Erika Bullen’s journey from Arctic monitoring to Master’s research

Erika Bullen’s experience as one of “The Frozen Chosen” fueled her desire to earn a Master’s degree.

The Earth, Environment & Society graduate spent one of her co-op work terms learning about Arctic monitoring in Alert, Nunavut. Her experience was so memorable that she decided to continue her research at the University of Toronto in Dr. Carl Mitchell’s lab.

Thinking back to her first year at Mac, Erika says the most memorable day of her undergraduate experience was arriving at the university during Welcome Week. As she pulled up to the unfamiliar campus, unsure of what the next five years would bring, the Welcome Week reps clapped and cheered for all the first-years, getting Erika excited to move in and start a new beginning.

Between classes and co-op work terms, Erika kept herself busy by joining the McMaster rowing team and becoming a co-op mentor. “My co-op mentor was such a big help to me during my first job search. I wanted to return the favour and help other students.”

Out of all four co-op work terms, Erika says her most memorable co-op experience was during the time she worked in an atmospheric watch lab for Environment and Climate Change Canada in Alert. “We had two visits from polar bears when we were collecting ice cores on the Arctic Ocean. It was so cool to be immersed in nature during my first time working with mercury research. Not many people can say they got to see polar bears during their co-op.”

Co-op gave Erika the opportunity to gain workplace experience before graduating. “I wanted to explore different working environments so I could find what I love the most, and that’s exactly what I did. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the co-op program and the connections I made along the way.”

If the opportunity presents itself, Erika would love to go back to Alert and continue doing research. Her experience ignited a passion for exploring Arctic regions, so much that she wants to do more Arctic travel to both Yukon and the Northwest Territories so she can compare the different locations.

Though excited for her new adventures, Erika will miss Hamilton and the bonds she formed. The local spots and the warmth of Hamiltonians have left a lasting impression.

Looking ahead, Erika says she dreams of becoming a professor so she can continue in research. “My professors are the people that have inspired me and introduced me to topics that I have become so passionate about. I would love to do the same and inspire students,” said Erika. “Dr. Janok Bhattacharya and Dr. Ed Reinhardt were instrumental in helping me complete my thesis. They provided fantastic support. I truly couldn’t have done it without them.” Erika also expressed gratitude for Angie Abi Daoud and Aneesa Ijaz Rabbani, who helped her complete lab work for her undergraduate thesis. “I enjoyed the process a million times more with them than I would have if I did it alone.”

With climate change leading to environmental shifts, Erika says she wants to create a positive impact through her research by exploring these changes and contributing to solutions for a more sustainable world.