Carl was a kind and caring mentor, nominated by his present and past graduate students for a Killam Mentoring award. He led several large tree genome projects, most recently studying genomic properties of poplar trees for renewable bioenergy. He was on the executive of the Canadian Society of Plant Biologists for many years, as western regional director from 2000-2002, vice president from 2007-2009 and president from 2009-2010. He was currently serving as Policy Director and represented the society as an executive member of the Global Plant Council, a group of senior scientists dedicated to using plant and crop science to meet global challenges. Carl was the Head of the Botany Department from 1999-2006.
Tributes to Carl:
In my former role as Administrative Director of the Department of Botany from 1996 to 2010 I had the great honour and pleasure of working closely with Carl for many years. He was my boss, colleague, mentor and friend who always made me feel that I was a very valued team member. Carl was a brilliant, wise, patient, fair and thoughtful man who was loved and highly respected by everyone, and over the years we dealt with many administrative challenges and accomplished a lot together. Those years represent some of the most fulfilling and memorable years of my career and I will forever be grateful for this time. Thank you Carl for everything.
Mutual friends said they felt “gutted” and along with “heartbroken” this is how it feels that he is no longer with us. My thoughts and prayers are with his daughter Jennifer, his wife Lorraine, family, friends and colleagues all over the world that are mourning his loss. May his spirit fly free over the mountains he loved.
Elaine Simons Lane
Carl once told me there is a concept in Germany of the “Doktorvater”, doctor father, a special scientific relationship between a PhD student and their mentors/supervisors. Although our relationship has been cut short, I thank my lucky stars that I had him as my supervisor, mentor and role model. He was so terrific and I will always look back fondly on my days as a student in his lab. The world has lost an outstanding person, and I lost my doktorvater. Rest in peace dear Carl. Thank you for everything
Teagen Quilichini, PhD student in the Douglas Lab 2008-2014
Carl Douglas and I arrived at UBC just one year apart, in 1987-88, but it took almost two decades to really get to know each other. Although both plant scientists, we were in different departments in different Faculty. In fact, it was mainly through our external involvement in the Canadian Society of Plant Biologists (then Physiologists) that we became acquainted with each other’s work, and our mutual interest in trees. Despite Carl’s incredible breadth of botanical knowledge, there was little overlap in expertise (I am molecularly challenged), and thus there was plenty of opportunity to collaborate. We have since published many articles together, with more still in the works. I can trace our collaboration to a particular event… a sunny summer day in about 2003. We ran into each other on campus and I mentioned that the Ministry of Forests had several hundred native black cottonwood clones that they hoped to generate interest in. Carl proclaimed “we should leverage that!”, and by “we” he meant our collective community on campus. A few years later that’s exactly what happened, with Carl (and Shawn Mansfield) leading the charge. Together, dozens of us (students, postdocs, technicians, faculty and partners) stumbled through the poplar genome to accomplish some really exciting science. Carl, more than any other single individual, understood and appreciated what we were all up to and kept the group functioning, if not always on track. I came to admire him as much as I have admired anyone. An excellent scientist, a tireless worker, a selfless leader and a most wonderful colleague. His passing cuts deeply.
Rob Guy
Carl Douglas was a treasured colleague and friend. His tragic death is a great loss to the extended Botany family. As an Adjunct Professor at the Dept of Botany, I have had the pleasure of working with Carl for the last 26 years. He provided a rare combination of scientific excellence and exceptional kindness and caring abilities. Carl was a co-supervisor or committee member for many PhD students working in my lab. His gentle and calm approach combined with a wonderful ability to see the positive in everyone and every situation has been greatly appreciated. I will miss you, Carl.
Hélène Sanfaçon, Research Scientist, Summerland Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Adjunct Professor, Dept of Botany, UBC
“When I came to UBC as a postdoc the only prof I saw who seemed to have really figured out well the life-work balance was Carl (apologies to the rest of you). He did a long bike commute most days, tended a native plant garden at home, went on lots of hikes, enjoyed wine-tasting parties etc and of course this is all while working hard too. He was also one of the kindest most generous people I knew. I think about him every day and I miss him. He was a incredibly human role model to me of how to live your life happily. I will keep thinking about him and I am sure as I go forward with my life, my choices will be influenced by him. I raise my wine glass in celebration of his dolce vita.”
Jennifer Klenz
“Carl had a love of science that was matched by a love of people. He always had a smile, a willingness to lend a hand to his community, and a true desire to connect with people. We at UBC were greatly enriched for having Carl as a colleague and will miss him greatly. Sally Otto (Zoology and Biodiversity Research Centre)”
Sally Otto
I have known Carl as a colleague and a friend since 1992, when I joined the department of Botany at UBC. Carl, you were truly a sincere friend, wonderful colleague and, above all, a kind and compassionate human being. You were always generous with your time, suggestions, and advice. There are few people like you in the world today. You will be missed dearly!
Santokh Singh
A great colleague and a wonderful man in general. We will miss his intelligence and gentle humour.
J.T. Beatty, Professor, Dept. of Microbiology & Immunology
Carl, you were a great scientist and above all an awesome human being. I will always remember our meeting during my graduate life at UBC as well as our meeting here in South Africa. May your soul rest in peace. I would like to offer my deepest and most sincere condolences to his family.
Tanay Bose
I met Carl for the first time at a conference in early 2012 where he was advertising a postdoc job in his lab. We met up and had such a good chat that he offered me the position right away. I was hesitant, because I had never lived abroad before, but he spoke of his research, UBC, and Vancouver in such an engaging way that it both excited me and assuaged my worries. Soon after I finished my PhD in Germany I joined his lab but when I arrived to Canada I was still looking for a place to stay. So, the first thing Carl did when I met him was to hand me his house keys before leaving for a week-long vacation. All I had to do was feed the cat and empty the fridge…
I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity and support that Carl provided for me as an early career researcher. Because of him, I’ve had many wonderful experiences in BC, learned extensively about tree research, and met many people that are now important to my life. Thanks Carl! Thanks for your guidance and support, for our many thoughtful discussions, and for stopping by in New Zealand just to say Hello. I will miss you!
Steffi Fritsche
Carl was a passionate scientist, encouraging mentor, and a fantastic teacher. His legacy will forever be ingrained into all his students, post-docs, and colleagues. You will be missed.
Ryan Eng, PhD, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology
R.I.P Carl. I liked you so much. You always had a smile for all of us, and you were a devoted scientist. You were so “Oregonian” and I mean that in the best form of flattery.
You were far, far too young to go, but this is nature’s choice and not ours. To your family and all your colleagues at UBC, I offer my deepest condolences. I am still stunned. May your soul
be at peace, Carl. R.I.P. my friend. Goodbye….
Peter Cohen
Dr. Douglas was my committee member, one of my comprehensive examiner and my referee for my postdoctoral position. He was always an inspiring person to me. He had helped me to grow scientifically by providing positive criticisms. I will miss him and he will remain alive in my thoughts.
Basudev Ghoshal, Ph.D., Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, Terasaki Life Sciences Building
Carl had a tremendous positive impact in my life. He opened the doors of his lab to me, a fresh graduate from Brazil, and dramatically altered the course of my life. I will be forever grateful for having been one of Carl’s PhD students. My gratitude, however, goes beyond a science education. Carl was a generous, kind and compassionate mentor, who supported his students and post-docs as complex, multifaceted individuals we all are. That support is what made my journey into getting a PhD possible. His friendly, calm and positive demeanor was comforting when everything seemed to be falling apart. He cheered together with successes big and small. I will never forget his smile and laughter during lab meetings, softball games, lab hikes and ski trips, weddings, conferences and so many lunches and dinners. His enthusiasm for life was genuine, and he seemed the happiest when we were all having a good time. Success was not only measured in the number of publications and grants, but in glasses of wine and good friends. May his good spirit live in the hearts of those who knew him.
I know it will in mine. Rest in peace, Carl.
Clarice Souza (Douglas lab member from 2001 to 2007)
Professor Douglas was one of the examiners in my thesis commitee. He was a very helpful mentor for me and I’m all the more grateful for his help. He will be sorely missed.
Thamali Kariyawasam
Two weeks before the accident, Carl treated all volunteers in his lab to Loaf’s coffee. For some of us, it was the first time having coffee with a professor and we were nervous! But he remembers our names and chatted about his traveling just like a kind grandpa. Many of us did not know much about the world of research, at least not by practical experience. Carl stood by the door of a world of research and scientists who are also wonderful people, waving to us who were nervously trying to take a peek into the world, he said: “Com’on in kids! Let’s explore, maybe you will like it here! Our hearts are still warm from that day’s coffee.
Olive Wang
Carl was not just a colleague, but a leader in forest biology. More importantly, he was a leader who attracted a following, because not only was he smart and inspired, but he was gentle and kind. Carl laughed in a way that we can still hear. He also took delight in what he was doing – and my God did he do a lot ! He was a bear for work: at one point he was not only chair of a sizeable university department, but he was the P.I. on a huge project. When you work at such a level, it generates respect. Carl made a great deal of effort to be a positive force in our field. He certainly helped out our Forest Biology group over the years. Being liked and being respected adds up to being admired. Carl Douglas was an admirable man. We were all shocked to hear of his death. It was the end of a giant in our field.
He will be sorely missed and we grieve his loss.
Our condolences to his family.
Patrick von Aderkas, Centre for Forest Biology, University of Victoria
It has taken me a long time to be able and sit to write some words about Carl. I still think he is out there, climbing some beautiful mountain, or skiing down, surrounded by white, cannot come to terms that he is gone. I had the privilege and the joy of knowing him, and working with him, for several years. Carl found the balance between good outstanding science, and exploring the world around him, and doing the ultimate to enjoy them both. We shared good wine and food together, great Douglas Lab hikes, and shared a couple of lab moves as well. Carl was always willing to help out, and I will always appreciate that included me as well, so will never forget. He believed in the inherent potential in everyone, thus mentoring and giving chances others might not, and students flourished thanks to this, never proving him wrong. An example to all. Will always remember you with fondness and respect and gratitude.
Michael Friedmann
George Haughn’s presentation at Carl’s memorial:
Carl Douglas was my friend and departmental colleague for the last 24 years. Lorraine his wife asked me to speak about Carl today. It’s is not possible to summarize anyone’s life in a few minutes, especially not Carl’s who had such a positive influence on so many people in so many ways. The large turnout at today’s memorial with people from Asia, Europe and all over North America, illustrates how many lives he touched.
Throughout the time I knew him, Carl took on many leadership roles. For example, he was the head a large active research program that included being the Principle Investigator for several complex, multi-laboratory, genomic projects. As an educator, he taught an unusually diverse set of university courses that included ones for first and fourth undergraduates and post-graduate students. He served as the Head of Department for Botany over a seven-year span and was recently the President for the Canadian Association of Plant Biologists. Clearly Carl was a leader who was not afraid to take on challenges but it was his personality and how he chose to lead that endeared him to so many people. Carl led by example, typically taking on more than his share of the workload. He had the common good at heart so you could trust him to do the best for the group. He was generous with his time and resources and enjoyed helping others. Even under stress Carl was incredibly patient and had a calming effect on others. He was kind and thoughtful not only professionally but privately as well. Years ago when he found out that our family was planning on taking a camping trip to in the Pacific Northwest he offered us the key to his family cabin on the Olympic Pennisula and thus introduced us to an incredibly beautiful part of the world. Most importantly, Carl always seemed to be in a good mood. Even in the face of problems he had this smile that was disarming.
I guess we would all like to know what Carl’s secret was. He always seemed content and was filled with a love of life that was contagious. He loved his family, enjoyed his job and filled his life with activities special to him. For example he was passionate about food. Many of us enjoyed his home-cooked meals at dinner parties and made use of his expertise in local restaurants and wines. Years ago he asked me to pick up a case of Tinhorn Creek Merlot that he had purchased from a VQA wine store close to our home on the North Shore. Taking the hint, I immediately bought a case for myself.
Like many people from the Pacific Northwest, Carl was drawn to the outdoors and spent a large part of his life hiking, climbing, kayaking, skiing and camping. I have fond memories of our yearly expedition to Gabriola Island for a camping and kayaking weekend each fall.
I am going to miss Carl a lot. I respected him, trusted his council and valued his friendship.
The last time I saw Carl was in mid-June at the Plant Cell Wall conference in Greece. On the night of the banquet, the entertainment was Greek music and dancers. As part of the show the dancers invited individuals to dance with them. Carl was one of the first to take them up on the offer. The picture below, aside from demonstrating that I won’t make a living as a photographer, epitomizes Carl’s joy of life, a joy that will live on in all of us who were lucky enough to have known him.
28th February 1933 – 10th October 2010 In memoriam by Iain Taylor
Gil. Hughes was born in Homerville GA, and earned an undergraduate degree in Biology from Georgia Southern University 1953. Biology was the major but music was never far behind for Gil was an accomplished pianist and had a lifelong love of the works of Rachmaninoff and became recognized as one of that composer’s expert discographers. He was widely known as one of the world’s experts of the discography.
He fell in love with fungi and obtained graduate degrees in Botany from Florida State University (M.S. 1957; Ph.D. 1959). After one year as an NSF Research Fellow at the Duke University Marine Laboratory and another as an NRC of Canada Postdoctoral Fellow at UBC, he taught at Kansas State and then at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA. He arrived back at UBC in 1964 and remained until he was appointed as Professor emeritus in 1998.
Like almost all the mycologists whom I have known, Gil’s love of fungi was almost obsessive. He was known internationally for his work on fungi in marine and estuarine habitats. For much of his career he was the only Canadian mycologist actively researching fungal pathogens in maricultured invertebrates and marine algae, and working on biodeterioration in Canada’s coastal waters. Given the ‘new’ interest in marine fungi, bacteria and viruses, Gil clearly was a pioneer for this currently emerging field. Gil was a meticulous researcher who maintained his own research at the same time as he nurtured his students to follow their own paths. He published sole-authored and co-authored peer reviewed papers, books and book chapters, and he actively promoted his students to publish alone when single authorship was the right thing to do. His best known work is the book, Fungal Diseases of Fishes, co-authored with Gordon A. Neish that was later translated into Russian.
Gil was a deeply committed teacher to undergraduates, especially in the first year Biology program. He served 2 terms as Director and was a strong supporter of real organism laboratory teaching. He was the founder Plants and Man, later Plants and People, which was one of the courses that were available to 3rd year Arts students but also became a major opportunity for Botany (now Plant Biology) students to see the wider context of Botany in society. He devoted enormous time to nurturing, rather than directing his graduate students.
Underneath, music was ever-present. It was almost impossible to visit his lab without a classical musical accompaniment. It was often Rachmaninoff, but it could just as well have been a powerful symphony or piano concerto that enriched conversation and may well have heightened Gill’s attention that found the right details to notice and interpret under the microscope.
Gilbert, Maryann and their children always made Sylvia and I welcome. We shared visits to the PNE, ate many meals in Chinatown. Lunch at the UBC Faculty Club was a time for great conversation as well as putting the university and the world to rights. Gil loved to cook and every meal that friends enjoyed at the Hughes home was a gastronomic event to remember. He lived life well. We will miss him. Many who were his friends were enriched for knowing him.
Fred David Sack was born on May 22, 1947 in New York City, the only child of Irving and Matilda (Trudy) Sack. Like many of his peers born in the wake of World War II, Fred was raised within the influence of the liberal Jewish tradition and the progressive tenets of the Ethical Culture Society. He attended Stuyvesant High School, graduating in 1969, and Antioch College where he majored in Sociology and was active in school and antiwar politics. He loved music of all types, folk dancing, playing the guitar, and traveling.
When he graduated from Antioch in 1969, Fred returned to New York City to work as a Research Analyst for the Health Services Mobility Study sponsored by the Research Foundation of the City University of New York. In 1973, He became an Assistant Management Analyst for Prison Health Service of the Healthy Services Administration of the City of New York. While living in Brooklyn, Fred discovered the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens and quickly cultivated a fierce love of plants and natural habitats that would guide his interests and passions for the rest of his life.
Following his new found love, Fred enrolled as a PhD student in Plant Biology at Cornell University. His dissertation topic was, “The development and ultrastructure of the stomata of Funaria hygrometrica, Hedw.” After earning his PhD in 1982, Fred was a post-doctoral Research Fellow under Professor Carl Leopold at the Boyce Thomson Institute of Cornell University.
He joined the botany faculty at Ohio State University as an Assistant Professor in 1984, where he remained for 22 years, becoming an Associate Professor in 1990 and a Full Professor in 1997. His courses were very popular among students and his research into the cellular structure of plants and the effects of gravity on the growth of plants catapulted him to international prominence in the field. In 1994, he spent his sabbatical leave at the John Innes Institute of the Department of Cell Biology at Norwich University in England. From 2004 to 2006, he was Chair of the Plant Cell and Molecular Biology Department at Ohio State and was formally recognized by the University President for his contributions to scholarship.
Fred’s involvement in his chosen field was extensive. Over the course of his scholarly career, he published over 110 articles, supervised scores of graduate students, and received millions of dollars in grant support for his research. Between 1996 and 2000, he served on the External Advisory Board for the NASA Specialized Center for Research and Training in Gravitational Biology at Rice University. In 1995, he served on the grants panel for NASA’s Life and Biomedical Sciences, Plant Biology section. Between 1992 and 1995, he participated in the Science Working Group of NASA’s Space Station Biological Research Project and was a Council Member of the American Institute of Biological Sciences. Between 1993 and 1995, he served on the National Academy of Science Committee on Space Biology and Medicine, the Space Studies Board, and the National Research Council. Between 1991 and 1993, he served on the Board of Directors of the American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology. In 2004, he was awarded the NASA Public Service Medial at the Kennedy Space Center and in 2005 he was appointed a Fellow of the American Academy for the Advancement of Science.
In 2006, Fred was named Head of the Botany Department at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver Canada, in which position he served until 2011. In 2008, he was the recipient of a Faculty ROAD (Research Opportunities and Directory) Undergraduate Mentorship Award at UBC.
Throughout his life, Fred travelled extensively worldwide, attending and presenting at conferences, investigating natural habitats and visiting friends and colleagues.
He is survived by his wife Dian Clare, her sons Tyrone Clager, Aaron Clager, and Nate Clager, grandchildren Naomi Clager, Miles Clager, Theodore Clager, Audrey Clager, cousins Fred Horowitz, Harvey Horowitz, Frances Gershberg, Mark London, Eleanor London, Fred Lackstone, Michael Lackstone, Judy Wisansky, Doreen Bierbrier, Babs Eskin, Audrey, and many beloved friends around the world.
Thana Bisalputra passed away peacefully on June 13, 2009 in Surrey, British Columbia. He is survived by his brother, Thanit; his sister, Rasana; his sons Danai (and wife Angela) and Rabin; grandson, Jonathan; ex-wife, Alice-Ann; and several nieces and nephews in Thailand. Dr. Bisalputra was born January 6, 1930 in Thonburi, Thailand, the youngest of seven children.
He attended University of New England in Armidale, Australia, earning a B.Sc. (Hons.) degree in 1958 and a Master’s degree in biology in 1960. He then moved to the University of California, Davis to work with Professor Katherine Esau. When she moved to Santa Barbara, he completed his Ph.D. under the supervision of Professor T.E. Weier. His thesis work provided him with training in electron microscopy, which was considered the ‘thing of the future’. While at Davis, his fellow students included Jack Maze and Alice-Ann Webb. In 1964 he moved to Vancouver where he was persuaded to join the Botany department of the University of British Columbia by Dr. Robert F. Scagel, instead of taking up a post-doctoral fellowship at the Scripps Institute in California. Colleague Jack Maze remembers, “Dr. Bisalputra was hired to establish a program in electron microscopy and modern cytology. In that context he was the first person hired who made use of the more recently developed techniques and ideas. He was exceptional at both the technical and interpretive aspects of cytology.” Three years after his appointment, Dr. Bisalputra was promoted to Associate Professor. His research area was algal cell structure but he had broad interests in Cell Biology including studies of cell structure in vascular plants and animals. Dr. Bisalputra renewed his connection with Australia with a sabbatical year in 1972 at Australian National University in Canberra. Over the years, he published papers with his colleagues at UBC including J.R. Stein, F.J.R. Taylor, R.J. Bandoni and G.N.H. Towers. He also had a long and productive collaboration with N.J. Antia, of the Fisheries Research Board in West Vancouver. Dr. Bisalputra taught Introduction to Cytology (Biology 200) to class sizes of 90 students. Dr. Bisalputra also taught an advanced Cell Biology class, Biology 340, which was an intensive and stimulating synthesis of animal, protist, fungal and plant cell biology. In 1975, Dr. Bisalputra was promoted to Full Professor and he retired in 1989.
Dr. Bisalputra enjoyed photography and carpentry as pastimes. Although he loved the beauty of the west coast, he also missed his native Thailand. The family would like to express its deepest appreciation for all the caregivers at Morgan Place Care Facility, Langley Memorial Hospital, and Peace Arch Hospital who eased his burdens in the last years of his life.
Vladimir Josef Krajina was born at Slavonice, Austria-Hungary (now Czech Republic) on 13th April 1905. He was educated at Charles University, Prague, where he graduated with the earned degree of D.Sc. cum laude in 1927. In World War II, he was a leader of the Czech underground resistance for which he received both military and civilian honours. “The hero of the democratic underground was Professor Vladimir Krajina,” wrote Korbel (1959, p. 55). After the war, he returned to Charles University as a professor. He was elected to the Czech parliament in 1945 and served as General Secretary of the largest democratic Socialist Party when the government was led by Jan Masaryk. When the communist government took over in 1948, he was forced to seek safety abroad. Vladimir was a great fighter for liberty. He put his life on the line for democratic freedom, and had the dubious distinction of being sentenced to death by both the Nazis and the Communists. Vladimir and Maria opened their home to refugees from Czechoslovakia and their hospitality was legendary. His name was an internationally known by-word for Czechs all around the world.
He immigrated to Canada in 1949 and joined the UBC Botany Department in 1949 where he taught plant ecology for 24 years. His knowledge of plants, their distribution and ecology was encyclopedic, his field trips were hectic, and his slide shows were legendary. He supervised many Ph.D. students, many of whom went on to leading positions in ecology. His major contributions to Canadian botany were to develop the ecologically-based system of vegetation classification (Biogeoclimatic Zones) now widely adapted and used as the basis for forest management in BC and Alberta. He used his political experience and acumen in the successful campaign that led the establishment of more than 100 ecological reserves in British Columbia, a feat unmatched anywhere in the world. This system has been studied and adopted in several parts of the world, including Western Australia. He was honoured during his lifetime with honorary degrees including the D.Sc. honoris causa from UBC, and was invested into the Order of Canada in 1981. Vladimir died on June 1st 1993. The Department of Botany continues to honour him with the annual Vladimir J. Krajina Memorial Lecture.
Several film documentaries and works provide insights into his life and attainments. Many of them are in Czech including Krajina’s Vyoská hra (“High Game”) published by Nakladatelstvi VTA, Prague, 1994. Some selected works in English are given below.
Canadian Journal of Botany 1988, Volume 66 Number 12: 2603- 2692 ─ Community Organization and Ecosystem Conservation: A Contemporary Synthesis, A Symposium held in honour of Professor Vladimir J. Krajina’s 80th Birthday. With Introduction by M. K. Wali and contributions by M. K. Wali; D. Mueller-Dombois; L. Orloci; H. H. Shugart, G. B. Bonan, and E. B. Rastetter; P. J. Courtin, K. Klinka, M. C. Feller, J. P. Demaerschalk; J. P. Kimmins; W. B. Schofield; R. L. Burgess; and J. Major.
Drabek, J. 2012, Vladimir Krajina: World War II Hero and Ecology Pioneer, Ronsdale Press, Vancouver Press, BC.
Jenik, J. 1992, Professor Vladimir J. Krajina─Honorary Member of the Czechoslovak Botanical Society, Preslia 64: 291-311.
Korbel, J. 1959. The Communist Subversion of Czechoslovakia, 1938-1948, Princeton University Press, Princetion, NJ.
Wali, M. K. 1994. Resolution of Respect─Vladimir J. Krajina 1905-1993: A Tribute, Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America Volume 75, Number 4, 194-195.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of eminent bryologist and UBC Professor Emeritus of Botany Dr. Wilf Schofield on November 5th, 2008 at Vancouver. Many members of the UBC community and the botanical world, grieve this great loss.
For a biography of Wilf Schofield, written by Dr. René Belland of the University of Alberta, see the Botanical Electronic Newsletter (BEN)
The director of the UBC Herbarium at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, which houses Dr. Schofield’s extensive bryophyte collections, has written this memorial tribute to him:
Wilf Schofield (1927-2008)
The passing of UBC Professor Emeritus of Botany and World renowned Bryologist Wilf Schofield brings to a close a career of dedication to scholarship, professional service and mentorship that inspired countless students and colleagues, and will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Wilfred Borden Schofield grew up in Nova Scotia and obtained a B.A. from Acadia University. Wilf started his professional life as a school teacher, before pursuing a lifelong passion, the study of bryophytes. His M.A. degree from Stanford University focused on the Canadian and Alaskan species of Hypnum. a genus that he continued to work on throughout his career. After completing a Ph. D. at Duke University in 1960, Wilf joined the Botany Department at UBC in 1961, where he spent the next 47 years.
Wilf was a gentleman scholar and a lovely man; his presence in the UBC Herbarium and in the halls of the Botany Department is greatly missed. Walking down the hall, Wilf had the ability to grab your attention with his impish grin – a sure sign that he had something to share: the latest update on a project, an anecdote from a grandchild, an interesting piece of correspondence, a comment on some departmental or world event. Wilf would shop year round for gifts of books for his loved ones, sharing his latest finds from the bookstore (where he sought out treasures in the remaindered sections, sometimes hiding an extra copy of a book in the stacks, so he could tell a friend where to find it. In small and big ways, Wilf showed us that the joys in his life came not just from work, but also from family and friends, literature and music. He reminded us that we are all people, in addition to being scientists.
Of course, for those who did not know Wilf personally, his scholarly work on bryophytes and other plants serves as his most easily measured legacy. Since 1948, Wilf published more than 100 scholarly works, focusing on bryophyte genera from Arnellia to Wijkia, including treatments of more than 20 genera for the Flora of North America. The foundation of his scholarly contributions was his intimate knowledge of bryophytes in the field, reflected in Beaty Museum’s collections. When he came to UBC, the bryophyte collection held about 3000 specimens; today it numbers over 260,000, contributed through his collections, exchanges, the work of his students and postdocs, and through the reputation he built for UBC’s collection. Fittingly, we will continue to process Wilf’s specimens for several more years.
When you visit the museum, and you walk through the numerous aisles of mosses, now you will know that this amazing collection exists in large part as the legacy of one just man. Remember too that he left not only the physical samples that he collected and studied, but also his teaching and mentorship left a network of researchers, many who make ongoing use of the collection, and that he inspired us to understand, conserve and appreciate bryophytes.
Luis Oliveira (Lic. Oporto, PhD UBC) arrived at UBC Botany in 1970, to do a PhD with Thana Bisalputra. After completing his thesis on the ultrastructure of senescence during the culture of the brown alga Ectocarpus, he returned to Portugal for national military service, and then returned to Vancouver for post-doctoral work with Thana in 1975. He was appointed to the faculty in 1978, with specific tasks for Luis to contribute teaching in first year, Biology 200, and Biology 340. His wife, Julie Celestino, was the technical assistant to the curator of the Phycology herbarium, Bob Scagel. Both Julie and Luis retired at the same time. Luis is remembered for his contributions to the Biology program, and for the care that he took in his teaching. Luis’s research involved various aspects of heavy metal effects on cytoskeleton in algae.
It is with great sadness that the Botany Department shares the news that Associate Professor of Teaching Greg Bole died on Sunday, August 22, 2021. Greg excelled as an instructor, and we will miss our warm and willing friend and colleague. He was jointly appointed in the departments of Botany and Zoology.
Greg’s love of science and evolution were infectious. He inspired undergraduate students with his wit, good humour, and enthusiasm. His students fondly recall the way that Greg made his thoughtful lectures interesting and fun.
In lieu of flowers, Greg requested donations to his favourite charities, Doctors Without Border or Nature Conservancy Canada. For more information about Dr. Bole, see this memoriam page.
Photo Caption: “John Davidson on Skwoach Mountain, ca 1915.”
Photo Credit: University of British Columbia Botanical Garden and Centre for Plant Research, John Davidson Lantern Slide 251.
John Davidson differed from most UBC faculty in that he never held any formal university degrees. He was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, to a working-class family. Without money for tuition, Davidson found a back door to higher education by becoming a boy attendant in the botany department at the University of Aberdeen. Davidson assisted in museum and laboratory research work, eventually taking charge of the museum in 1897. With European universities professionalizing, he could not rise any further in the academic ranks and he emigrated to Vancouver in 1911. Minister of Education Henry Esson Young gave him the job of Provincial Botanist the next year, and in preparation for the new university, one of Davidson’s duties was to assemble an herbarium and botanical garden. After some controversy because of his lack of formal qualifications, in 1916 Davidson became UBC’s “demonstrator in charge of the herbarium and botanical garden.” In addition to his academic duties, “Botany John” Davidson distinguished himself as a field naturalist, a popular promoter of science and nature study, and a tireless ambassador for the University. By the time that he retired as an associate professor in 1948, Davidson had also created the Vancouver Natural History Society. The UBC Botanical Garden’s journal, Davidsonia, now bears his name. For more information, see also: http://botanyjohn.org
Kay Cole spent her early years as a child in the small community of Wells (near Barkerville), later moving with her family to a home in the upper levels of West Vancouver. I first new Kay as a graduate student in the Department of Biology and Botany at U.B.C. We were both students on honour programmes in the Department – Kay in Biology and I in Botany. Our supervisor was Andrew Hutchinson, Head of the Department. As Honours students we were provided with office/study space in the then Applied Science Building on the West Mall. We had adjoining desks. At that time, to get to U.B.C. from West Vancouver, she would take a bus from the upper levels to the waterfront at Ambleside where she would take a ferry under the Lions Gate Bridge to the foot of Columbia St. in Vancouver. She would then take a streetcar from Hastings St. to Blanca St. where she would transfer to a bus to the U.B.C. Campus. We both completed B.A. degrees, graduating in 1947 and M.A. degrees in 1948. This was when the Faculty was Arts & Science, before the establishment of the Faculty of Science and the awarding of the B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees. Kay then left for Smith College, where she completed her Ph.D. in genetics under the supervision of Albert F. Blakeslee. Blakeslee was a world authority on the genetics of Datura and it was on this plant that Kay did her Ph.D. research. I left for the University of California (Berkley) where I completed the Ph.D. in marine phycology under the supervion of G.F. Papenfuss.
During her years at U.B.C., Kay was active in the Music Society. She had a fine contralto singing voice and frequently performed in concerts and in Vancouver on radio during her years as a student at U.B.C.
Kay was appointed Lecturer and I was appointed Assistanat Professor in the Department of Biology and Botany at U.B.C. in 1952. Both us continued on the staff in the Department until retirement.
In the early years of our appointments at U.B.C. she continued her research in genetics, however on Medicago(alfalfa) . For several years in the summers in the 1950’s I taught a course in marine phycology at the Friday Harbor Marine Laboratory of the University of Washington. Kay was looking for a area of genetics that was new and challenging instead of the vascular plants she had been working with. I suggested to her that the genetics/cytology on marine algae was a new and challenging area she might like to explore. She spent one summer at Friday Harbor in the late 1950’s experimenting with her cytological techniques on marine algae. From then on, she and her graduate students pursued their research on the cytology (eventually the ultrastructure) of marine algae. She soon became a world-renewed researcher in the field of the cytology of marine algae. (I can see her yet at Friday Harbor, where her thumbs were usually stained purple from doing the fuchsin squash technique!).
Paul J. Harrison grew up in Ontario on a farm and attended the University of Toronto. He moved to the Botany department at Guelph for an MSc in plant ecology. After he worked with Canadian University Students Overseas (CUSO) in Ghana and was posted to the coast, he found interests in Marine Biology. He did a PhD in Oceanography at the University of Washington, and he joined UBC in September 1975. He had a prolific research program in Biological Oceanography, jointly appointed between the Departments of Botany and Earth, Oceans, and Atmospheric Science (EOAS-https://www.eoas.ubc.ca/news-events/news/1484208000). He mentored many students and postdocs, including David Turpin (PhD, 1980), who was Paul’s first student to move into off-shore studies, followed by Curtis Suttle (PhD, 1987); and Neil Price (PhD, 1987). A memorial tribute by Curtis Suttle in the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography demonstrates the lasting impact that his mentorshop had on his students (https://aslopubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1002/lob.10170). He was a valued instructor at Bamfield Marine Station . From 2001-2010, Paul was the Director of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology’s Atmospheric and Marine Science Centre. Paul retired to UBC, and he passed away in December 2017.
UBC Data Science Institute Vancouver, B.C., Canada Postdoctoral Fellow Nov 2017 – Feb 2020
DSI/CS/Botany multidisciplinary research. Point person in Rieseberg Lab (Botany) for large-scale genetic data analysis. Collaborator on student projects.
Developed a reproducible data processing work ow on AWS which compresses core-years of compute into hours of wallclock time, via parallel use of docker containers and serverless. (Repo: https://github.com/rieseberglab/bunnies)
Computed (on AWS) the largest genomic dataset in the world for sunflower. It captures the genetic diversity of thousands of individuals and is studied to fi ght eff ects of climate change.
University of British Columbia Vancouver, B.C., Canada Ph.D. Computer Science in the Systems group Sept 2010 – Nov 2017
Published in Systems, Security, Data Privacy, Cryptography and Anonymity conferences.
Trained and supervised approx 14 undergraduate and M.Sc. computer science students.
(Link description: Bunnies is a python API to write scalable and reproducible scientific workflows/pipelines. It shares many ideas with other data-driven pipeline frameworks such as Snakemake, Nextflow, and Luigi, but strives to achieve a far higher level of reproducibility. It is in early stages of development, but it has been so far used to run bioinformatics pipelines on AWS, successfully)
Research Information
Reproducibility of scientific experiments is required for allowing results of high fidelity to the environment, and to permit transparency in research. More specifically, in large bioinformatics pipelines, result datasets can be deterministically produced by a series of computing steps. Converting bioinformatics pipelines into scripts is often equated with reproducibility, but it is only one step towards a complete solution. For instance, in addition to command sequences, the input parameters and input datasets should also be tracked. Furthermore, data science is an iterative process, and pipelines can take multiple core-years to complete. So it becomes important to also track how parameters and inputs change over the long span of research projects (months or years).
My research interests span computer science, data science, and bioinformatics: systems, cloud, data provenance, and scientific reproducibility of large bioinformatics experiments. I apply cloud technologies to solve both scaling problems and bring tools that help tightly bind datasets to the code, parameters, and environment that generated them. I am interested in finding solutions which can reduce the overall time needed to generate datasets, and generate enough metadata that they can be reused by other researchers and in other experiments, with high confidence.
Research Interests
Bioinformatics frameworks for data-driven pipelines. In particular, applied to short-variant-calling.
Computer Systems
Cloud Storage
Data Provenance
Selected Publications
Todesco, Owens, Bercovich, Legare, et al., \Massive haplotypes underlie ecotypic di erentiation in sun owers”, Nature 584, 602607, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-2467-6, July 2020.
Several grants awarded during PostDoc: AWS Open Dataset Grant for \UBC Sun ower Genome” (Jan 2020), Compute-Canada Research Platforms and Portals (RPP) competition for \DivSeek Canada 2020″ (March 2020), AWS Cloud Credits for Research Award 50K (Oct 2018).
Jean-Sebastien Legare, \Enhancing user privacy in web services”, PhD thesis, UBC Faculty ofGraduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Vancouver, November 2017.
Jean-Sebastien Legare, Robert Sumi, William Aiello, \Beeswax: a platform for private web apps”, Privacy Enhancing Technology Symposium (PETS), Darmstadt, July 2016.
Legare, Meyer, Spear, Totolici, Bainbridge, MacRow, Sumi, Jung, Tjandra, Williams-King, Aiello, and War eld, \Tolerating Business Failures in Hosted Applications”, ACM Symposium on Cloud Computing (SoCC), Santa Clara, Oct. 2013
