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.
Amber Showers, a Research Associate at the Environment and Agriculture Technology Research Lab (EATLab) since July 2024, brings a strong background in sustainable agriculture. She previously worked with EATLab during a 2022 co-op term, which sparked her passion for collaborating with local communities and industries. Amber holds a BSc in Biology and a Certificate in Genetics from Dalhousie University, where she completed an honours thesis on plant nutrient stress genetics.
Her diverse experience as a teaching assistant, laboratory technician, and research assistant, combined with her deep roots in the Annapolis Valley, fuels her dedication to supporting the region's industry and community. Amber excels in creating positive and inclusive learning environments.