Kyra St. Pierre, Ph.D. (she/her/elle)
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Assistant professor, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Ottawa
Postdoctoral fellow, Hakai Institute and Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia Ph.D., Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta B.Sc. Honours in Environmental Science, University of Ottawa From the bottom of High Arctic lakes in Quttinirpaaq National Park to the oilsands developments of northern Alberta and the forests of coastal British Columbia, I look to understand both the natural and human-impacted functioning of polar, alpine and north temperate ecosystems. I am also interested in the intersection of science and policy, particularly as it relates to water and pollution management, aquatic ecosystem conservation, climate change adaptation and sustainability. In my free time, I am passionate about health, fitness (I taught barre for 4 years!) and nature, and I love to cook and travel. Courses currently taught at uOttawa:
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Jessica Serbu, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow (NSERC) Jessica joined the L2O Lab in May 2025 and is interested in the interplay between biogeochemical and hydrological contributions to water quality in the context of a changing climate. Jessica completed her PhD at the University of Alberta, where she was privileged to conduct fieldwork in the Rocky Mountains (Alberta), High Arctic (Nunavut), Cordillera Blanca (Peru), collaborate with industry (Alberta), and be trained at the world-class Bristol Glaciology Centre (UK) and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (USA). She now aims to characterize the limnology of a large, glacier-fed subarctic lake that spans the Traditional Territories of the Taku River Tlingit First Nation (TRTFN) and Carcross/Tagish First Nation (C/TFN). Jessica is also passionate about addressing mental health challenges in students and early career scientists. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, outdoor activities like camping, and anything related to dogs. |
Chantal Lurette
Ph.D. in Earth Sciences During her MSc in Environmental Sciences at Hokkaido University, Japan, Chantal developed a strong interest in stable isotope ecology and food web studies. After joining the L2O Lab in August 2025, she aims to further develop her techniques in compound-specific stable isotope analysis of amino acids and fatty acids to elucidate the role of glacial meltwaters in structuring freshwater food webs in the Canadian sub-Arctic. Outside of her studies, she continues to pursue her passions in martial arts, herpetology, outdoor activities and traveling. |
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Isabel Ichiyama
M.Sc. in Earth Sciences Isabel is a master's candidate at the University of Ottawa focusing on the limnology and biogeochemistry of proglacial lakes. Specifically looking at the proglacial lake beneath Llewellyn Glacier in Northern British Columbia, in the Yukon Headwater region. She joined the L2O lab in July 2024, prior to that she did an B.S. In Environmental Science at the University of San Diego investigating water chemistry of the Salton Sea. In her free time, she enjoys trail running, cross country skiing, and making pizzas. |
Kate Rorabeck
M.Sc. in Earth Sciences, Specialization in Science, Society and Policy While completing her BScH in Environmental Chemistry at Queen’s University, undergraduate fieldwork sparked Kate’s interest in Arctic hydrology. Kate joined the L20 Lab as a MSc candidate in September 2024 focusing on a holistic assessment of contaminant mobility within the Carcross/ Tagish First Nation Traditional Territory. Passionate about science communication, Kate is interested in connecting her research findings to policy. Outside of the lab, Kate enjoys spending time outside, practicing yoga, baking bread, and reading. |
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Kenzie Whalen
M.Sc. in Earth Sciences, Accelerated stream Kenzie recently started her MSc after completing her BSc in environmental science at the University of Ottawa. Growing up in Prince Edward Island, she has always had a passion for understanding marine ecosystems. Kenzie is currently working on an honors project that investigates river-to-ocean exports and their impact on biogeochemical cycling in coastal environments. Alongside her academic pursuits, she is involved in many sustainability initiatives on campus, and aims to continue her studies to contribute to the field of oceanography and preserving our planet’s natural wonders. |
Zac Musch
M.Sc. in Earth Sciences Zac started his MSc with the L2O Lab in January 2026. His research is aimed at developing a strategy for contaminant research in the Yukon, informed by the compilation and analysis of data from diverse sources. Zac completed a BSc in Statistics at the University of Regina and later worked in Whitehorse as a data analyst for an Indigenous education non-profit. In his free time, he enjoys reading, hiking, and fly-fishing. |
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Paisley Reid
B.Sc. in Environmental Science Paisley is passionate about understanding how contaminants interact with aquatic systems and how spatial and environmental factors shape ecosystem health. Her Honours Project uses remote sensing and geomatics to delineate glacial plumes in northern British Columbia, examining their relationship to environmental factors in the river system feeding into Atlin Lake from the Llewellyn Glacier. Prior to this, she worked for 16 months as a Junior Environmental Officer at Public Services and Procurement Canada, gaining experience in project management, environmental assessment, and regulatory compliance. Beyond her professional and academic work, she enjoys strength training, spending time outdoors, and playing guitar. |
Jaida Brownell
B.Sc. in Environmental Science I am an Undergrad in Environmental Science, specializing in geochemistry and ecotoxicology at the University of Ottawa. I am interested in processes contributing to climate change and impacts on Northern and mountainous regions. I am working on my Honours Project which investigates the geochemical weathering processes in Peruvian proglacial rivers, with a focus on how these processes influence carbon dioxide fluxes. In my free time I enjoy playing tennis, reading, and baking sourdough bread. |
Trishna Praharaj
B.Sc. in Environmental Science Trishna is passionate about the conservation of aquatic ecosystems and is interested in learning about climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. Her Honours Project focuses on the spatial variation of mercury species and concentrations in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. She has gained some experience in policy and science communication through co-op terms at NSERC. At Fisheries and Oceans Canada, she was involved in regulatory work pertaining to species at risk and aquatic invasive species. Outside of school and work, she enjoys reading, taking vocal lessons in North Indian classical music, and volunteering and organizing community-oriented initiatives. |
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L2O Lab Alumni
- Alessandra Desloges (B.Sc. Honours Project, Environmental Sciences, 2025, co-supervised by Dr. Oliver Warr)
- Brogahn Gauthier (B.Sc. Honours Project, Environmental Sciences, 2025, co-supervised by Dr. Oliver Warr)
- Christine Lee Slew (Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program, 2025)
- Leif Rupke (NSERC USRA, Honours Project, Environmental Sciences, 2025)
- Kenzie Whalen (B.Sc. Honours Project, Environmental Sciences, 2025)
