Putting new skills to work for the marine environment
September 1, 2009
Chelsea Maskos stepped out of Camosun’s Applied Chemistry & Biotechnology (ACBT) program and right into a paid internship at the Institute of Ocean Sciences (IOS). Maskos will be part of a research project led by Dr. Michael Ikonomou. Following the four month internship term there is potential for Maskos to continue working on this project .
Chelsea using the ASE (Accelerated Solvent Extractor) an automated device used for the extraction of solid samples.
Because Camosun’s two-year ACBT program has such a practical hands-on focus, Maskos has the skills to develop and apply new testing procedures for analyzing trace levels of organic contaminants in marine environments.
“This internship has been invaluable,” says Maskos. “I couldn’t have dreamt for a better position. It’s given me flexibility, experience, responsibility and training that wouldn't come in an average work term. I'm also lucky to be able to take a project through almost all the stages including sample prep, extraction, instrumental analysis, quantification and data summary.”
Learning from the best
An added bonus for Maskos is the mentorship she is getting from Camosun instructor Blair Surridge. Besides holding a Master of Science degree in organic chemistry, Surridge has worked as an environmental analytical chemist over the past decade and is able to bring that real-world experience into the classroom. During the summer Surridge is working side-by-side with Maskos in Ikonomou’s research group at the IOS, using state-of-the art analytical facilities made available by DFO’s Laboratory of Expertise in Aquatic Chemical Analysis (LEACA).
Chelsea using the LC/MS/MS (Liquid Chromatograph tandem Mass spectrometer) used for the analysis of sample extracts.
“This is challenging, exacting work,” says Surridge. “We’re establishing new protocols and procedures for measuring environmental contaminants, and tracking how these contaminants are being distributed through fragile eco-systems. This includes contaminants that are potentially harmful to marine life, which come from a wide range of products including certain plastics, electronic equipment, and sewage effluents which contain numerous substances including pharmaceuticals and personal care products.
IOS scientist Dr. Michael Ikonomou is an internationally recognized researcher in his field and is involved in a number of projects that require the applied skills taught in the ACBT program. Ikonomou has long been involved with the ACBT program and is committed to maintaining a strong relationship with Camosun.
Why Camosun?
Chelsea collects water samples at Pat Bay, to analyze back in the lab.
Chelsea Maskos has always been interested in science. Growing up in Alberta, her favourite toys were a microscope and a telescope. As a teenager she moved to Victoria with her family and finished Grades 11 and 12 at Victoria High School, where she learned about Camosun College and its reputation for great teachers and small classes.
But she didn’t jump into college right away. Maskos took a couple years off after high school and moved back to Alberta to work and save money for tuition and living expenses. She knew Camosun had lower tuition than universities and focused, career-oriented programs, and true to plan, she graduated debt-free with marketable skills.
Options for her future
Maskos is hoping that opportunities will develop at IOS for her to continue working on research projects there till the fall of 2010. She plans to go to UVic for two more years to finish her Bachelor of Science degree and maybe someday she may also pursue a Master’s degree. But where and when that might happen depends on where her career takes her. It’s nice to have choices.
