Keri gained a deep appreciation for nature growing up in Calgary, located on the beautiful Alberta foothills, the traditional territories of the people of Treaty 7 and the Métis Nation of Alberta (Districts 5 and 6). While pursuing a B.Sc. in Biochemistry at the University of Alberta, she expanded her interest in environmental sciences by working seasonal lake sampling jobs for the Lake Windermere Ambassadors and the Alberta Lake Management Society.

Keri decided to combine her interests in analytical chemistry, microbiology, and environmental science by moving to Ottawa to pursue a M.Sc. in environmental toxicology at Carleton University. Her research focused on chemical and eDNA approaches to exploring a wide range of lesser known cyanobacteria or “blue-green algae” toxins in the environment, and she now considers herself a certified algae nerd.

In her free time, Keri enjoys exploring local parks and looking for wildlife. She is looking forward to spending less time in a window-less chemistry lab this summer and more time exploring the Columbia River headwaters.