By Anthony Gagliano, MSc student at McGill University

Attending the Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution (CSEE) conference in Vancouver in May 2024 was an incredible experience. Surrounded by experts and fellow researchers, I was exposed to various innovative studies and discussions that broadened my understanding of ecology, evolution and the research conducted by my peers, across countries and institutions. This being the first time I visited the west coast, I not only enjoyed my time at the conference, but also got to explore the beautiful city of Vancouver.

After loads of hard work in the past semesters, the opportunity to travel and present my work on sunfish hybridization at the national level was very exciting! My presentation allowed me to explain the work I conducted during my undergraduate degree, which I am now continuing as a master’s student. My talk allowed me to communicate the morphological, dietary, and genetic differences between Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and hybrid sunfish.

One of my key takeaways from the CSEE conference was the presence of such a diversity of research approaches within the field. From the impacts of climate change on biodiversity, to behavioral ecology and conservation genetics, the presentations offered different perspectives across topics. The talks at this conference also emphasized the importance of effectively communicating research to broader audiences, which is a skill that will be crucial as I advance in my career.

After conference hours, I got the chance to visit Vancouver and discover the wildlife found around the city. The large mountains surrounding the city were beautiful and I loved the numerous green and natural spaces. One of the highlights of the trip was seeing orcas with the Wild Whales boat agency. We toured Burrard Inlet and Nanaimo in search of seals, whales and sea lions. I also got to observe bird species and interesting marine life on the coasts of Stanley Park. I visited the University of British Columbia campus and walked the streets and neighborhoods of downtown Vancouver to explore attractions and try the local cuisine. I enjoyed the seafood and salmon chowder at the Granville market, with its fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Finally, I also had a great time walking around Chinatown, visiting the Gastown Steam Clock and the natural beaches around Stanley Park.

Overall, the trip to Vancouver was both academically and personally enriching. The city’s natural beauty and the conference atmosphere made for an unforgettable experience. I am grateful for the opportunity and the support from QCBS which allowed me to participate in this conference. I look forward to applying what I have learned to my future work, and I hope to visit Vancouver again soon.