Taking the lead as an early career researcher

Dr. Catherine Febria and Dr. Katie Collins in New Zealand

In the midst of the summer field season and the global pandemic, HHL leader Dr. Catherine Febria reconnected with New Zealand’s Biological Heritage National Science Challenge, a federal science program in Aotearoa New Zealand and accepted the invitation to join their prestigious International Science Advisory Panel. This five-year term position is an incredible opportunity to serve as Co-Chair alongside international sustainability accounting expert Dr. Jan Bebbington from the University of Birmingham (UK). 

Catherine will participate in program reviews, review research proposals and engage in strategic thought development to ensure the Challenge achieves its’ mission to protect Aotearoa’s biodiversity, improve biosecurity and enhance resilience to harmful pests, weeds and diseases.  “This is a transformational funding program that is truly leading the way in terms of consciously dismantling silos and creating systemic changes in publicly-funded science programs to ensure just, equitable and impactful blue skies and applied research alongside incredible strides in capacity-building and reconciliation to Māori treaty partners.”  

Dr. Febria working in an agricultural stream.

From 2017-2019, Catherine co-led a project focused on agricultural stream restoration with co-pilot and fellow early career researcher (ECR), Dr. Helen Warburton. As one of the top-rated proposals, Catherine and Helen gained prominence in the organization with testable theories to inform agricultural stream restoration and continue to pursue this work with multiple graduate student projects in Canada and New Zealand. In addition to the discovery science undertaken in this project, both Catherine and Helen engaged in work to support, train and amplify the experiences and contributions of early-career researchers in the Challenge. Both credit their involvement in this program to their career steps and ongoing involvement in the program. Read their story here. 

Watch this space for continued strengthening of international networks and future connection to our lab’s commitment to achieving truly impactful research on freshwater restoration and sustainability for the benefit of future generations.