Stephen is an aquatic macroinvertebrate ecologist, whose research interests include aquatic ecology and insect taxonomy. He grew up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Stephen graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 2015 with an honours in biology. His undergraduate research was on the use of stable isotope analysis in determining the diets of different species of corixids, commonly known as water boatmen. An observation of massive corixid aggregations in the North Saskatchewan River during the fall has led to his current master’s research, which is focused on characterizing the movement of these insects from wetlands and their importance to the diets of different species of fish.  The biology of many aquatic insects is often little understood. Stephen’s goal is to add to the knowledge that exists on these organisms so that we can better understand their role in freshwater ecosystems. This will aid in their conservation and our ability to predict how human activities will impact these systems. He also just enjoys having a reason to hang out in lakes and sloughs. Stephen has recently started learning how to fly fish (and untangle line from trees) to see what can be caught on a water boatman pattern.