- About
- Apply
- Awards + Funding
- Graduate Students
- Postdoctoral Fellows
- Life + Community
- Faculty + Staff
- Individualized Interdisciplinary Studies in Graduate Studies
"[Lauren's] MSc research (at Simon Fraser University, in partnership with Ocean Wise) explores how much microplastic is being eaten by zooplankton in the Arctic, and what effect it may be having on their health."
Student Profile: Lauren Howell
Biological Science Master's student in the Faculty of Sciences
Lauren has been part of the Plastics Lab since 2017. Her MSc research (at Simon Fraser University, in partnership with Ocean Wise) explores how much microplastic is being eaten by zooplankton in the Arctic, and what effect it may be having on their health. Before joining the microplastics team, Lauren’s experience included the study of fish ecology and marine mammals along the northern coast of BC, beluga whales in the St. Lawrence Seaway and Bay of Fundy, rare dolphins in Taiwan, and turtles in Barbados. Lauren draws on these experiences to create marine-inspired watercolour paintings in her spare time, and enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for the ocean with others.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?
To conduct my research in conjunction with Ocean Wise Conservation Association as part of SFU-OW Mitacs partnership agreement.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESEARCH AND/OR PROGRAM.
Researching microplastics ingestion by zooplankton in the Arctic, and quantifying potential resulting health effects.
WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?
The support of my SFU Supervisor Dr. Leah Bendell.
Contact Lauren: lhowell@sfu.ca