Hannah is a PhD student at Simon Fraser University in the Department of Geography. She primarily researches the hydrodynamics and methane dynamics of arctic lakes in the Mackenzie River Delta in the Northwest Territories of Canada, as well as the hydrology/biogeochemistry of arctic floodplain river systems.
Simon Fraser University respectfully acknowledges the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen peoples on whose unceded traditional territories our three campuses reside.
What do you identify as your 'big break?' Did CSU have anything to do with it?
My ‘big break’ was being selected to participate in an REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) at Central Michigan University’s Biological Station studying nearshore-offshore coupling and algae distributions in Lake Michigan between my sophomore and junior years at CSU. CSU was very important in helping me secure my position at CMUBS; various faculty wrote letters of recommendation on my behalf and my ESS course-load and CSU’s reputation were undoubtably part of the reason I was one of five students selected from the large, national pool of candidates.
What are you up to now in your job? Any noteworthy projects to discuss? (or any recently completed etc.)?
I am currently a PhD student at Simon Fraser University researching the hydrodynamics and methane dynamics of arctic lakes in the Mackenzie River Delta. I also recently completed my Master’s in Civil Engineering at the University of Hawai’i – Manoa, where I worked with the Hawaii Department of Transportation to build a simulation model of stormwater runoff in the town of Waimanlo and developed FEMA-inspired flood-prevention recommendations specific to each flood-vulnerable area.
How did CSU set you up for success in your career field?
I was a student in the Honors College at CSU, and this gave me the framework to complete an honor’s thesis, which connected me more closely with faculty and an introduction to the writing and publishing process within academia. This has been extremely important in my post-grad degrees. Additionally, the diversity of the courses offered within the ESS program helped me develop a broad knowledge base (GIS, ecology, hydrology, field courses, etc), that has been indispensable in my jobs and post-grad degrees.