I’m Alexandra and I am originally from Westlock, Alberta. I did my undergraduate degree at MacEwan University (Bachelor of Science- Honours Biological Sciences, Ecology and Diversity stream). My undergraduate research studied the condition dependence of courtship song in field crickets. In the same lab, as a research assistant, I investigated the aggressive mating behaviour of Cyphoderris monstrosa, the great grig.
My current research, as an MSc student, is observing the comparison of commercially available lures and traps for the trapping and monitoring of crucifer feeders on canola in central Alberta. I am also looking at the feeding damage on canola crops caused by flea beetles (Phyllotreta sp.). This research involves collecting trap samples (trapping and monitoring) and canola samples (observing damage to canola) from local canola fields. In the future, I will be looking at the behaviour of flea beetles based on semiochemicals and volatiles directly from canola in an olfactometer. My research will aid canola producers in choosing effective traps and lures and predicting feeding damage based on trap capture.