Mateas Winter

Resource and Environmental Management master's student in the Faculty of Environment

I am a MRM student under the supervision of Dr. Frank Gobas. Before coming to SFU, I completed my BSc at McMaster University in Integrated Science concentrating on Earth and Environmental Science. I love to spend time outdoors, and connecting with family and friends. My passion for the outdoors is what drives my passion for studying environmental toxicology.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

What drew me to SFU and the Resource and Environmental Management program, were the research opportunities within the field of environmental toxicology with Dr. Frank Gobas, the tight-knit program, and the opportunity to explore British Columbia.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?

My research attempts to identify hot spots and sources of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the Salish Sea. PCBs are a class of synthetic and toxic chemicals which threaten the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whale population. By looking into how these chemicals are entering the environment, and where they are most abundant, we can work towards eliminating PCBs at the source to ensure the Southern Resident Killer Whale population can thrive.

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

I am enjoying the collaboration within our research group in which all participants are able to share and critically analyze one another's research which broadens my knowledge on a variety of subjects. I strive to develop a wide base of understanding in order to effectively perform within my field of environmental toxicology.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR-FUNDED AWARDS? IF SO, PLEASE TELL US WHICH ONES AND A LITTLE ABOUT HOW THE AWARDS HAVE IMPACTED YOUR STUDIES AND/OR RESEARCH.

I am very grateful to have received an NSERC CGS-M and the Brian Grant Memorial Graduate Award which has allowed me to focus my time on producing high-quality and impactful research.

Contact Mateas: mateas_winter@sfu.ca