Malaspina’s Centre for Shellfish Research welcomes new scientist from the United Kingdom

Don Tillapaugh, Director of the Malaspina University-College Centre for Shellfish Research (CSR) is pleased to announce that Dr. Helen Gurney-Smith has joined the research team at the CSR.  Dr. Gurney-Smith hails from Norfolk, England.

In 2003, Dr. Gurney-Smith completed her Doctorate in marine biology from the University of St Andrews in Scotland (UK).  Her research investigated “settlement cues” or what attracts marine animals to settle in specific environmental niches. Her post-doctoral research investigated, among other things, the design, development and application of recirculation hatcheries for the mussel culture industry in Wales. Dr. Gurney-Smith has also worked as a biotechnology consultant investigating shark liver oil bioactive compounds and as a Research Fellow at the University of Cadiz, Spain, investigating the possibilities for mollusc shellfish use in the pharmaceutical industry. 

“After a worldwide search, Dr. Gurney-Smith was recruited from the University of Wales in Bangor,” said Dr. David Thomas, Vice President Academic at Malaspina. “The University of Wales has one of the pre-eminent schools in aquaculture research and we are very pleased to be able to attract Helen to Malaspina University-College. She has an impressive research background and brings with her an extensive network of research contacts from the EU community, plus the enthusiasm of a new scientist moving into her first academic appointment.  We expect great things from Dr. Gurney-Smith.”

“Helen’s experience includes pure curiosity driven research and applied commercial research.  She has worked closely with mussel and oyster companies in the UK and understands what drives research from a business perspective. Combined, this makes Helen an ideal candidate for the position,” said Tillapaugh.

Dr. Gurney-Smith will become the Head of the Shellfish Health and Husbandry Research Program at the CSR.  This program conducts research projects to improve shellfish growth and survival. Dr. Gurney-Smith is the recipient of a British Columbia Aquaculture and Environment Innovation Award. She will be developing an entirely new scientific “tool-box” that will help farmers to develop innovative new husbandry methods and to improve the health of their crops. “The increased productivity that will result will enhance company economic viability and hopefully lead to new investment, expansion and diversification of the industry,” said Tillapaugh.

David Drakeford, Dean of the Faculty of Science, is excited about the inspiration and mentoring role that Dr. Gurney-Smith can provide to the students enrolled in aquaculture and biology at Malaspina, and the research ideas and professional contacts that Dr. Gurney-Smith can bring to her new faculty colleagues.  “We don’t often have an opportunity to expand our faculty,” said Drakeford. “The arrival of a new member is always an exciting event for the potential it holds”.

For her part, Dr. Gurney-Smith says the decision to come to the Malaspina University-College Centre for Shellfish Research was an exciting opportunity to lead a skilled group conducting robust scientific laboratory and field-based shellfish research.  The facility and infrastructure at the CSR allows research to change as needed to incorporate the needs of the shellfish industry, but with the support of the academic community.  Moreover, the mentoring of students through research projects will help to encourage future scientists in this profession which would be of benefit to BC as a whole.

“I was very impressed by the whole CSR team, whose skills vary from pure academia to extensive commercial experience, which enables a multifaceted approach to shellfish research to be applied,” said Dr. Gurney-Smith. “The facilities at the CSR, including the soon to be constructed Deep Bay Field Station, provide excellent opportunities to study the full cycle of shellfish culture.  I am looking forward to developing links with academic and governmental groups both in British Columbia and nationally, and to strengthen and extend my international contact network to promote the CSR as the dedicated centre for shellfish research for the west coast of Canada.”

“Additionally the chance to live in such a beautiful part of the world simply could not be passed up and the standard of living is fantastic. And to be in the home of bathtub racing? What more could you ask for?”