December 2 @ 1 p.m. CST: "Algae and Ice: Exploring the Science and Story"
Andrew Budziak (Royal Canadian Geographical Society / National Geographic Society Explorer), Andrew Bramburger (Environment and Climate Change Canada)
Summary
In this webinar, Andrew Budziak and Andrew Bramburger will share insights from their recent research on ice-associated algae and the crucial role it plays in lake health. Their work, which involves intensive under-ice diving and field sampling, is helping to uncover how these little-known organisms contribute to freshwater ecosystems and how they may be shifting in response to climate change.
To share the scientific findings, Budziak began working on a documentary film project that captures the underwater world beneath the ice and brings their research to a wider audience (https://www.andrewbudziak.com/undertheice). This unique combination of science and storytelling offers both a detailed look at their discoveries and a chance to experience the wonder of this environment, allowing for a deeper understanding.
We hope you'll be able to join us for this one-hour webinar, and as always, come prepared to ask questions and engage the presenters in discussion! Note that this session will be recorded for rebroadcast on the LOWWSF website.
About the Presenters:
Andrew Bramburger is a research scientist with Environment and Climate Change Canada based in Burlington, Ontario. He spends most of his time working on the Great Lakes but he has also studied aquatic ecosystems all over the world ranging from ancient tropical lakes in Indonesia to the wetlands of the Florida Everglades to alpine lakes in the Canadian Arctic.Andy’s research primarily focuses on how communities of freshwater algae respond to environmental stressors including climate change. He has published more than 30 peer-reviewed scientific articles and is a former president of the International Association for Great Lakes Research. Andy is one of the pioneers of the recent resurgence of winter limnology (limnology is the study of lakes) and has developed several new methods for investigating life under the ice. Andy is a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographic Society and his work has been featured on the CBC, PBS, NPR, and in National Geographic, where he was described as “an aquatic mammal.” When Andy isn’t studying water, he can be found sailing, surfing, and generally exploring and adventuring on, in, and around the water. He is a strong advocate for Canada’s freshwater resources and reminds us that as Canadians, we are the custodians of more than half of the world’s lakes.
Andrew Budziak is a Toronto-based photographer, journalist and filmmaker renowned for his captivating images that reveal the hidden secrets of the natural world. Based in Toronto, Andrew has dedicated his career to exploring and documenting the often overlooked animals that thrive in urban and other challenging environments. Andrew's projects have been widely exhibited and published, earning him recognition and acclaim in both the art and scientific communities. His commitment to wildlife conservation is evident in his projects, which often highlight the challenges and threats faced by animals in urban settings. Along with land-based work, Andrew is also an avid ice diver and aquatic cinematographer. In 2024, he led an expedition that successfully collected the first ever freshwater ice-bottom algae samples. This RCGS and National Geographic Society supported expedition will be the focus of an upcoming documentary. Through his lens, Andrew not only documents the coexistence of wildlife and urban life but also advocates for a harmonious relationship between humans and nature, encouraging a greater sense of responsibility towards environmental stewardship. Andrew is a fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, the Explorers Club, an Emerging Member of the International Leagues of Conservation Photographers, and a recipient of the prestigious Trebek Initiative Grant.