On Dec. 1, 2009 Caroline Hedin presented her findings from a stream ecology experiential learning block she took in October. The block consisted of an internship with ecologist Mike Stamford who is researching the lasting impacts of a sodium hydroxide spill on invertebrate communities in the Cheakamus River near Squamish, BC. Occurring in 2005, the spill was caused by the derailment of CN Rail car carrying sodium hydroxide. When the car tipped over its contents spilled into the Cheakamus River killing all salmon, fry, and invertebrates.
Caroline met Mike while hitchhiking to a fish conference. After hearing about Mike’s research, Caroline convinced Mike to take her on as an intern to gain valuable experience conducting an ecological study. During her internship Caroline collected samples of invertebrates from different locations on the Cheakamus River above and below the location of the 2005 spill. Once the samples were collected the invertebrates were sorted by size and type. Caroline had the duty of sorting the larger invertebrates.
The findings of the study Caroline participated in indicate that that the river has possibly recovered from the sodium hydroxide spill. Some of the data collected was unexplainable and needs further study. A possibility for discrepancies in the data is that construction on the Sea to Sky highway could have influenced river invertebrate communities. Also, additional testing at more sites along the river needs to occur before a more definite conclusion can be reached.
Overall, Caroline says she learned much about scientific study during her internship. She states that it was insightful to learn how to design an effective study and then critique it, and how to properly collect data. Most importantly, Caroline is grateful that Mike took her on as intern and that she learned much from him.
