When we think about the benefits of research, we usually focus on the results and how they can be applied – but what about the benefits of graduate students who are learning the ins and outs of the scientific process?
Organic Science Cluster 4 (OSC4) is powered by more than 40 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows working alongside more seasoned researchers, many of whom have a passion for mentoring new scientists. In fact, the number of “highly qualified personnel” working on OSC4 activities is a performance measure used to assess the impact of the program. The collaborative nature of the science cluster means that students may also be working with farmers and other organic industry partners. The knowledge and experience gained as part of an organic agricultural research team helps students to establish themselves as the next generation of ecologically minded researchers and professionals.
In this article, we will meet a few of these highly qualified personnel-in-training to find out what they are working on and what they find most rewarding about being part of an OSC4 research team.
Matt Tsuruda is a PhD student at the University of British Columbia. He is part of the team working on Habitat Amendments for Multiple Co-Benefits in Agroecosystems.
“Through my time working with the OSC4 project, I had the opportunity to work in some of the beautiful agricultural fields of British Columbia and get to know the insect biodiversity that helps make food production possible. This experience introduced me to the incredible range of life that exists on farms and familiarized me with some of the key insect players in pest control, including ground beetles, parasitoid wasps, and spiders. The skills I’ve gained in insect identification and knowledge concerning their ecology have been instrumental in setting me up for success as I pursue my PhD and have allowed me to make identifications of insects that are rare in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. This includes Tachys edax, a species of ground beetle I caught during my project that seems to be the only record from all of Canada.”
Dr. Carrillo adds that Matt is the lead author on a recent article in the Journal of Applied Entomology (https://doi.org/10.1111/jen.13364).
Alessia Marchesan is a PhD student at the University of Alberta working on the Impact of Reduced Tillage and Crop-Livestock Systems on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Carbon Sequestration.
“As a grad student in the OSC4, I am responsible for ‘digging up’ sustainability challenges associated with organic crop production in the western prairies. To do this, we measure greenhouse gas emissions from the soil using stationary air chambers. These measurements help us understand how different management practices influence soil health and carbon dynamics, providing data that’s directly relevant to organic producers. One of the most rewarding aspects of being part of the OSC4 is that I get the opportunity to share the results of our trial with producers through events like the Organic Alberta conference and educational webinars.”
Dr. Kubota adds his appreciation for Alessia’s active engagement in knowledge translation and transfer activities.
Francis Chamberland is an MSc student at Université Laval working on Development of an Integrated, Organic Weed Management Strategy in Cranberries.
“The research we are currently conducting in organic cranberry cultivation is a great source of motivation for me, as we are testing new biologically acceptable methods of weed control that could be adopted by growers. Our field trials will allow us to implement these methods under real farming conditions, with the objective of developing an integrated weed management strategy. We hope that this approach will help reduce labor-intensive and time-consuming practices, leading to cost savings and making the sector more efficient and sustainable. Therefore, if my involvement with all our partners can make a difference, I will be happy and proud to have contributed to this project.”
Dr. Menchari adds that Francis recently presented the research activity at a Centre for Research and Innovation on Plants (CRIV) symposium.
Kimberley Duffin is a PhD student at Brock University working on Promoting an Integrative Landscape Approach in Vineyards for Greater Resilience in the Face of Climatic and Environmental Changes.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to all of the research partners who made it possible for me to gain this invaluable experience. As a graduate student I learned about transdisciplinary research and how it has the potential to discover new solutions and deeper understandings of issues by reaching across traditional disciplinary boundaries and integrating the knowledge, expertise, ideas, and perspectives of key academic and non-academic stakeholders. Participation in this research put this transdisciplinary concept into real life practice for me. Working with Dr. Liette Vasseur allowed me to witness her working collaboratively with fellow scientists, farmers, vineyard owners and other stakeholders.”
Kim has also been honing her knowledge translation and transfer skills; she has created a number of infographics designed for different target audiences (see links on OSC4 research activity page under Progress).
Dr. Caitlin Evered earned a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine; she is now working towards a Doctor of Veterinary Science degree (DVSc) at the University of Guelph. She is part of an Investigation of Mucosal Immunity to Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Ontario Goats.
“What I enjoy most about this research is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on small ruminant health and welfare across the province. As a veterinarian, it is deeply rewarding to contribute to work that enhances the care we provide to animals while generating practical insights that guide and support producers to improve the management of parasites.”
Dr. Borkowski adds that Caitlin was awarded second place oral presentation at the July 2024 American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists’ meeting, which is attended by hundreds of parasitologists and students from across the world.
Julia Beechinor recently completed her BSc Agroecology at the University of Manitoba. She was working on Long-Term C and N20 Monitoring, and Climate-Smart Management of Organic Grain Production Systems.
“Last summer, Dr. Entz and I wanted to explore how to help organic farmers using green manures and cover crops optimize termination and maximize nutrient cycling. We researched the best way to reduce nitrous oxide gas when terminating a green manure/cover crop with a legume, while also maintaining soil coverage. This research was really exciting to be a part of because it combined both organic and regenerative driving principles and is applicable to many farmers looking to be more “climate smart”.”
Dr. Entz adds that Julia was part of the RBC Scholars in Sustainable Agriculture program. She is now working towards an MSc.
Amanda Desrochers is an MSc student at the University of Manitoba. She is working on Optimizing the Environmental and Agronomic Co-Benefits of Recycled Phosphorus Inputs for Organic Field Crops.
“I am currently helping to create a bridge to transport nutrients back into our soils and food systems. From sequestering carbon and removing organic waste from landfills, to creating closed phosphorus loops with struvite into compost blends, I love the sustainability applications of my project. The knowledge transfer has helped me feel present with my research – not worrying about when I will get results but sharing what I know now with farmers and consumers. Having the opportunity to contribute to science in its evolution and regeneration of topsoil and life in soil ecosystems is a gift. It has inspired me to take even more action outside of my project to make impact!”
Dr. Thiessen Martens adds that Amanda has created a photo essay explaining the co-composting process (see link on OSC4 research activity page under Progress).
Jessica St. John is a PhD student at the University of Guelph. She is part of a team working on Strategies to Enhance Pasture System Resilience and GHG Mitigation Potential in Organic Dairy Production.
“I am really enjoying my time working on the OSC4 research activities. My focus is on surveying organic dairy producers about pasture management strategies and testing dairy cows’ consumption rate and preference for specific forage species and forage mixes. These projects allow me to pursue my interests, as a PhD candidate, in dairy cattle behaviour and management, and provide me with the opportunity to connect with dairy producers, industry personnel, and researchers. I recently presented a poster of our findings on the “Voluntary Intake and Sorting of Ten Forage Species by Dairy Cows” at the 2025 North American Regional Meeting of the International Society of Applied Ethology (ISAE) in Guelph, ON, which was a wonderful experience.”
OSC4 research would not be possible without the dedication and enthusiasm of the many graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. We have them to thank for many hours of soil sampling, greenhouse gas measuring, insect collecting, weed surveying, saliva swabbing, compost creating and cow forage consumption monitoring – in replicate, of course. And for actively contributing to sharing research findings with potential adopters and the scientific community. All in a day’s work in training to become future leaders in sustainable agriculture.
Interested in graduate studies in organic agriculture? Contact OSC4 researchers directly or the OSC4 Science Director, Dr. Andrew Hammermeister, at Dalhousie University to inquire about upcoming opportunities.
Published June 16, 2025
Organic Science Cluster 4 is an industry-led research and development endeavour co-managed by the Organic Federation of Canada and the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada at Dalhousie University and supported by the AgriScience Program under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership together with over 80 funding partners.
