Karen Nelson, M.Sc.

OACC Research Assistant

E-mail: knelson@nsac.ca

 

 

I am originally from the beautiful city of Fredericton, New Brunswick where I graduated from the University of New Brunswick with my B.Sc. in Biology (concentration in wildlife conservation) and a Minor in Psychology.

After completing my undergraduate degree I had the opportunity to participate in an internship program through the Organic Agricultural Center of Canada (OACC) at the Potato Research Center in Fredericton, NB. Though I initally had aspiration of working in wildlife biology this opportuinity opened my eyes to the importance of agriculture in our everyday needs, particullary the need for environmental practices. I worked extensively on the organic control of the Colardo Potato Beetle and the effects on plant health

After my interest in agriculture was sparked I went on to complete my M.Sc in Agriculture at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College/Dalhousie University in Truro, N.S. where I examined the effect of potato rotations on soil health/qualtity and the development of a soil species as an indicator for soil health/quality.

This last year has been a rewarding experience as I had the opportunity to travel across the Maritimes working with numerous organic farmers to assess fertility and weed management for Blackcurrants, as well as fertility management for cereal production. I hope to continue working with farmers and researchers in the future supporting the development of organic agriculture.

Posted January 2010