Local Freshwater Experts

Sault Ste. Marie is the heart of Canada’s freshwater. Situated in the hub of the Great Lakes, at the Centre of Turtle Island, mid-way across Canada, and right on the Canada-U.S. border – it is no wonder why Sault Ste. Marie is a strategic location for a federal Canada Water Agency.

What some might not know is the dynamic and vibrant freshwater education and research ecosystem that exists in the area. Sault Ste. Marie is home to Sault College’s School of Natural Environment and Algoma University’s School of Life Science and the Environment. Across the bridge is Lake Superior State University’s Centre for Freshwater Education and Research providing opportunities for seamless international freshwater collaboration.

Our academic institutions are complemented by the robust external research community at the Sea Lamprey Control Centre, The Ontario Forest Research Institute - part of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, and Natural Resource Canada’s Great Lakes Forestry Centre which oversees the longest running freshwater studies at the Turkey Lakes.

Let’s meet some of our local Freshwater experts!

Dr. Erik Emilson, Research Scientist, Forest Aquatic Ecology (Natural Resources Canada, Great Lakes Forestry Centre)

As an avid fly fisher, Erik grew up close to the water. He has a love of forests, water, and nature. Erik completed his Masters and PhD at Laurentian University where he researched how the reclamation of forests in the Sudbury area was impacting aquatic health. During his Post-doc at the University of Cambridge he researched the climate change related impacts on forested watersheds and nutrient cycling in lakes.

Erik has continued his work at the intersection of forest and freshwater research. As a Research Scientist with the Natural Resources Canada, Great Lakes Forestry Centre, Erik and his team research how changes in Canadian forests influence and impact our freshwater systems. Their work extends far beyond the hub of the Great Lakes in Sault Ste. Marie to other provinces across Canada, including New Brunswick and Quebec.

Dr. Jody Rebek, Associate Professor (Algoma University)

Hannah Caicco (pictured), Research Intern (Algoma University)

Dr. Jody Rebek is an Associate Professor at Algoma University’s School of Business. However, one of her passions is for community-based freshwater research. She was a Co-lead in the creation of the local non-profit, Water Wise, that focuses on freshwater education and engagement. In addition, she is a Co-founder of the zero waste refillery business, Hearterra, in Sault Ste. Marie’s downtown core.

Recently, Dr. Rebek has hired a Freshwater Research Intern, Hannah Caicco. Hannah is a PhD Candidate at Western University specializing in Indigenous language revitalization and mental health development.

Together, Dr. Rebek and Hannah are taking a community-based approach to freshwater research with plans to engage diverse stakeholders to better understand our region’s narrative around freshwater. In addition, they intend to explore what their findings mean for the future of freshwater research and policy.

Ryan Namespetra, Natural Environment Coordinator (Sault College)

Ryan’s background is a mixture of both hands-on skills and a conceptual understanding of the aquatics field through a diploma in Fish and Wildlife Conservation from Sault College paired with a BSc in Fish & Wildlife Management from Lake Superior State University. Ryan spent eight years working with the Department of Fisheries & Oceans in various roles before starting with the School of Natural Environment as the Aquatic Studies Faculty in 2011.

After his first summer contract with DFO, he knew he had a passion for freshwater systems. Ryan’s employment from that point on has focused on the area of freshwater.

Ryan’s current aquatics work focuses on sharing his passion for the aquatic/fisheries field with his students, the next generation of water researchers/technicians, and fostering their interest in the field.

To learn more about our efforts to bring a Canada Water Agency to Sault Ste. Marie, visit www.cwassm.ca.