Kaitlyn Zinn
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
During my undergrad degree (BSc in Natural Resource Conservation, UBC Faulty of Forestry) I volunteered in Scott Hinch's Pacific Salmon Ecology and Conservation Lab. This opened my eyes to the world of graduate degrees, and exciting opportunities to work with fish within. Dr. Hinch is a world class salmonid researcher, and I jumped at the opportunity to join his lab.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
I grew up in British Columbia, and the fish populations in this province are close to my heart. I wanted to work directly with the species I grew up with, and the Hinch lab at UBC is the perfect place to do so. Dr. Hinch works on many salmonid species with a range of fisheries issues from climate change to fishing gear interactions.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
I chose to do my PhD in the Pacific Salmon Ecology and Conservation Laboratory due to the exciting research my supervisor Dr. Scott Hinch is leading. In addition, I have many wonderful colleagues working on important fisheries conservation questions. The Hinch lab produces research that is applied to fisheries management problems, and has a substantial impact on the welfare of BC's fish populations.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
Immersing myself in my research topic. I've been an angler my whole life, and working on something I am so passionate about has been essential.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
When I'm not working on my PhD, you can find me fly fishing in the rivers of Vancouver island.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Pick a research area you are passionate about. Grad school can be tough, and I have found it quite important to be working on something that is important to you.
,
,
Learn more about Kaitlyn's research
Pacific salmon face a gauntlet of fishing gear as they migrate from oceanic feeding grounds to natal spawning sites, and while millions of fish typically are harvested each year in BC, a variable portion of all species escape from gear or are intentionally released. It is not well known how recreational catch and release (C/R) affects Chinook salmon, a sought-after sport fish and declining Salmon species in British Columbia. The overarching goal of my PhD research is to understand the effects of capture and release in recreational fisheries on physiological recovery, behaviour, and subsequent migration success of Chinook salmon. Another large focus of my research is to better understand how climate change and increasing water temperatures layered on top of the stress from a fisheries interaction may affect the spawning migrations of Chinook salmon.