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.
Adèle, a Research Associate at the 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.