Masters Students 2021-24

Mckenzie Brown

Hello everyone, my name is Mckenzie Brown. I started my Bachelor of Science at Acadia before transferring to the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, where I finished by degree in May 2021. I am excited to return to Acadia and begin my masters research with Dr. Easy! My project will focus on the differential expression of CBD1 and CBD2, as found in cannabis. We will be using zebrafish to explore the genetic and behavioral effects of cannabinoids in relation to stress!

Samuel Nunn

Hey everyone! My name is Sam and I finished my Bachelor of Science in Biology at Acadia in May, 2021. My focus in biology the last four years has been in genetics. My master’s research under the supervision of Dr. Easy is going to involve analyzing the effects of environmental contaminants on genes involved in maintaining the health of striped bass. We are going to look at both organic (some herbicides, pesticides, etc.) and inorganic (toxic metals) contaminants. We will also be looking at the effects of climate change, and how this plays a role in exacerbating the role of the contaminants on the striped bass. We want to determine if there are changes in the target genes of striped bass in different locations due to various contaminants present as well as climate change. I am very excited to be working on this project as we look to quantify the effects of contaminants and climate change on the health of striped bass, and help bring to light the importance of protecting striped bass. Success of this project will result in biomarkers for future studies as well as some answers as to what is causing the declining health of striped bass.

Emma-Jean Freeman (Co-Supervised with Dr. Don Stewart

Hello everybody, my name is Emma-Jean and I graduated from Acadia with my BScH in Biology and Chemistry in May 2022. I am returning to the Easy Lab to pursue my MSc in Biology, in which I will be co-supervised by Drs. Russell Easy and Don Stewart! My Master’s research will explore the parasitic life cycle of freshwater mussels and their relationship with host fish. A vital part of the life cycle of freshwater mussels is the temporary attachment of mussel larvae, also called glochidia, to the gills of fish. Traditionally, this relationship between mussel glochidia and host fish was thought to be commensal. However, recent studies have found that glochidial infection may harm the fish in many ways, suggesting a parasitic relationship. I’m hoping to confirm and quantify how glochidial infection impacts processes that contribute to fish health and fitness on the molecular level. My Master’s project will contribute to previous work done in the Easy and Stewart Labs in collaboration with aquaculture biologists in Costa Rica, where freshwater mussel parasitism has been identified to negatively impact the health and marketability of fish reared in affected aquaculture facilities. In addition, this research has the potential to benefit aquacultural activities in Nova Scotia and within facilities that are at risk of invasion by parasitic freshwater mussels.