Jose Atienza
I am an MSc. student under the supervision of Dr. Jesse Vermaire and Dr. Murray Richardson. Previously, I completed my BSc. degree in Environmental Science at Carleton University in 2020. During my undergraduate studies, I had the privilege of conducting my thesis research in my hometown. My research project examined the impacts of the 2014 Iqaluit Dumpcano (landfill fire) on metal concentrations in sediment. My current research focuses on the long-term trends of diatom community assemblages in Lake Temagami in response to multiple ecological stressors. The title of my research is “Trends in Diatom Community Assemblages over the last ~200 years in Lake Temagami in response to multiple ecological stressors.”
Specifically, I am investigating the relationship between diatom communities and changes in thermal stratification induced by climate warming. In addition, thermal stratification plays a critical role in the habitat suitability for lake trout, a key species in Lake Temagami’s fishery. By conducting this research, I aim to provide valuable insights into the implications of climate warming on lake trout habitat and inform conservation efforts and management strategies.