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"I chose to enroll in the Masters of Pest Management program at SFU because of the opportunities it provides to perform research which both uncovers new biological phenomena, and provides solutions to real world problems."
Claire Gooding
Biological Science master's student in the Faculty of Science
Ever since I was a kid, I have always been fascinated by nature. This fascination began with playing with bugs and other creepy-crawlies in my backyard and eventually progressed to playing with insects and other arthropods in a research lab. Currently, I am completing a Masters of Pest Management degree in the Gries lab where I study the chemical ecology of blood-feeding arthropods.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?
As an undergraduate student at SFU, I was fortunate enough to participate in a variety of entomological research in the Cory Lab and the Gries Lab. These experiences lead me to pursue research (specifically entomology research) as a career. I chose to enroll in the Masters of Pest Management program at SFU because of the opportunities it provides to perform research which both uncovers new biological phenomena, and provides solutions to real world problems.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?
My research examines how blood-feeding arthropods (e.g. ticks) perceive their environment through chemical stimuli. I hope to eventually apply the knowledge gained through my research to develop novel repellents for blood-feeding arthropods and thus prevent the spread of vector-borne diseases such as Lyme disease.
WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?
I love getting to work with a variety of different arthropod species and learning new things about them everyday. Getting to discover new things about the biological world through my research has been by far the most rewarding part of my degree.
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 was very fortunate to receive the Thelma Finlayson Graduate Entrance Scholarship as well as the MPM Graduate Entrance Scholarship which have made significant contributions to the early funding of my degree.
Contact : cgooding@sfu.ca