Hello! My name is Catherine Welke, and I am a 4yr BSc Biology graduate from The King's University College in Edmonton, AB.  I saw that there may be an opportunity for mentorship with Michelle Jackson, and I would love to get more information on what that entails!  

My ultimate goal is to do graduate studies in alpine ecology, specifically doing research on the White-Tailed Ptarmigan.  I recently completed two courses at Pac Rim.  One of the courses I took was Alpine Ecology.  I had an amazing experience in this field-based course taught by Dr. Eric Steinkamp, learning about the fragile ecosystem of the alpine and how it is extremely sensitive to human contact and climate change.  One day we were climbing Mt. Rainier and got to see three White-Tailed Ptarmigans dust-bathing, running, and flying around us!  I loved learning about these amazing birds in the course, especially how they are so physically and behaviourally adapted to the harsh alpine climate and can die if temperatures exceed 95 degrees Fahrenheit.  We talked in class about how these birds are like 'a canary in the coal mine' as indicators of climate change in the alpine, and I am very intrigued by this idea!

I am contacting you to inquire if research on the ptarmigan is something I can do with Michelle Jackson, or if there is spring and summer work I can do with her!

Thank you!