Science is a natural fit

Page 9

Stacey Lambert joined the Alberta Research Council's BioProducts business unit in August 2003, immediately after graduating from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology's (NAIT) Biological Sciences Technology program.

"I wanted to take a shorter science program that wasn't four years, and that one kind of sparked my interest the most," she said.

Lambert wanted to take a program that could get her out into the working world doing what she likes in the shortest time possible."It's not like you need to go to school for four years to work at what you are doing. I only went to school for two years and I'm doing what I want to do."

She said people need to understand that further education doesn't have to mean a long haul at school.

"If you just put in the extra two years, it's worth it. If I wasn't doing this I wouldn't be doing what I want to do. I'd probably still be working at Second Cup or something like that."

Under research scientist Dr. Xiujie (Susie) Li, Lambert is working on developing environmentally safe and effective biological herbicides at the research council's Vegreville site. Two different biological agents are being tested; one is a fungal protein and the other a microbial product. They are being tested for their effectiveness in combating chickweed, dandelion and sow thistle infestations.

"We are very excited that these natural agents can provide an effective alternative to chemical herbicides," said Lambert.

Thanks to her NAIT training, Lambert is taking on additional tasks associated with the project.

"I am responsible for conducting ongoing laboratory experiments, such as microbial work, bioassays and biochemical analysis," she said. "I perform work in the greenhouse, such as seeding, maintaining and harvesting the research plants." The project is showing significant progress, so much so that Dr. Li is now seeking partners to move the research into the commercialization phase.

Lambert came to the research council as a temporary employee, but soon after her arrival she renewed her acquaintance with Lisa King, the research council's Aboriginal development officer, and a status member of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation.

King suggested Lambert apply for a BEAHR internship. The BEAHR (Building Environmental Aboriginal Human Resources) program is designed to increase the number of Aboriginal, Metis and Inuit peoples employed in the environmental sector.

Funded by Human Resources Canada, BEAHR is a joint initiative of the Canadian Council for Human Resources in the Environment Industry and the Aboriginal Human Resource Development Council of Canada.

"It felt great to be accepted into the internship program," said Lambert. "It gave me more confidence and provided some job security." After the internship, Lambert's term at the research council was extended to December 2004. She hopes that her contract will be extended beyond that, but that depends on the funding received by the council.

"I've always had a strong desire to do something that would benefit the environment or to lessen the impact that we have on it," she said, adding she is proud she can represent her Metis culture in the world of environmental science.