Welcome Roza!

 

Hi! My name is Roza Gabdullina and currently I am completing my Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at the University of Lethbridge. My academic journey has taken me through diverse fields, including a Bachelor in Fine Arts, a Master’s degree in History, and graduate studies in Archaeology, but my passion has always been grounded in discovery and applied research.  

Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to explore molecular diagnostics through an internship with Paramoria Agri-Science, where I worked as a Molecular Pathology Intern. There, I conducted qPCR analyses to detect and quantify crop diseases from field samples and optimized protocols for diagnostic efficiency. I also worked on developing an RNA toehold switch biosensor for clubroot detection in canola. The idea is to create a test that functions much like a rapid COVID test, using freeze-dried toehold switches embedded on paper to detect pathogen RNA and produce a visible signal that could give growers real-time results right in the field. I co-authored a publication focused on the biophysical characterization of GFP-nanobody interactions, building on research I conducted using biophysical techniques.  

This summer, I’m excited to expand my experience into entomology and gain practical skills in insect sampling, field plot maintenance, and integrated pest management. I’m especially looking forward to seeing how molecular biology and field ecology intersect to support sustainable agriculture in Canada. 

Figure 1. Roza taking a break from labelling insect specimens.

Welcome Jacques!

Hello there! My name is Jacques Jolivet and I am a co-op student at the University of Victoria working in the Insect Pest Management (IPM) program at the Beaverlodge Research Farm this summer. I am a third-year science undergraduate student majoring in Biology at the University of Victoria on Vancouver Island, where I grew up. I have always had a passion for bugs of all sorts and in the past few years I have started breeding isopods and collecting ant queens during their nuptial flights.

I grew up on a small hobby farm, and have been heavily involved in the 4-H Program for 13 years, so agriculture is very near and dear to me. On our farm, we raise sheep and chickens. In my free time, you can find me cuddling with my sheep, playing tabletop roleplaying games and dying for hours on end in brutally difficult video games.

This summer working with the IPM team is my first job and I am really excited to do interesting, meaningful work!  I hope to learn as much as I can about insect biology and identification, agriculture in the Peace River region, and how to conduct proper field and laboratory analysis.

Figure 1. Jacques cuddling with his fluffy friends.

Welcome Bao!

Hi! My name is Bao Ngan Tuong, and I’m a third-year Food Science major at the University of British Columbia.  I’ll be working at the Beaverlodge Research Farm with the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program from May to August 2025.

Although my studies aren’t directly focused on entomology, insects play a vital role in my field. Crop yields are critical in the food industry and are strongly influenced by pest management and growing conditions. My perspective on insects broadened significantly last summer when I worked as a camp leader at the UBC farm. The farm maintains its own bee colonies, which allowed me the opportunity to observe and to gain a better understanding about its role in agriculture. I then shared this knowledge to the campers and guided them through the field to see the bees. We also explored books on pest species and discussed how others can cause major crop losses and lead to significant economic impacts like grasshoppers and beetles. That experience helped me recognize both the positive and negative contributions insects make to agriculture.

Joining the IPM program gives me an exciting opportunity to deepen my understanding of insects and their role in agriculture. I’m particularly excited to gain a perspective on northern agriculture in the Peace River region, where crops like canola, wheat, and peas are grown. I’m eager to gain hands-on experience and build lab and fieldwork skills, especially on sample processing and data management, sample labeling and tracking, taxonomic identification, and insect monitoring. These are all crucial and transferable skills that I hope to apply in my future career in the food and agriculture industry. 

Figure 1. Bao at a strawberry u-pick in BC!