Dr. Vicki Marlatt
(she/her) Associate Professor of Environmental Toxicology and Biology
vicki.marlatt@sfu.ca
Collectively, Dr. Marlatt has practiced in the field of environmental toxicology and biology for fifteen years within academic, industrial and government settings. Dr. Marlatt has extensive expertise in environmental toxicology, endocrinology, animal physiology, and molecular biology/toxicology in vertebrate and invertebrate models. Through conducting, designing and managing numerous animal studies in these areas she is proficient in several techniques at the molecular, organ and whole organism level. She has considerable experience interpreting results from classical in vitro and in vivo toxicology assays and field-based studies using a variety of techniques (i.e. QPCR, proteomics, hormone and protein ELISAs, histopathology, deformity assessments), and has investigated a wide array of compounds, such as metals, metal mine effluents, sewage and pulp mill effluents, pesticides, personal care products and pharmaceuticals. For many years, she has conducted experiments that not only implement internationally validated in vivo assays to test for endocrine disruptors in vertebrate models (fish and amphibians), but also incorporated additional novel endpoints aimed at developing early onset molecular biomarkers of exposure that trigger whole organism level adverse effects (i.e. body size, deformities and/or organ level histopathology). Her current research program continues to focus on environmentally relevant, low-level chronic exposure scenarios to multiple environmental contaminants and their impacts in vertebrate models at the molecular and whole organism level. In addition to maintaining a research program in environmental toxicology, Dr. Marlatt teaches several environmental toxicology courses (e.g. graduate level mammalian toxicology and endocrine toxicology) at Simon Fraser University in one of the few professional environmental toxicology programs in Canada. Through these experiences, she is well-informed with respect to human and environmental health regulations and governance, and the growing body of literature continually published and applied to these areas.
blake danis
(they/them) PhD Candidate
bdanis[at]sfu.ca
I am a queer non-binary 4th generation settler whose research focuses on the impacts of contaminants on amphibians, particularly northwestern salamanders, using morphological, histological, and molecular techniques to identify said impacts. I am also working on an northwestern salamander developmental atlas and breeding program in addition to supporting fellow lab mates projects!
I completed an Hons. BSc in biology at the University of Victoria and initially I really liked birds (still do), but I like amphibians and reptiles a bit more these days. I initially joined the Masters of Environmental Toxicology program (rolled into PhD) as I find toxicology and ecotoxicology have a wholistic perspective and understanding of conservation practices that combine ecology, policy and regulation, industry, socio-economical, community partners, organismal, physiological, cellular, and molecular disciplines in one degree.
Outside of my research in the lab I am co-organizer for the BC Marsh Monitoring Program Committee, through WildResearch and Birds Canada, and on the Decolonizing and Indigenizing STEM research team with TILT at SFU.
I love sharing knowledge between folks in many styles of teaching and mentoring, and I am strongly committed to removing systemic, non-inclusive biases that can at times be inherent in the way work is conducted and information is presented in STEM. I am committed to anti-racist pedagogy and deconstructing colonial ideals and principles perpetuated in research, academia, and society.
Research Gate | Google Scholar | LinkedIn | Decolonial Resources
Geoffrey Su
(he/him) Research Assistant/Associate
geoffreysu.hk@gmail.com
Hello! I'm Geoff, the lab's research helper! My expertise and training is in molecular Biology of viruses with a focus on qPCR and sequencing however I was originally brought on as added help on qPCR and molecular work and have grown and aged with the lab. My work is usually centered around salmon species and involves contaminants such as pesticides, metals and oils. Our most recent research is in environmental DNA and its potential as an enumeration tool for upmigrating salmon in BC. I am always here to help with exposures, molecular work, data processing, and always too eager to offer my help with things, even if I have no idea what I'm doing! Finally and most critically, I am also the lab's supplier in snacks :)
Kurt Guo
(he/him) MET Candidate
ziyuan_guo@sfu.ca
Currently, I am involved in a research program on the impact of road salt on pacific salmon success. My part is specifically looking at the effects of sporadic salt exposures on key salmon prey items (Hyalella azteca and Chironomus dilutus) during winter salting events. I am excited about this project and hoping the findings will be useful in promoting wiser road salt uses and consequently help the salmons to survive better the challenging environment.
Bonnie Lo
(she/her) PhD Candidate
bonnie_lo@sfu.ca
I use a combination of 'omics (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) and traditional toxicity testing methods to assess: 1) the health of juvenile Chinook salmon in the lower Fraser River as a function of contaminant exposure, 2) effects of 6PPD-quinone, a rubber tire related compound, on the health of juvenile Chinook and coho salmon. My research is co-supervised by Dr. Tanya Brown. Fun fact: I started my undergrad studies as an engineering student but eventually admitted my deep love for environmental sciences.
Sruthee Govindaraj
(she/her) MSc Student
sga160@sfu.ca
Hello! I am a MSc student studying the sources and fate of microplastics in the freshwater and food systems of the Yukon Territory. Additionally, I am an Environmental Scientist with Core Geoscience Services Inc., a Yukon-based environmental consulting firm. I joined my firm following my undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Ottawa in 2019. I got the opportunity to do my graduate studies through my firm in partnership with MITACS and SFU. I also have a post graduate certificate in Climate Change Policy with a northern focus. I have lived in various countries and cultures around the world which has endowed me with a love of travelling and adventures. So far my favourite place is the coastal city of Kanyakumari, in southern India state of Tamil Nadu. I work and live within the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council in the Yukon. I study on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples, including the səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations at SFU Burnaby.
Michael Horton
(he/him) MET Student
mha168@sfu.ca
My research is focused on conducting an ecological risk assessment of anthropogenic inputs to the Alaksen National Wildlife Area in Delta, British Columbia. I am concerned with the pesticides and heavy metals detected in this area and I am assessing the potential risks they pose to the various wildlife at Alaksen, including the important migratory and overwintering bird species in addition to the listed species that occur in the area. After concluding my undergraduate studies at UNB Fredericton, I found the MET program while looking for graduate schools and became interested in the overall impacts of toxic agents in biota and the environment. The Marlatt lab and the entire MET program have been extremely welcoming and helpful to me since I began my studies at SFU and my research feels practical as it is helping to further understand and assess chemical dangers to an important Wildlife Area in Canada. Moving to British Columbia from New Brunswick for my studies has been a great experience, I am enjoying the nature BC has to offer through hiking and kayaking and I am also a big Canucks fan so getting the chance to see their games live has been amazing. I look forward to continuing my studies at SFU and beginning my scientific career in Vancouver.
Katelyn Stenner
(she/her) MET Student
kstenner@sfu.ca
I embarked on my academic journey at Simon Fraser University with a focus on Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation biology. However, after taking my very first Environmental Toxicology class with Dr. Vicki Marlatt, I immediately fell in love with the field of toxicology. I am currently pursuing a Master of Environmental Toxicology (MET) degree in Dr. Marlatt’s lab at Simon Fraser University, where my research centers on the impact of oil sands process-affected water on wood frogs, a native species in Alberta. In addition to my academic pursuits, I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm for toxicology with others. I am always eager to engage in conversations about this subject and excited to learn from others who share my passion. When I am not immersed in my studies, I enjoy spending time curled up on the couch with my rescue cats and a good book.
Pourya Sardari
(he/him) MSc Student
psardari@sfu.ca
I developed an interest in wildlife conservation during my 9th-grade biology class when my teacher introduced me to the field of conservation biology. Since then, my passion for this critical field has grown stronger, leading me to pursue a career there. Amphibians and reptiles hold a special place in my heart, and I'm deeply passionate about their conservation. I'm proud to be a member of the IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, a community that shares my passion for conservation. My research interests are diverse, but I primarily focus on the conservation breeding of endangered herpetofauna and illegal wildlife trade. As an interdisciplinary scholar, I combine different disciplines to help with endangered species conservation programs. For example, I'm fortunate to be involved in a vital research project focused on the conservation physiology and reintroduction of the Oregon spotted frog (OSF), Canada's most endangered amphibian. For this project, I work closely with OSF's recovery team, Toronto Zoo and Wildlife Preservation Canada to develop innovative techniques to save this species from extinction. Aside from my academic pursuits, I founded a nonprofit organization called Wildlife Outreach & Conservation Society. We aim to educate more people, particularly underrepresented communities, about conservation sciences. I also enjoy wildlife photography, using it as a tool to generate awareness and inspire action to safeguard wildlife.
Instagram | Twitter | Research Gate | Google Scholar | LinkedIn
Jeff
(he/him) MET Student
jglam@sfu.ca
Hi! My name is Jeff and I'm currently (as of 2023) a 2nd year Master of Environmental Toxicology student at Simon Fraser University. My research focuses on evaluating the ecological effects of contaminants of emerging concern, specfically pharmaceuticals and personal care products and figuring out how they can impact aquatic life and wildlife of Canadian watersheds by conducting an environmental risk assessment. If you asked me what I liked to do in my spare time four years ago, I would have said that I'm a gamer at heart, but recently, I've developed a new love for volleyball and tennis (which have been detrimental to my knees and free time).