Collection of eDNA samples to confirm breeding habitats of endangered Jefferson Salamanders in southern Ontario
Instructor: Dr. Pat Chow-Frasier, Department of Biology (chowfras@mcmaster.ca)
Dates: Week of May 5, 2025 – May 9, 2025
Enrolment Capacity: 5 students
Research Discipline: Ecology and Conservation Biology
Proposed Training
Between May 5 to May 9, 2025 (exact dates to be determined based on weather conditions) up to 5 students will assist Dr. Chow-Fraser and graduate student Eli Winward survey vernal pools in southern Ontario for presence of eggs or larvae of the endangered Jefferson Salamander. The course will consist of two days: Day 1 morning (9am-noon) learning about eDNA and how to sample vernal pools safely. Day 1 afternoon (1-4 pm) go into the field to sample in a vernal pool and to collect eDNA samples and to approximate morphometric information about the vernal pool and estimate canopy cover. Day 2 (9 am to 4 pm) drive to several vernal pools and assist in collecting eDNA samples for a research project. No prior experience is required—equipment and on-site training will be provided. Please note that these two days may not be consecutive due to weather.
Location of Training
Campus and vernal pools within 60 km of Hamilton
Additional Notes
- Requires travel off campus during daytime.
- Students must provide their own lunch and snacks during field sampling.
- Students must be prepared to hike in wooded areas and carry water samples or heavy backpack.
Completion of Biology 2F03 or equivalent is preferred. Students with career interests in the field of environmental science or conservation biology will be an asset.
To apply for this course, please fill out the following SCIENCE 2SG1 – Dr. Pat Chow-Fraser Course Application Form – Spring/Summer 2025 online.
Collecting Terrestrial Invertebrates to Characterize PFAS Concentrations in the Food Web of European Starlings
Instructor: Dr. Emily Choy, Department of Biology (choye1@mcmaster.ca)
Dates: 2 weeks in May 2025
Enrolment Capacity: 5 students
Research Discipline: Ecology
Proposed Training
During May, students will assist graduate student Julianna Colafranceschi in collecting terrestrial invertebrates from a landfill in Brantford, Ontario and a rural reference site in Delhi, Ontario, helping to characterize PFAS throughout the food web of European starlings nesting in those areas. Students will first learn how to deploy pitfall and malaise traps that will be used to collect these organisms. In the weeks following the initial set-up, students will collect additional invertebrates using sweep nets. In the lab, students will learn to identify the taxonomic order of terrestrial invertebrates using a light microscope and iNaturalist software. No prior experience or training is required – all necessary information and equipment will be provided on-site.
Location of Training
McMaster Campus; Mohawk Street Landfill (20 Morrison Road, Brantford, ON)
Additional Notes
- Much of the training will take place off-campus in Brantford and Delhi.
- Students are not required to drive, as transportation will be provided.
- Training involves moderate physical activity.
- As students will be out for a few hours at a time, they are encouraged to bring food, water, and comfortable clothing.
Completion of Biology 2F03 or equivalent is preferred. Students with career interests in environmental science, avian conservation biology, or ecotoxicology will be an asset.
To apply for this course, please fill out the following SCIENCE 2SG1 – Dr. Emily Choy Course Application Form – Spring/Summer 2025 online.