September 1, 2025

Teagan, Biology Student

Meet Teagan: My Most Memorable Experience as a UCalgary Student

I can't believe I have only three more semesters left before graduating from my undergrad. I still remember trying to find my first class and the excitement of putting on my first lab coat. Sitting in my yellow Faculty of Science shirt on orientation day, I had no idea I was about to start such an amazing academic journey. I'm grateful for the opportunities the University of Calgary has given me, and I'm glad I chose to study in my home city.

Growing up, I loved being outdoors, which inspired me to pursue a degree in Biology with a concentration in Biodiversity and Conservation. After my first year, I added a minor in International Indigenous Studies. As someone who is Tahltan First Nation and of mixed European descent, I've always walked between these two worlds. For me, it's important that different knowledge systems are respected and shared. Combining my major and minor has allowed me to build a transdisciplinary path where I can connect Indigenous and scientific perspectives. One of the most memorable classes I've taken was INDG 493 on animal-human relationships. It encouraged me to show my creative side while deepening my interest in transdisciplinary work. Most importantly, it introduced me to a professor who has since become both a mentor and research supervisor.

I had always been curious about research, but like many undergraduates, I thought it was only something graduate students could do. That changed when I discovered the PURE award, which supports summer research projects designed by undergraduate students. With encouragement from my INDG 493 professor, I applied and was thrilled to be awarded a transdisciplinary scholarship under PURE. For my project, I partnered with the Elbow River Watershed Partnership (ERWP), a non-profit focused on education, restoration, and stewardship in the Elbow Valley. My research explored how local Indigenous perspectives on water conservation could be integrated into their education programs. This project fueled my passion for research even further.

The university continued to support my passion for research and community involvement when my PURE supervisor suggested and supported me in applying for an MITACs grant, which is a funding opportunity that allows students to partner with industry to gain valuable experience. Writing the grant was a challenge, but it paid off. As a summer MITAC student with the ERWP, I gained valuable hands-on experience in education and environmental work. I helped with school programs, guided walks, restoration projects, fish counts, and beaver coexistence initiatives. Additionally, I had the opportunity to conduct CABiN sampling (Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network) and receive training as a field technician. One part that I loved the most was working with the Tsuut'ina lands department, as I was able to see firsthand how different knowledge stems are working together for the betterment of the environment.

Now, as I enter my fourth year, I'm excited to continue my research journey. I'll be taking BIOL 528, a year-long independent research course, supervised by Dr. Kincaid and Dr. Eve Robinson. I will be examining the impact of beaver dams on water quality in the Elbow Valley, with a particular focus on whether beaver activity contributes to improved water conditions downstream of the dams. The study will braid Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) from the Tsuut'ina Nation, whose traditional territory includes the Elbow Valley, with scientific water testing methods. I look forward to this project as it will provide valuable insight into what a master's project might entail.

Beyond research, I've also shared my journey with prospective Indigenous students who are interested in undergraduate research through being a workshop spokesperson and will be participating in the science mentorship program. Being able to inspire others and show them what's possible has been one of the most rewarding parts of my time here.

I am so thankful for the experiences that the University of Calgary has given me and for the opportunities still to come. I'm grateful for the supportive professors, research opportunities, and real-world experience I've gained at the University of Calgary. From being a nervous first-year student to now, entering my fourth year and preparing for graduate school, I know that I made a good choice in attending the University of Calgary. My biggest lesson learned has been not to be afraid of trying something new, whether that's talking to a professor, applying for an award, or taking on a challenging project. Even the smallest step can lead to life-changing opportunities.