Branden Walker

I guess this is where I tell you a little about myself. I am a first year MSc candidate at Sir Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario. My research takes a multi-disciplinary approach to studying northern hydrology where I apply my knowledge of remote sensing, snow hydrology and climate modelling to better understand the hydrology of remote northern tundra environments. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity during the third year of my undergrad to travel to Inuvik, NWT. I found this research trip to be very educational and I learned a lot about science and myself. It was during this trip that I decided I wanted to further pursue a career in research. How can you not love field research, right? I can vividly remember being dropped off by a helicopter in the middle of the bare tundra during a rainstorm. It was while I was shivering so hard I couldn't even hold my pencil that I realized this was the life for me... I know it sounds backwards! Anyways, it has been 2 successful field seasons since then and I have loved ever moment of it. This past spring we spent the spring conducting snow surveys and working on some experimental UAV work in our remote field site. Living in a tent on the snow for 6 weeks has given me an appreciation for scientists and researchers. When not in the North conducting research I am always trying to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends

January 2016