Scout is a researcher whose interests include ecology, entomology, and range management. She was first inspired to pursue a career in animal science and biology by her Grandfather Raymond Butler, a former DVM practitioner and instructor at the University of Saskatchewan. Scout grew up in Saskatoon SK, spending her summers at the lake with her family gaining an appreciation for the outdoors. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Saskatchewan in Animal Bioscience through the college of Agriculture and Bioresources. Her undergraduate thesis focused on anthelmintic resistance in equine parasites. This research sparked her interest in the relationship between grazing animals and the ecosystem. During her B.Sc. she spent her summers gaining laboratory and fieldwork experience at the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency, the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Agriculture and Agri Food Canada.
Scout then went on to pursue an M.Sc. in Biology at the University of Saskatchewan where she investigated the ecological impacts of cattle access to wetlands under the supervision of Dr. Iain Phillips. Her project focused on terrestrial and aquatic invertebrate assemblage responses to cattle access management in wetland riparian areas. During her time in graduate school, she investigated ground beetle assemblage responses to cattle activity and riparian degradation. She also focused on the impacts of cattle manure depositions in wetlands, analyzing both manure decomposition and aquatic invertebrate colonization. The goals of her thesis were to assist in the improvement of beef cattle grazing systems in Saskatchewan and reduce the environmental impact of agriculture on aquatic ecosystems. After her Masters degree Scout went on to spend a summer working at IISD Experimental Lakes Area, where she assisted in a project investigating algal blooms in freshwater lakes. With a passion for ecological conservation and sustainable agriculture, Scout is committed to applying her research to enhance ecosystem resilience and support sustainable land management practices.