As the Trust Research Administrator for Dr. William Shotyk’s research program, Jennifer provides management, direction, and leadership. She liaises with stakeholders at all levels including vendors, collaborators, funders, research team members and UofA operational units. Jennifer provides oversight of financial management, research administration, human resources, and the operational/administrative needs of the research team. In addition, she provides support for grant applications and amendments ensuring compliance with institutional and funding agency policies.
Jennifer received her bachelor’s degree in the department of Biological Sciences with a specialization in environmental biology at the University of Alberta. As a laboratory technician with the Soil Biogeochemistry Lab at the University of Alberta Jennifer spent seven years assisting students and professors with both their fieldwork and their lab work. Her work involved organic matter quality, microbial community structure, and nutrient availability in both natural and disturbed areas including the Alberta Oilsands. Jennifer transitioned to pharmaceutical product development using the knowledge she gained analysing phospholipids in microbial communities in soils. Her pharmaceutical industry role gave her a deep appreciation for the importance of regulations and quality assurance in protecting consumers and businesses. Jennifer’s environmental education, analytical chemistry skills and knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry led her to becoming a quality assurance coordinator in the agricultural biotechnology sector. It was this position that gave Jennifer the business management, administration and collaboration skills she uses in her role with the SWAMP lab.
In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with family, friends, pets and her three horses.