Cerren Richards
she/her
PhD Candidate
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Discipline
Behaviour, Conservation, Population Dynamics, Reproductive Biology & Life History, Traits, Public/Community Engagement, Science Communication
Regional Focus
Gull Island, Witless Bay, Newfoundland; Rigolet, Labrador; Skomer Island, Wales; Farallon Island, California; Northwest Atlantic; Global
Years Active
6-10 years
Species Focus
Auks (Alcidae), Sea ducks and allies (Anatidae), Gulls and Terns (Laridae), Cormorants (Phalacrocoracidae), Gannets and Boobies (Sulidae), Storm-Petrels (Hydrobatidae & Oceanitidae)
Tell us about your work with seabirds.
My research interests focus on seabird ecology from local to global scales. I couple fieldwork, timeseries, and modern statistical tools to understand how seabirds respond to anthropogenic and natural drivers. My ultimate goal is to create sustainable conservation solutions. For my PhD, I work in partnership with Inuit community members and government bodies to co-produce knowledge about the seabird species and populations with the greatest limitations to environmental change in Canada. For ten years, I have also been actively communicating seabird science. I leverage diverse outreach tools to engage local to international audiences, foster inclusivity, and inspire communities.
What advice would you offer to individuals aspiring to pursue a career as seabird scientists?
Pursue your passion in seabird science and focus on the aspects that bring you the most joy. Seek out experiences and develop skills that resonate with these values. Email people within the field and ask if you can volunteer/gain experience with them. If you're interested in research, I highly recommend learning R coding and GIS!
Cerren, in a purple fleece and cream cap, in Rigolet, Labrador, where she was doing seabird colony censuses with drones in partnership with Inuit community members.
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@CerrenRichards
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