Grace Johnson

Physics | master's degree | Faculty of Science

Tell us a little about yourself, including what inspires you to learn and continue in your chosen field

I'm a geophysicist studying the formation of permafrost sorted stripes in the Arctic. The Arctic is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, but we don't yet know how it will respond. I'm motivated to use my physics background to tackle problems like this so we can better understand and plan for the future of our planet.

Why did you choose to come to SFU?

I chose to come to SFU because of the opportunity to work at the intersection of physics and environmental science. I'm passionate about trying to bridge the gap between these two fields so that we can learn from each other and grow as scientists. I was also excited to experience all the beautiful nature BC has to offer!

How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?

I study the formation of sorted stripes, which are long, almost linear features seen on hills underlain with permafrost where the hill material has sorted itself into dark-coloured regions of compact, fine-grained sediments and light-coloured "stripes" of larger stones. The patterns provide natural pathways for water flow, and yet we know basically nothing about them because high-resolution data is so difficult to acquire in the remote areas in which they're found. My research takes place on Devon Island in the Qikiqtaaluq Region of northern Nunavut, which is a cold, windy, almost completely barren polar desert environment. We've tackled the logistical nightmare of going to Devon Island and collecting high-resolution topography data of a hill covered in sorted stripes. With this data, I'm working on building a characterization of the sorted stripe patterning by mapping all of the individual stripes and performing various analyses on them to investigate how their shape, size, etc. vary across the hill. I'm using this characterization to develop a physical model of sorted stripe formation that can help us to figure out how patterns like these may evolve under changing climate conditions.

What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?

Arctic, geophysics, permafrost

How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?

Being a TA has made me recognize my passion for science communication. I believe that it is important to be able to make science accessible to a broad audience, which is why I try to become involved with science communication activities like the 3 minute thesis. Presenting at conferences has also really helped me to hone my public speaking skills!

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 the recipient of an NSERC-CGSM award in my first year of studies. In my second year I was awarded the Malm Family Award in Climate Change, the Dr. Howard Malm Graduate Award in Physics, and the Hollosi Women in Science Graduate Fellowship. The generous support I have received from donors proves to me that there are people who care deeply about the future of our polar regions, and this motivates me to continue in my research.

What are some tips for balancing your academic and personal life?

Find hobbies that take your mind off of school, and do them regularly! Bonus points if you have to leave your house to do them.

Email: gej2@sfu

Additional Links

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