Abby Matheson (geography and biology)
Abby Matheson found herself immersed in British Columbia’s natural beauty when she accepted a job with biological consulting company Ecofor. The role took the geography major/biology minor to the province’s north, where she encountered plant and animal diversity in remote field biology.
Combining skill sets
Abby chose her major and minor out of a desire for an intersectional and diverse education in natural sciences. To take this interest out of the lab and into the field, she decided to join co-op and found a position that connected to both program areas.
“I was constantly learning something new,” she says of her experience with Ecofor, where she worked as a technician on the Natural Resources Team. “I drew on my biology minor to identify local plants and species, and my geography knowledge laid the groundwork to understand how GPS systems were used in the field.”
The impact of co-op
“For students who can afford to take one, a co-op work term can be a great opportunity,” Abby says. She also notes that students can find jobs on their own, and then apply to receive co-op credit. “Don’t limit yourself to the co-op job page!”
Hands-on experience
Abby conducted stream assessments, wildlife surveys and vegetation surveys and confirmed her belief in the importance of environmental regulation in the forestry industry. As her role took her from her base in Carrier Territory in Northern BC to Haisla Territory and Treaty 8 Territory, she put the technical skills she was learning to use in a range of natural environments.
“I really learned the ins and outs of working in remote field biology, as well as how to cope in the field,” she says. This included learning practical skills like remote first aid, compass navigation and truck repair. She also undertook responsibilities like overseeing crew members.