Previous Staff
Michelle Larstone
Fundraiser
Michelle grew up in Vancouver and Victoria before moving to the Bulkley Valley in 2005. After completing a degree at SFU, she went on to work with at-risk youth until an epiphany led her to the Sierra Club of BC and a new career. She has since been helping not-for-profit organizations raise money and communicate more effectively. She works a little with the Bulkley Valley Research Centre and spends the rest of her time in… Read more about Michelle Larstone
Tamara MacLeod
Research Program Assistant
Tamara MacLeod is a Cree/T’su T’ina metis from central Alberta whom decided to live in B.C. after a memorable road trip up to the Queen Charlotte Islands in 2000. After graduating from the University of Alberta in 1992, Tamara created various social programs throughout Alberta and British Columbia working closely with at-risk and/or marginalized communities. Tamara’s interest in the outdoors began shortly before working with Rediscovery International at various camps such as Ghost River, AB,… Read more about Tamara MacLeod
Marie-Lou Lefrançois
Researcher
Marie-Lou was a Researcher with the Bulkley Valley Research Centre. Marie-Lou obtained her B.Sc. in Physical Geography at the University of Montreal, where she became passionate about forest ecology after being introduced to biogeography and palynology. She pursued her studies at the Centre for Forest Research (UQAM) where she graduated with an M.Sc. in Biology (Forest Ecology), studying light interception and crown architecture of temperate forest trees (with the model SORTIE), as well as working… Read more about Marie-Lou Lefrançois
Aaron Trowbridge
Junior Researcher
Aaron was the Junior Researcher with the Bulkley Valley Research Centre. Aaron grew up in the Bulkley Valley and started working in the field of forest ecology as a high-school summer student. He went on to work with a multitude of BC consultants in the ecology and terrain sciences, most recently providing ecosystem and soils mapping services on Environmental Impact Assessments within the mining industry. Biogeoclimatic ecosystem classification and mapping, and soil classification and mapping,… Read more about Aaron Trowbridge
Rasmus Astrup
Senior Scientist
Rasmus Astrup was the Senior Scientist with the Bulkley Valley Research Centre. His main research area was stand dynamics and growth predictions for complex mixed-species stands. Rasmus was born in Denmark and he obtained his BSF at the Royal Agricultural and Veterinarian University in Copenhagen. He obtained his Ph.D. in quantitative silviculture and growth modeling at the University of British Columbia. Rasmus is currently involved in several research projects that relate to topics such as… Read more about Rasmus Astrup
Denise Bustard
Seasonal Staff 2007
Denise recently completed her BSc from the University of Calgary in Cellular Molecular & Microbial Biology while on exchange in Australia. Following her graduation, she worked and travelled around Australia for a year before returning to her hometown Smithers in September. During her time off, Denise enjoys cross-country skiing, cooking and board games. She plans on returning to the University of Calgary in January 2008 for graduate studies. Read more about Denise Bustard
Tlell Glover
Summer Staff 2007 and 2005
The Centre hired Tlell Glover as its first summer employee under the UNBC coop education program. Tlell grew up in the Suskwa Valley, graduated from Smithers Secondary School in 1997 and currently lives on a rural property outside Telkwa. She is studying Physical Geography and Plant Biology at UNBC with an eye towards teaching and or research and is a member of the UNBC Varsity Nordic Ski Team. Tlell brings to the Centre a strong… Read more about Tlell Glover
Matthew Bryan
Summer Staff 2007
Matthew Bryan, 21, worked as a research assistant at the Bulkley Valley Research Centre in summer 2007, before heading into the third year of his biology undergrad at the University of Victoria in the fall. Matthew is originally from Victoria and says his first co-op placement reaffirmed where his career is heading: “It just solidified my own interest in research,” he says. Read more about Matthew Bryan
Megan Adams
Summer Staff 2007
Megan Adams, 20, is a double major in biology and environmental studies at the University of Victoria. During her three months in Smithers as a BVRC research assistant, Megan became a known face around town through her volunteer work and community involvement. She returned to Victoria in the fall for the third year of her undergrad. Originally from southern Alberta, Megan inherited her love of nature from her parents: “I’ve always been interested in outdoor… Read more about Megan Adams
Olivia Pojar
Summer Staff 2006
Olivia Pojar assisted on various research projects throughout the summer of 2006. Raised in the Bulkley Valley, Olivia graduated from McGill University in 2003 with a degree in English Literature. In September 2006, Olivia returned to do a second degree in Biology. Olivia spends her summers in Smithers, hiking, horseback riding, and going to garage sales. Read more about Olivia Pojar