Scott Zolkos

PhD (2014-2019)
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta

Current position: Postdoctoral Scientist, Woods Hole Research Center

BA Middlebury College

Email: zolkos@ualberta.ca

Personal website

My graduate focus in ecology stems from my longstanding fascination with the impacts of environmental change on Earth systems. After completing an undergraduate degree in environmental science, I job-hopped for 8 months, from research cruises in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans to a coastal water quality monitoring program. Shortly thereafter, I landed at the Woods Hole Research Center (WHRC) as a Research Assistant. For 2.5 years at WHRC, I helped investigate the impacts of climate change and land disturbance on river chemistry and land-ocean linkages, with a focus on the Arctic. My participation in an expedition to the remote Siberian Arctic (the Polaris Project) hooked me on Arctic science and inspired me to pursue graduate studies. As a member of Dr. Suzanne Tank's lab, I'm studying the influence of permafrost thaw on carbon cycle dynamics in streams of the Peel River watershed (Northwest Territories). I find it rewarding and fascinating because I work with wonderful scientists and Northern communities to understand how Arctic ecosystems are responding to climate change. I'm also passionate about science education and in my spare time I enjoy outdoor activities, particularly skiing and rock climbing.