New Student Welcome: Nicole Cameron

I am excited to start my interdisciplinary PhD program at Dalhousie University in September 2025. Originally from Moh'kins'tsis/ Calgary, I have always loved nature and had childhood dreams of being a biologist. I followed those dreams by pursuing a BSc (hons.) in Zoology at UCalgary and a MSc in Marine Ecology at St. Francis Xavier University. Outside of academia, I pursued my interests in outreach, conservation, and various outdoor sports, including climbing, hiking, and fishing. These ultimately ignited another passion, the relationship people have with the outdoors.

Nicole fishing on a dock on Mancera Island, Chile. Photo taken by Diego Morales Torres.

My goal in pursuing a PhD is to complement my existing ecology research experience with human dimensions research that explores topics in the intersection between people and the environment. While living in Mi’kma’ki/Nova Scotia during my MSc, I specifically identified fisheries as a highly important intersection. This led me to the FishPeoplePlace lab in the Marine Affairs Program at Dalhousie. Here, I will be conducting an interdisciplinary PhD that investigates the sustainable management of fisheries and ecosystems impacted by aquatic invasive species (AIS). Working with the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture and community organizations, I will study the social, economic, and environmental impacts of AIS, which are informative when managing AIS and recreational fishing.

Nicole surveying a rocky intertidal community in Mi’kma’ki/Nova Scotia as part of post-master’s research. Photo taken by Dr. Ricardo Scrosati.