Environment and agriculture team
Mat is a terrestrial ecosystem ecologist with an interest in biogeochemical cycling, plant ecology, ecophysiology, microbial ecology, and global change ecology. After spending years working on climate change, it was a natural transition to move onto his role at NSCC. Working across different scales of observation, Mat links resource acquisition at the level of the individual, to community dynamics, and overall ecosystem function.
With a strong understanding of ecological patterns and processes, Mat’s research combines studies of basic ecological questions with applied research, to overcome real-world environmental problems. Mat holds a Ph.D in Biology from the University of Western Ontario.
Rachel has been part of the Environment and Agriculture Technology Research Lab (EATLab) since December 2021. Her expertise includes botany, plant physiology and leading collaborative research centred on culturally significant plants guided by Indigenous knowledge systems. She holds a BSc from Saint Mary’s University (Halifax) and an MSc from McGill University.
Rachel brings over eight years of experience working on a variety of environmental projects, including habitat restoration, forest and wetland nutrient cycling, and waste management. This includes four years leading the sweetgrass project at NSCC in partnership with Mi’kmaq communities. Growing up in rural Nova Scotia’s Lunenburg County, she has a strong interest in projects that support the economic sustainability of Nova Scotia communities.
Josie joined the Environment and Agriculture Technology Research Lab (EATLab) in August 2026. She has extensive research and development experience in the agricultural biostimulant industry, with a focus on new product development and plant responses to abiotic stress. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from McGill University and a Master of Science degree from Dalhousie University.
Josie’s role in the EATLab is as a Research Associate focused on supporting the regional Christmas tree industry through improved understanding of factors affecting needle retention.
Daina Budde joined the Environment and Agriculture Technology Research Lab (EATLab) as a Research Associate in May 2025. She holds a BSc in Biology and Environmental Science from the University of Western Ontario and furthered her training in Environmental Technology at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario.
Having lived throughout many of Canada’s provinces and territories, particularly in northern regions, Daina brings a unique perspective shaped by diverse landscapes and communities. With more than a decade of hands‑on experience in agriculture, horticulture and greenhouse systems in the Annapolis Valley, she contributes strong applied expertise to the team. Her background supports a practical, solutions‑focused approach to research in environmental and agricultural technologies, including work with industry partnerships that help bridge research innovation with real‑world applications.
Jenna Williams joined the Environment and Agriculture Technology Research Lab (EATLab) as a Research Associate in April 2026. She holds a BScAg in Plant Science from Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Agriculture and a Professional Agrologist designation from the Nova Scotia Institute of Agrologists. Jenna has worked as an agricultural research associate in the Annapolis Valley for over five years, supporting research across a variety of plant species. She has experience in pest management, nutrient management, plant physiology and plant ecology.
In her work at NSCC, Jenna's eager to continue applying her knowledge and skills to use on projects aimed at improving needle retention in Christmas trees.