Forestry labourer — Quastuco Silviculture Ltd.
- Sustained field work in variable weather and terrain.
Neil Beckwith
Highlights
- Bachelor’s and master’s in science: environmental chemistry and ecosystem biogeochemistry.
- Mining / industry research: Rio Tinto Alcan smelter (Kitimat, British Columbia) and Athabasca Oil Sands (Fort McMurray).
- Lab and field (3 years, 5 seasons): sample collection, preparation, extraction (digests), and analysis (ICP-MS/OES) of geochemistry in soil, rocks, plants, and water.
- Strong technical communication, critical thinking, and experimental design; interdisciplinary quick learner.
Field & lab
Work experience
Isotope chemistry research associate — Dr. Catherine Eimers, Trent University
- Nitrogen / nitrate pollution sourcing in agricultural runoff using stable isotopes across Southern Ontario farmland and tile drainage systems.
- Collaborated with the Trent Water Quality Centre and the Waterloo Isotope Laboratory.
Research MSc / graduate researcher — Dr. Shaun Watmough, Trent University
- Athabasca Oil Sands: alkalinity risk, strontium isotopes, and critical-load models; 100+ hours ICP-MS/OES; journal publication pending.
- Kitimat, British Columbia: soil aluminum solubility for Rio Tinto smelter review; critical loads for acidity; publication pending.
Forestry labourer — Brinkman
- Multi-season silviculture field work.
Graduate teaching assistant — Trent University
- Ecological assessment and water resource management courses.
Undergraduate research assistant — Trent University (Watmough lab)
USRA–NSERC — Trent University
Student marker, Mathematics — Trent University
- Non-calculus statistics with R.
Earlier roles
- City of Ottawa pools
- Loblaws personal shopper
- TD Place cook
- Camp Otterdale counsellor
Education
MSc, Ecosystem Biogeochemistry — Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
BScH, Environmental Chemistry — Trent University
Skills
- Field & lab: sample collection, preparation, extraction (digests); ICP-OES / ICP-MS; chromatography; TOC analyzer.
- Analysis & software: Excel, OriginLab, ArcGIS, R.
- Safety & standards: WHMIS, AODA, lab safety.
- Languages: English (fluent); French and Spanish (intermediate).
Volunteer & community
- Eddy Carbon Research (California, remote) — scientific advisor, biogeochemistry; June 2026–present. Ocean datasets including OCO-2/3, chlorophyll, SOCAT, and related products.
- Climate Restoration Alliance — Ambassador; June 2026–present.
- Trent badminton club executive; Chemistry undergraduate society tutor; Salvation Army (Costa Rica); Offbeat percussion; Glebe badminton.
Certifications
- Open Water Scuba (November 2018; 23 logged dives)
- Ontario G license
- Pleasure Craft Operator
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