Olwyn Friesen

Biography

Olwyn joined the Detwiler Lab, in the Department of Biological Science as a postdoc in 2019. Olwyn received the W. Garfield Weston Postdoctoral Fellowship in Northern Research (2019-2021) to support her research. She received her PhD in Zoology, focusing on Evolutionary and Ecological Parasitology at the University of Otago working with Dr. Robert Poulin and Dr. Clément Lagrue in 2018. Olwyn received her MSc in 2013 and BSc in 2010 from the University of Manitoba.

Working with Dr. Jillian Detwiler, Olwyn has embarked on a project titled: “From Arctic to Atlantic: northern diversity and biogeography of trematodes and their molluscan hosts”. She is focused on the diversity of molluscs and their parasites throughout northern Canada. The results of this work will provide critical information on the biogeography of snail species and their parasites in the Arctic and insights into ecosystem health. This research is especially relevant since molluscs are a key component to food security and an integral part of ecosystems. Further, many species are of conservation concern. Her research will highlight the diversity of key species in the Arctic and it will increase our ability to predict and mitigate the impact of climate change on aquatic communities.

Awards

W. Garfield Weston Postdoctoral Fellowship in Northern Research

University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship, University of Otago

Early Career Professional Award, The Wildlife Society Manitoba