Getting to Know More About Ocean Sciences Graduate Students
Kyle Millar, M.Sc. Student
What do you study at Memorial?
I am studying the ecology of rhodoliths, a type of coralline red algae that live as unattached balls. Rhodoliths aggregate into enormous beds that exist all along the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. Since rhodoliths can’t roll on their own, they are vulnerable to burial by sediment and overgrowth by other forms of seaweed. I’m studying how the organisms that live in rhodolith beds prevent burial, as well as the physical and oceanographic forces that act in rhodolith bed persistence.
What is your favorite aspect of your studies?
The field work. My research involves SCUBA diving on the rhodolith beds, and our lab also has a 6m Zodiac for transport in the field.
Why did you choose to study at Memorial?
Memorial is well known for its excellence in marine research, and since I’m from Atlantic Canada it made sense to stay relatively close to home. My supervisor, Dr. Patrick Gagnon, also had an opening to study seaweed ecology, so that sealed the deal.
Where are you from?
Fredericton, New Brunswick.
What did you do before coming to MUN?
I was doing my undergrad at the University of New Brunswick, majoring in biology. I did my honours research applying molecular identification techniques to a genus of red algae from British Columbia.
What are your interests outside of school?
Hiking, camping, canoeing, video gaming, scuba diving, snowmobiling.
What's your idea of a good time?
Good friends, good beer, and good cheer
Tell us something interesting about you?
I didn’t try pizza until I was 19. I was a weird kid, I know.