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 Kendall is a research associate with the Applied Environment and Agriculture Technology Research Lab (EATLab) and joined the team in December 2021. After receiving a diploma in Environmental Engineering Technology from NSCC, she pursued an undergraduate degree at Saint Mary’s University and a Master’s degree at McGill University, where she worked on research projects of soil and peat. This began an interest in soil processes and environmental science. Rachel grew up in rural Nova Scotia and is very interested in applying her knowledge to projects that support sustainability of Nova Scotia industries.
Rachel brings over four years of experience working on a variety of environmental projects including greenhouse gas emissions, soil science, coastal restoration and waste management. Rachel has an in-depth understanding of natural vegetation in Nova Scotia and enjoys learning new things from others about plants.
Adèle, a Research Associate at the Applied Environment and Agriculture Technology Research Lab (EATLab) since July 2024, holds a PhD in Applied Science from Saint Mary’s University. Her expertise spans microbiology, genetics and plant biology, with a focus on tissue culture of balsam fir in collaboration with the Christmas Tree Council of Nova Scotia (CTCNS). Previously, she interned at CTCNS's tissue culture facilities at Acadia University's KC Irving Environmental Science Centre.
Adèle has extensive research experience in native coastal and wetland plants, grapevine care and propagation, fungal cultures and genetic analyses related to grape-associated fungal communities. She has also collaborated with Annapolis Valley growers to identify biocontrol agents for onion basal rot. Originally from the Annapolis Valley, Adèle is committed to enhancing agricultural practices in Nova Scotia.
Fatima Haque is a Research Associate with the Environment and Agriculture Technology Research Lab (EATLab). She completed her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at Queen’s University, and during that time worked in industry gaining experience with sequencing workflows, analytical methods and general analytical lab operations. She was also involved in research examining cardiac rehabilitation outcomes, strengthening her skills in data analysis and scientific writing. Originally from Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Fatima now supports EATLab’s Christmas Tree Project and assists with protocol and method development for the lab.
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.