Samantha Beal

Currently finishing up her M.Sc. at Dalhousie University, Sam will be joining the FOME lab as a PhD student in 2024 where her research will center on using environmental DNA tools to assess the freshwater and marine fish communities of Nova Scotia. As part of her project, she will work with communities to develop and implement a citizen science program for continual monitoring of aquatic ecosystems with particular focus on detecting novel species shifts and introductions. This research will provide an updated, comprehensive overview of the aquatic biodiversity of Nova Scotia, connecting its past composition, current state, and future trajectories, and will establish a long-term monitoring program for the benefit and inclusion of Nova Scotian communities.