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Summer 2026

Newsletter Archive
 

Summer Student Profile: Cheryl Harmon

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My name is Cheryl Harmon, and I am excited to be working with the Miistakis Institute as a research student this summer. In September, I will be entering my last year of the Bachelor of Science in Biology program at Mount Royal University (MRU), with a concentration in Ecology and Evolution. I am especially interested in conservation biology and restoration ecology. One of the best parts of my work so far has been meeting and collaborating with individuals and experts working in different branches of conservation, and hearing about the various passions and projects they are involved in!

While I have had the opportunity to assist with other projects during my time at Miistakis, I am primarily involved with the Baseline Bioblitz: Monitoring Nature at Beaver Dam Analogue Restoration Sites project, evaluating how Beaver Dam Analogues (BDAs) influence biodiversity at restoration sites in southern Alberta. BDAs are human-made structures built from natural materials, which mimic some of the functions of beaver dams. Their ability to slow the flow of water, encourage pooling, and reduce erosion make BDAs helpful tools for riparian rehabilitation projects. These conditions create habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals, improving the overall health and resilience of the ecosystem. Throughout the summer, I will be maintaining three remote wildlife cameras and six Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs) installed at study sites, monitoring images from remote wildlife cameras, sharing the project with the public through social media posts, and assisting on expert-led field surveys. In the fall, I will analyze and interpret the collected data through an Independent Research course at MRU, supervised by Dr. Sara Smith, to assess baseline biodiversity at the sites. With repeated surveys planned in 3-5 years’ time, this information will help us understand how BDAs may influence biodiversity in riparian areas, and how they could support long-term riparian conservation in Alberta.