Freelance writer specialising in marine science, marine technology, policy, environment, conservation, and sustainability, I can help with your research, outreach, and communication needs.

Businesses, NGOs, government entities, research institutes, stakeholder groups, and others hire me to help ...

Six super sea otter studies (all open access too)

25 Sept 2023  |  Ocean Oculus  |  English  |  Environmental Science

In celebration of Sea Otter Awareness Week, six recent studies highlight various aspects of sea otter biology and ecology. Research from Simon Fraser University indicates that indigenous people in British Columbia historically limited sea otter populations near their settlements. A study from the USGS Alaska Science Center reveals that Southeast Alaskan sea otters have individual diet preferences but consistently eat the same foods year-round. University of California Davis researchers found that toxins from harmful algal blooms increase the risk of cardiac disease in sea otters. An analysis by Alaska Veterinary Pathology Services shows that streptococcosis is the leading cause of death among Alaskan sea otters. A study suggests that Oregon could support around 4,500 sea otters if reintroduced. Lastly, research indicates that sea otters help maintain kelp forests by preying on sea urchins, although they avoid urchin barrens due to the low nutritional value of the urchins there.

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University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Simon Fraser University USGS Alaska Science Center Alaska Veterinary Pathology Services

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I’m a television host and producer, award-winning public speaker, TEDx host, and international print journalist.
In addition to hosting and producing a live talk show in Ottawa, I write regularly for BBC World News, The Globe and Mail, ELLE, every major daily newspaper in Canada, and corporate ...

The new influencers: three women who are transforming the commercial real estate industry

31 Dec 2022  |  The Globe and Mail  |  English  |  Industry Challenges

Three influential Canadian women in commercial real estate—Marion LaRue, Patricia Phillips, and Diana Hoang—share their experiences, challenges, and advice for future generations. They discuss the industry's pressing issues, such as rising construction costs, labour shortages, and the need for more women in the workforce. Each highlights their significant projects, including the Richmond Olympic Oval and The Dorian hotel, and emphasizes the importance of diversity, mentorship, and innovative practices in overcoming industry challenges.

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Simon Fraser University DIALOG North Island College Vivo for Healthier Generations PBA Group of Companies

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I'm a Canadian journalist living in Berlin - spent more than 15 years at the CBC News in Toronto as a writer/editor and reporter/producer.  I've written loads of arts and culture stories as well as news.
Check me out:  ****

Sexism keeps women from municipal politics, says new Canadian study

01 Oct 2023  |  ca.news.yahoo.com  |  English  |  Gender Equality

A study from Simon Fraser University reveals that sexism is the primary barrier for women entering municipal politics in Canada. Despite a slow increase in female representation at the local level, women still face significant challenges such as poor treatment and lack of respect. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is actively working to change this through various programs aimed at increasing women's participation in local government, with a goal of achieving 30% female representation by 2026. The FCM's initiatives include mentorship programs, workshops, and advocacy efforts, supported by organizations like the Status of Women. Key figures such as Chris Fonseca and Patty Hajdu are optimistic about exceeding this target.

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Simon Fraser University Institute of Public Administration of Canada Federation of Canadian Municipalities Economic and Social Council of the United Nations Status of Women

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Mike Ives is a journalist based in Hanoi, Vietnam, and a regular contributor to The Economist and The New York Times.

A Plant That Flowers Underground Is New to Science, but Not to Borneo

20 Jan 2024  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Scientific Discovery

European botanists discovered a palm species, Pinanga subterranea, that flowers underground in Borneo, a plant known to local Indigenous groups. This discovery underscores the importance of Indigenous knowledge in scientific research. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, collaborated with local scientists and Indigenous representatives to document the plant. The article discusses the broader context of scientific colonialism and the need for sensitive collaboration with Indigenous communities.

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Monash University Simon Fraser University Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Alliance of Indigenous Peoples of the Archipelago

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A Vancouver-based freelance journalist, covering the Iranian community in Canada, as well as topics related to art, culture, and the latest social media trends.

How well is Canada's program for Iranian temporary residents working?

20 Mar 2024  |  Business in Vancouver  |  English  |  Human Rights

Canada's temporary immigration measures for Iranians, extended until February 2025, aim to provide refuge amid Iran's sociopolitical unrest. While the policy offers opportunities for Iranians like Ashkan Jafarian, experts like Mohsen Javdani highlight significant challenges, including exploitation risks and lack of permanent residency pathways. The program's humanitarian framing is questioned, suggesting it may also address labor market needs without increasing official immigration figures. The Iranian community in Vancouver aids newcomers, but systemic support is deemed insufficient for effective integration.

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Simon Fraser University Government of Canada UN IRCC

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Chrissie Long is a freelance reporter living in Boston, Massachusetts. She moved to New England from Central America where she covered stories of international significance such as the Honduras crisis, the election of the Costa Rica’s first female president and issues of development and foreign ...

Crime in immigrant neighborhoods: Evidence from New York City

23 May 2013  |  The Journalist's Resource  |  English  |  Law Enforcement

Research challenges the stereotype that immigration increases crime, showing that immigrant neighborhoods in New York City experience lower crime rates despite higher enforcement levels. The study disaggregates immigration status from other variables and finds that immigration often correlates with decreased crime rates. Immigrant areas, particularly those with higher concentrations of foreign-born persons of African descent, have lower total and violent crime rates. The findings caution against politically simplistic scapegoating of immigrants and highlight the unsustainability of linking immigration to crime.

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Simon Fraser University Columbia Law School Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science

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Political View

Elizabeth McSheffrey is a journalist from Ottawa and an online reporter for Global BC in Vancouver. She specializes in long reads, investigations and the intersection between politics, business and human rights.

Over the past decade, Elizabeth has worked across the country and around the world, ...

B.C. study finds users who are prescribed opioids are less likely to die the next week

12 Jan 2024  |  globalnews.ca  |  English  |  Drug Use

A study in British Columbia found that opioid users prescribed a day or more's worth of opioids were 61% less likely to die the following week compared to those who were not prescribed. The study, published in the British Medical Journal, analyzed data from 5,882 individuals under B.C.'s Risk Mitigation Guidance between March 2020 and August 2021. It also found a 55% lower chance of overdose after prescription. The research was a collaboration among various institutions and included input from people with lived experience. The B.C. Coroners Service has supported expanded access to safer supply to reduce deaths from the toxic drug crisis. Mental Health and Addictions Minister Jennifer Whiteside has rejected the idea of prescription-free safer supply. The study's findings are significant, but some experts, like Dr. Julian Somers, caution that other factors like housing and mental health may also influence the likelihood of death, suggesting the need for a broader approach to social inclusion.

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University of Victoria University of British Columbia Simon Fraser University BC Centre on Substance Use BC Centre for Disease Control First Nations Health Authority B.C. Coroners Service

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Fatjona Mejdini is a journalist based in Tirana, Albania. I have a long experience working for English media language in the region. I follow closely the current affairs in Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia.

Malone Mullin is a graduate of the University of British Columbia's school of journalism. She produces and reports for all platforms at CBC News, working with teams in Vancouver, Toronto and St. John's. Areas of interest include science policy, labour issues, and social movements. 

Malone is an ...

The town Fiona killed

23 Sept 2023  |  www.cbc.ca  |  English  |  Community Impact

The article explores the profound impact of post-tropical storm Fiona on the community of Port aux Basques, Newfoundland. It highlights the displacement of 159 households, the emotional and psychological toll on residents, and the ongoing sense of fear and anxiety. Personal stories from affected individuals, including Denise Pike Anderson and Peggy Savery, illustrate the community's struggle to rebuild and cope with the trauma. The piece also touches on broader themes of climate change and the resilience of communities in the face of natural disasters.

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Simon Fraser University Wreckhouse Weekly

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Looking for Yoga Instructor course? Training & Certification for Teachers.

Here Are Top-Ranking Universities In Canada For Indian Students In 2023

28 Nov 2023  |  www.indiatimes.com  |  English  |  International Students

Canada is a preferred destination for Indian students due to its safe, inclusive environment and top-ranking universities. The University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University, University of Alberta, University of Waterloo, McMaster University, University of Calgary, Queen's University, University of Montreal, and Simon Fraser University are highlighted for their academic excellence, research, and supportive student environments. Prospective students are advised to explore official university websites and consult recent rankings for detailed information.

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Simon Fraser University University of Alberta McGill University University of British Columbia University of Toronto University of Waterloo McMaster University University of Calgary Queen's University University of Montreal

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Veteran reporter based on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada filing regularly to print, web, radio, television and magazines.

Meet Oscar, the Canadian-built, AI-driven recycling system helping governments go green

07 Jun 2023  |  CBC  |  English  |  Government Initiatives

Oscar, an AI-driven recycling system developed by B.C.-based startup Intuitive AI, is being implemented in federal government buildings in Canada to improve waste management. Co-founded by Hassan Murad and Vivek Vyas, Intuitive AI's Oscar Sort stations are now in 20 countries. The system, which uses artificial intelligence to guide users in sorting their waste, is part of the Canadian government's efforts to increase recycling rates. The stations provide data to help identify and address contamination in waste streams. Positive employee feedback and increased usage of the stations have been reported, and other organizations have expressed interest in the technology.

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Simon Fraser University Global Affairs Canada Public Services and Procurement Canada

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Laura Walters is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Laura spent a decade reporting in New Zealand, on politics, geopolitical issues, and social issues including education, health, mental health, immigration, justice policy, and sexual and family violence. She was based in New Zealand'...