Dr. Monique Dubé
Many of Canada's rivers are being degraded through urban and industrial development and other human activities. What are the effects of dumping effluent into rivers? How much can these crucial lifelines withstand before they cross a critical line, a point of no return?
Dr. Monique Dubé - Canada Research Chair (Tier II) in Aquatic Ecosystem Health Diagnosis at the University of Saskatchewan - has created the Healthy River Ecosystem Assessment System (THREATS) to help answer these questions. This nationally recognized framework and related software can identify when important changes have occurred in the quality of the water in rivers and in the health of the river's bugs and fish. Her approach also involves a mobile laboratory for use at 'hot spot' sites on the rivers in order to track changes over time. The ultimate goal is providing the information essential to forming policies to keep waterways healthy.
Her commitment to keeping Canadian waters the treasures that they are is reflected in the numerous research projects and publications (over 50) she has undertaken. Dr Dubé has also received international recognition for development of bioassays for assessing effects of pulp mill, mine, and sewage wastes on river health, including most recently the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council's Synergy award.
Dr Dubé is also committed to teaching and training young scientists so they can make a positive contribution to protecting our environment. She has taught numerous University courses and developed an undergraduate course on water quality assessment, water pollution, wastewater treatment, and issues relating to environmental management and professional ethics. She is currently developing a graduate level course in experimental design and statistics.
Dr Dubé has also been described as an inspirational role model for young women scientists in research. She had two children while completing her Ph.D. and wants to help create a flexible learning environment so others can be equally successful.
In addition, Dr Dubé is known for working with communities, regulators, and industries to develop solutions to local issues. Her focus is on applying science to serving the public good.
See also: http://www.usask.ca/crc/profiles/dube.php
Based on submission by Dr. Dubé's graduate students: Carrie Rickwood, Jason Inkster, Allison Squires and Lauren Clarke.