Management Team
Tara Macdonald, PhD, RPBio
President
Tara became president of Biologica in 2012. Tara has been identifying and thinking about marine invertebrates her whole life, having performed her first microscope work…
Sarah Steinerstauch, BSc
Data & Systems Manager & Marine Taxonomist
Sarah joined Biologica in 2009 after completing a BSc in Biology at the University of Victoria. Over the years, she has held a variety of…
Agnes Zoldowski, BSc
Laboratory Manager
Agnes joined Biologica in 2022. She earned her BSc in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Toronto and spent over 15 years developing…
Natalia Filip, MSc, RPBio
Algae Program Manager
Certifications: Kindrogan Field Centre Freshwater Algae Certificate, North American Chironomidae (SFS), Biology and Taxonomy of Tunicates (Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute), Riparian Area Regulation. Natalia completed…
Tara Macdonald, PhD, RPBio
President
Tara became president of Biologica in 2012. Tara has been identifying and thinking about marine invertebrates her whole life, having performed her first microscope work at the age of 14 in order to purchase a guitar. However, she ultimately found she had more talent for taxonomy than she did music. She earned her PhD from the University of Alberta in 2006, where she studied systematics and evolution of polychaete worms as an NSERC scholar. Tara previously worked as a postdoctoral research fellow at the Institute of Ocean Sciences (Fisheries and Oceans Canada in Sidney, BC) studying marine benthic ecology, and at Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre as an instructor of Marine Invertebrate Zoology. Tara spends most of her free time in her vegetable garden, kitchen, fishing, and foraging. 
Sarah Steinerstauch, BSc
Data & Systems Manager & Marine Taxonomist
Sarah joined Biologica in 2009 after completing a BSc in Biology at the University of Victoria. Over the years, she has held a variety of roles, including technician, taxonomist, and laboratory manager, giving her a broad understanding of Biologica’s operations. Today, she leads the company’s data department, ensuring the accuracy and consistency of data across all of Biologica’s services, while also overseeing the IT and facilities departments. Sarah is also an experienced mollusc and echinoderm taxonomist. Although she now spends less time at the microscope, she still enjoys the opportunity to apply her taxonomic expertise when needed. A lifelong resident of Victoria, Sarah enjoys gardening, hiking, swimming, beach combing and sharing the love of the outdoors with her young daughter. 
Agnes Zoldowski, BSc
Laboratory Manager
Agnes joined Biologica in 2022. She earned her BSc in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Toronto and spent over 15 years developing molecular diagnostic devices. She relocated to Victoria with her family and replaced the pipette with a microscope. When not in the lab overseeing Biologica’s operations, you can find her either out exploring beautiful Vancouver Island or surrounded by cats, knitting, cooking and reading. 
Natalia Filip, MSc, RPBio
Algae Program Manager
Certifications: Kindrogan Field Centre Freshwater Algae Certificate, North American Chironomidae (SFS), Biology and Taxonomy of Tunicates (Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute), Riparian Area Regulation.
Natalia completed her Masters degree in Biology at St. Francis Xavier University. Her thesis research, funded by an NSERC industrial PGS, focused on field testing of non-toxic antifouling coatings and their effects on invasive tunicates. Natalia´s extensive experience in aquatic ecology includes biodiversity assessments of marine intertidal soft-sediments and subtidal fouling communities, invasive species monitoring, diet characterization of fish, and tropical coral reef monitoring. Natalia enjoys rock climbing, mountaineering, and mountain biking. Taxonomist Team
Philip Hoover, BSc
Marine & Freshwater Taxonomist
Phil joined Biologica in 1994. Although he specializes in crustacean taxonomy, he happily tackles whatever phylum crosses his path. He grew up on Vancouver Island,…
Hiroki Tomoe, AScT
Marine & Freshwater Taxonomist
Certifications: North American Oligochaeta (SFS) Hiroki is originally from Osaka, Japan. As a child, he enjoyed collecting stag beetles, praying mantises, and other insects. He…
Robynn Holma, BSc
Freshwater Taxonomist
Society of Freshwater Science Certifications: North American Chironomidae, Western EPT, Eastern EPT, Western General Arthropoda, and Eastern General Arthropoda. Robynn joined the Biologica team in…
Karen Cram, BSc
Field Supervisor & Marine Taxonomist
Karen graduated in 2012 with a BSc in Biology and Oceanography from the University of Victoria. She has worked at Biologica since 2012 as a…
Karen Hoban, BSc
Freshwater Taxonomist & Health and Safety Representative
Society of Freshwater Science Certifications: Western EPT, Eastern EPT, Western General Arthropoda, and Eastern General Arthropoda. Karen joined Biologica in 2013 after spending over 10…
Stephen Srayko, PhD
Freshwater Taxonomist
Stephen joined Biologica in 2025 after previous work as a freshwater invertebrate taxonomist and field technician. Stephen completed a PhD in Biology at the University…
Jesslynn Shaw, BSc
Algal Taxonomist
Jesslynn graduated from the University of Victoria in 2019 with a BSc in Biology and has completed courses from the UVIC Restoration of Natural Systems…
Suzy Christoffel, BSc
Marine Taxonomist
Suzy graduated from the University of Victoria with a BSc in Biology after obtaining a Diploma in Environmental Technology in 2012. She also had the…
Gilbert Martin-Damman, BSc
Marine & Freshwater Taxonomist
Gilbert Martin-Damman joined Biologica in 2023 after graduating from the University of Victoria in 2022 with a BSc in Biology. Throughout his studies, he completed…
Miranda Andersen, MSc
Marine Taxonomist
Miranda joined Biologica in the spring of 2026 after completing her MSc at Stellenbosch University, where her research focused on sea anemone taxonomy and marine…
Valerie Macdonald
Past President (Mostly Retired)
Valerie founded Biologica in 1994. She has been a tireless advocate for improving the quality of taxonomic work since 1971. Valerie is well-known for both…
Philip Hoover, BSc
Marine & Freshwater Taxonomist
Phil joined Biologica in 1994. Although he specializes in crustacean taxonomy, he happily tackles whatever phylum crosses his path. He grew up on Vancouver Island, looking in tide pools, fishing and birding. After completing his BSc., he studied amphipod taxonomy and pollution effects on benthos. Phil has also worked at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, and participated in both local and international benthic surveys. Phil enjoys teaching his daughter the joys of natural history. 
Hiroki Tomoe, AScT
Marine & Freshwater Taxonomist
Certifications: North American Oligochaeta (SFS)
Hiroki is originally from Osaka, Japan. As a child, he enjoyed collecting stag beetles, praying mantises, and other insects. He joined Biologica in 1999. He has specialized in the identification of marine annelids and the miscellaneous phyla from British Columbia and around the world since the beginning of his taxonomy career. He is also certified in oligochaete taxonomy by the Society of Freshwater Science. Hiroki, his wife and four children enjoy spending time exploring the marvelous ocean, forests, and mountains around Victoria. 
Robynn Holma, BSc
Freshwater Taxonomist
Society of Freshwater Science Certifications: North American Chironomidae, Western EPT, Eastern EPT, Western General Arthropoda, and Eastern General Arthropoda.
Robynn joined the Biologica team in 2011. She earned her BSc in Marine Biology at the University of Guelph, Ontario and moved to Victoria, BC in 1998. Robynn has experience identifying many different freshwater critters, and is certified by the Society of Freshwater Science in Western and Eastern EPT, Western and Eastern General Arthropods and Chironomidae. In her spare time, Robynn enjoys keeping up with her daughter, exploring BC one campsite at a time, and anything crafty she can get her hands on. 
Karen Cram, BSc
Field Supervisor & Marine Taxonomist
Karen graduated in 2012 with a BSc in Biology and Oceanography from the University of Victoria. She has worked at Biologica since 2012 as a lab technician, and more recently has been heading up field programs and receiving training in the taxonomy of Crustacea and Miscellaneous Phyla. In her free time, Karen scuba dives and knits sea creatures. 
Karen Hoban, BSc
Freshwater Taxonomist & Health and Safety Representative
Society of Freshwater Science Certifications: Western EPT, Eastern EPT, Western General Arthropoda, and Eastern General Arthropoda.
Karen joined Biologica in 2013 after spending over 10 years working for a forest biotechnology company in Victoria. Karen is one of Biologica’s freshwater taxonomists, as well as the Health and Safety Representative. Karen earned her BSc in Wildlife Biology from the University of Northern British Columbia, and a certificate of Applied Project Management from Camosun College. She is also certified by the Society of Freshwater Science in Western and Eastern EPT and Western and Eastern General Arthropods. Outside of work, Karen enjoys playing team sports such as slow-pitch and curling and volunteers on various executive committees for the leagues in which she plays. 
Stephen Srayko, PhD
Freshwater Taxonomist
Stephen joined Biologica in 2025 after previous work as a freshwater invertebrate taxonomist and field technician. Stephen completed a PhD in Biology at the University of Saskatchewan in 2022, where he studied corixid migration. He holds Society for Freshwater Science certifications for the identification of North American Chironomidae, Eastern EPT, and Western General Arthropods. Outside of work, Stephen enjoys camping, snorkeling, and looking for interesting critters. 
Jesslynn Shaw, BSc
Algal Taxonomist
Jesslynn graduated from the University of Victoria in 2019 with a BSc in Biology and has completed courses from the UVIC Restoration of Natural Systems Diploma Program. She joined Biologica in 2021. Her favourite part of working at Biologica is the continuous learning and never ceasing to be amazed when seeing a new algae or invertebrate species under the microscope for the first time. Jesslynn also works in marine mammal acoustics to identify Killer Whales. When she is not working, she enjoys camping, hiking, hot yoga, and exploring the Island’s beaches with her 6-year-old son. 
Suzy Christoffel, BSc
Marine Taxonomist
Suzy graduated from the University of Victoria with a BSc in Biology after obtaining a Diploma in Environmental Technology in 2012. She also had the wonderful experience of taking field courses at Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre. Suzy joined Biologica in 2021 as a lab technician and now works as a Marine Mollusc Taxonomist as well. Her favourite part about working for the company is the continual learning of new skills and getting out in the field when possible! Outside of work, she enjoys spending time adventuring outdoors with her family, cycling, and cooking.
Gilbert Martin-Damman, BSc
Marine & Freshwater Taxonomist
Gilbert Martin-Damman joined Biologica in 2023 after graduating from the University of Victoria in 2022 with a BSc in Biology. Throughout his studies, he completed courses in marine biology, freshwater ecology and environmental sciences. Outside of work, Gilbert enjoys the wonderful cycling and hiking that Vancouver Island has to offer. At Biologica, he appreciates the opportunity to encounter and learn about new marine organisms on a regular basis. 
Miranda Andersen, MSc
Marine Taxonomist
Miranda joined Biologica in the spring of 2026 after completing her MSc at Stellenbosch University, where her research focused on sea anemone taxonomy and marine invasion management. Prior to joining the team, she gained broad taxonomic experience while monitoring fouling communities across North America at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and participating in several international Rapid Assessment Surveys targeting non-native species. At Biologica, Miranda enjoys continuing to build on that foundation, focusing her taxonomic knowledge on Molluscs and Echinoderms. Outside of work, she spends her time climbing, birding, and snorkeling.
Valerie Macdonald
Past President (Mostly Retired)
Valerie founded Biologica in 1994. She has been a tireless advocate for improving the quality of taxonomic work since 1971. Valerie is well-known for both her inventive benthic screening sample system, as well as her astounding taxonomic knowledge in both marine and freshwater systems. She retired in 2012, but participates in training and QA/QC. She remains as busy as ever, maintaining a small farm on the Saanich Peninsula, where she has a dairy goat herd and a pack of rescued border collies. Data Team
Breanna Bomback, BSc, RPBio
Data Analyst & Freshwater Taxonomist
Society of Freshwater Science Certifications: North American Chironomidae. Breanna holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology (Marine Sciences) with a minor in Statistics from…
Breanna Bomback, BSc, RPBio
Data Analyst & Freshwater Taxonomist
Society of Freshwater Science Certifications: North American Chironomidae.
Breanna holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology (Marine Sciences) with a minor in Statistics from the University of Victoria. Since joining Biologica in 2017, her role has expanded from laboratory sorting to supporting all stages of environmental projects. Her work includes freshwater macroinvertebrate taxonomy, data analysis and management, QA/QC, and technical report writing. She enjoys solving complex data challenges and combining biological expertise with statistical analysis to support high-quality environmental assessments. Additional experience includes fish larva identification, fish stomach content analysis and otolith aging. In her spare time, Breanna enjoys exploring Vancouver Island with her family and her dog while appreciating the region’s diverse ecosystems. Technical/Support Staff
Yasmine Dharampaul, BSc
Project Lead
Yasmine joined Biologica in 2024 after earning her bachelor’s in Biochemistry at the University of Victoria and working in the hospitality industry for several years….
Braxton Glass, BA
Project Lead
Braxton joined Biologica in the spring of 2026 after studying at the University of Victoria with a degree in Geography. During his studies he focused…
Marissa Tweedy, BSc
Data Technician
Marissa joined Biologica in 2025 after graduating from the University of Victoria with a BSc in Health Information Science and minor in Environmental Studies. Since…
Gus Camelo, PhD
Assistant Laboratory Manager
Gus (he/him) is originally from Brazil, where he received his BSc in Chemistry, and then moved to Canada to pursue his PhD degree in Chemistry…
Halle Dykeman, BSc
Logistics Coordinator
Halle completed her BSc with a Marine Concentration at the University of Victoria in 2022 and joined Biologica shortly after. She started as a lab technician, enjoying…
Spencer Hazel, BSc
Office & Laboratory Assistant
Spencer graduated with a BSc in Biology and minor in Psychology in 2025 from Acadia University, and joined Biologica in 2026. Spencer’s favourite parts of…
Maddison Monnington, BSc
Sorting Coordinator
Maddison graduated from the University of Victoria in 2020. She achieved a BSc in Biology with a concentration in Marine Biology. At work, she enjoys…
Jenny Kirkpatrick, BSc
Freshwater Taxonomist & Lab Technician
Society of Freshwater Science Certifications: North American Diatoms, Level 1 Jenny Kirkpatrick joined Biologica in 2023 after completing her BSc in Biology with a…
Sam Coe, BSc
Freshwater Taxonomist & Lab Technician
Sam Coe graduated from the University of Victoria with a BSc in Physical Geography and a minor in Psychology in 2022. While at university she…
Dan Field, BSc
Lab Technician
Dan joined Biologica in 2024, after graduating from the University of Alberta with a BSc in Biology and Physics. At the UofA, he focused on…
Matthew Tuck, BSc
Lab Technician
Matthew joined Biologica in the summer of 2025 after completing his BSc in Biology at the University of Victoria. The highlights of his undergraduate studies…
Sophia Labiy, BSc
Lab Technician
Sophia Labiy joined Biologica in 2025, shortly after graduating from the University of Victoria with a BSc in Biology and a minor in Environmental Studies….
Cameron D’Amours, AS
Lab Technician
Cameron joined Biologica in 2025 in a temporary Lab Technician position. He has stayed on as he completes his studies in Forest Biology at UVic….
Jessica DeBiasio, BSc
Lab Technician
Jessica joined Biologica in 2026 after completing her BSc in Environmental Science from the University of British Columbia. During her studies, she developed a passion…
Makayla Grassing, BSc
Lab Technician
Makayla joined Biologica in 2026, shortly after earning her BSc in Biology with a Marine Concentration from the University of Victoria. During her schooling, she most enjoyed taking…
Amanda Eskridge, BSc
Lab Technician
Amanda joined Biologica in the spring of 2026, after spending her first few years since graduating working at various environmental conservation non-profits. During her studies,…
Anne Fearon-Wood, BSc
Lab Technician & Photographer
Anne joined Biologica in 1999 as a lab technician. She graduated from Lakehead University, Ontario in 1990 with a degree in Bachelor of Science and…
Lu Guan, MSc, PhD
Marine & Freshwater Taxonomist
Lu is originally from Chengdu, China, and has been living in Canada since 2004. She did her Master’s degree at Memorial University of Newfoundland on…
Melissa Hennekes, AScT
Algal Taxonomist
Melissa has worked with Biologica as an algal taxonomist since 2013, and has been an algal taxonomist with the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans…
Yasmine Dharampaul, BSc
Project Lead
Yasmine joined Biologica in 2024 after earning her bachelor’s in Biochemistry at the University of Victoria and working in the hospitality industry for several years. She loves working with the passionate team at Biologica and learning more about the invertebrate world every day! Outside of work, Yasmine enjoys running, sweet treats, and movie-watching. 
Braxton Glass, BA
Project Lead
Braxton joined Biologica in the spring of 2026 after studying at the University of Victoria with a degree in Geography. During his studies he focused on ecosystem based natural resource management, coastal conservation, and anthropogenic impacts to ecosystems. At Biologica Braxton loves learning about all the little critters and supporting client needs for completion of their projects. Outside of work he enjoys surfing, fishing, hiking, and making music. 
Marissa Tweedy, BSc
Data Technician
Marissa joined Biologica in 2025 after graduating from the University of Victoria with a BSc in Health Information Science and minor in Environmental Studies. Since working at Biologica, Marissa has enjoyed learning about marine and freshwater taxonomy from people who are excited about the organisms they encounter. In her free time, Marissa likes to spend time outside kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, birdwatching, and being near the beach. 
Gus Camelo, PhD
Assistant Laboratory Manager
Gus (he/him) is originally from Brazil, where he received his BSc in Chemistry, and then moved to Canada to pursue his PhD degree in Chemistry from UVic. During his studies, he worked on understanding the fundamental processes that give chemical systems life-like properties and also fell in love with the operational and mentorship aspect of graduate school. The love for the complexity of natural sciences and people led him to join Biologica in the Fall of 2026 as an Assistant Lab Manager. When not at work, Gus can be found cycling, reading and watching sci-fi, taking care of his puppy, Lily, and exploring Vancouver Island. 
Halle Dykeman, BSc
Logistics Coordinator
Halle completed her BSc with a Marine Concentration at the University of Victoria in 2022 and joined Biologica shortly after. She started as a lab technician, enjoying the detailed work and seeing curious critters, and now oversees sample logistics, ordering, and shipments. In her free time, she enjoys tide pooling, creating art, and spending time with friends, family, and animals. Halle’s favourite things about working at Biologica are the amazing, driven team she’s surrounded by, the intelligence and passion she sees from them daily, and, of course, the abundance of little critters! 
Spencer Hazel, BSc
Office & Laboratory Assistant
Spencer graduated with a BSc in Biology and minor in Psychology in 2025 from Acadia University, and joined Biologica in 2026. Spencer’s favourite parts of working at Biologica are being a part of a team that shares the same passion, and, having been born and raised in Nova Scotia, he feels right at home being surrounded by all kinds of marine life. In his free time, Spencer can be found birding, exploring nature, playing video games or watching hockey. 
Maddison Monnington, BSc
Sorting Coordinator
Maddison graduated from the University of Victoria in 2020. She achieved a BSc in Biology with a concentration in Marine Biology. At work, she enjoys being able to learn something new everyday and seeing all the interesting organisms from different parts of the world. In her free time, Maddison can be found horseback riding, hiking, reading or gardening. 
Jenny Kirkpatrick, BSc
Freshwater Taxonomist & Lab Technician
Society of Freshwater Science Certifications: North American Diatoms, Level 1
Jenny Kirkpatrick joined Biologica in 2023 after completing her BSc in Biology with a Marine Concentration from the University of Victoria. She spent time at Bamfield Marine Science Centre taking courses on Marine Invertebrates and Coastal Community Ecology. She also had the opportunity to work with the Ocean Wise North Coast Cetacean Research Initiative in Prince Rupert, assisting with cetacean field surveys and research. Her favourite parts of working at Biologica are seeing the amazing diversity of marine and freshwater organisms and working with colleagues who are passionate about the aquatic environment. In her free time, she can be found hiking, snorkeling, doing Pilates or cross-stitching. 
Sam Coe, BSc
Freshwater Taxonomist & Lab Technician
Sam Coe graduated from the University of Victoria with a BSc in Physical Geography and a minor in Psychology in 2022. While at university she rowed for the UVIC Vikes rowing team and worked in a neuroimaging lab for a PhD study in mindfulness meditation. Outside work Sam loves travelling, forest hiking and practicing the piano and flute. Sam joined Biologica in 2022, where she enjoys the opportunity to continuously learn and grow while working in the environmental sector. 
Dan Field, BSc
Lab Technician
Dan joined Biologica in 2024, after graduating from the University of Alberta with a BSc in Biology and Physics. At the UofA, he focused on invertebrate zoology and taxonomy in his coursework and worked in several invertebrate ecology labs. He developed GIS tools to analyze terrain data for coral reef restoration work and performed CABIN freshwater invertebrate sampling. Later, he did CABIN freshwater invertebrate sorting and ID training at ABMI, and did imaging and illustration work at a sponge physiology lab. At Biologica, he enjoys looking at a variety of critters all day and doing Chironomid taxonomy training. Outside of work, you can find him painting, tide pooling, and doing photography. 
Matthew Tuck, BSc
Lab Technician
Matthew joined Biologica in the summer of 2025 after completing his BSc in Biology at the University of Victoria. The highlights of his undergraduate studies included his participation in field courses in Marine Ecology and Oceanography at Bamfield MSC, and the completion of his honors thesis on the functional diversity of Cetaceans in the Canadian Offshore Pacific Bioregion. In his spare time, you can find him on the rugby field representing Westshore RFC or playing video games. He enjoys working at Biologica because it allows him to observe and learn about a diverse assemblage of aquatic organisms. 
Sophia Labiy, BSc
Lab Technician
Sophia Labiy joined Biologica in 2025, shortly after graduating from the University of Victoria with a BSc in Biology and a minor in Environmental Studies. She took several courses at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, where she studied Marine Invertebrate Zoology and Coastal Biodiversity and Conservation and earned her scientific diving certification (CAUS). She also completed an honours thesis investigating sound production in walleye pollock and Arctic cod during spawning. Her favourite part of working at Biologica is the opportunity to see firsthand the diversity of marine and freshwater organisms from different parts of the world. In her free time, she enjoys scuba diving, underwater photography, hiking, and paddleboarding. 
Cameron D’Amours, AS
Lab Technician
Cameron joined Biologica in 2025 in a temporary Lab Technician position. He has stayed on as he completes his studies in Forest Biology at UVic. He has previously completed a Diploma in Environmental Technology in 2024 and an Associate Degree in General Science in 2023, both at Camosun College. During his studies, he completed classes in freshwater ecosystems, environmental chemistry, and invertebrate diversity. His favourite part about working at Biologica is being surrounded by so many knowledgeable and passionate individuals. In his spare time, Cameron enjoys crocheting, playing video games, making digital 3D art, or just hanging out with his two cats, Rajah and Howie. 
Jessica DeBiasio, BSc
Lab Technician
Jessica joined Biologica in 2026 after completing her BSc in Environmental Science from the University of British Columbia. During her studies, she developed a passion for invertebrates by working on insect collection and identification programs and completing an intertidal biodiversity study in Stanley Park. At Biologica, Jessica enjoys seeing the breadth of diversity present in our aquatic ecosystems and learning about unique organisms. Outside of work, she can be found cycling across town, stopping at beaches to read a book or explore tide pools. 
Makayla Grassing, BSc
Lab Technician
Makayla joined Biologica in 2026, shortly after earning her BSc in Biology with a Marine Concentration from the University of Victoria. During her schooling, she most enjoyed taking multiple freediving trips to study marine life in the field. Every day, her experience at Biologica offers something new to learn and she particularly enjoys getting to observe and interact with the many distinct and wonderful microscopic organisms in her marine samples. Outside of work, she spends her days exploring nature, spending time with loved ones, watching movies, and making pottery! 
Amanda Eskridge, BSc
Lab Technician
Amanda joined Biologica in the spring of 2026, after spending her first few years since graduating working at various environmental conservation non-profits. During her studies, she spent a summer at Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, taking courses on Marine Invertebrates and Coastal Ecology, and was able to work with Ocean Networks Canada, studying rockfish populations in Hartley Bay. In her free time, Amanda enjoys reading, cooking, and paddle boarding. Her favorite things about working at Biologica are learning something new every day and getting to look at all sorts of interesting critters! 
Anne Fearon-Wood, BSc
Lab Technician & Photographer
Anne joined Biologica in 1999 as a lab technician. She graduated from Lakehead University, Ontario in 1990 with a degree in Bachelor of Science and a degree in Outdoor Recreation/Tourism Management. She is Biologica’s resident photographer, supplying photography for our website, presentation materials, and digital reference collections. In her spare time, Anne enjoys sailing, yoga, hiking, and photographing the beauty of Vancouver Island.
Several of Anne’s photos are featured on this website, and we would encourage you to see more of her work at http://www.fearonwoodphoto.com/ Lu Guan, MSc, PhD
Marine & Freshwater Taxonomist
Lu is originally from Chengdu, China, and has been living in Canada since 2004. She did her Master’s degree at Memorial University of Newfoundland on the development of swimming capability of larval fish, and her Doctoral degree at the University of Victoria on the spatial and temporal dynamics of larval fish assemblages in the Strait of Georgia. In her spare time, Lu enjoys playing with her little preschooler, and also enjoys travel, music, and movies. 
Melissa Hennekes, AScT
Algal Taxonomist
Melissa has worked with Biologica as an algal taxonomist since 2013, and has been an algal taxonomist with the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans for over 10 years. Melissa is an accomplished glass artist and when she isn’t at sea conducting ecological surveys for government projects, she can often be found at the Bastion Square Market. Head of Security
Juno Wildman
Adjunct Lab Dog
Juno is our youngest staff member at only a year old! Although shy at first, she has excelled in receiving pats from staff members, chauffeuring…
Jasper Wildman
Adjunct Lab Dog
Jasper is a fluffy white dog (Canis floofiensis) and excels at disciplines including SuperDog exercises, barking at strangers, barking at familiars, and charming the masses….
Juno Wildman
Adjunct Lab Dog
Juno is our youngest staff member at only a year old! Although shy at first, she has excelled in receiving pats from staff members, chauffeuring pizza parties and ensuring the office floor is free of crumbs. In her free time, Juno can be found exploring the forests of the island, sleeping soundly in a cozy dog bed or bothering her older brother, Jasper. Jasper Wildman
Adjunct Lab Dog
Jasper is a fluffy white dog (Canis floofiensis) and excels at disciplines including SuperDog exercises, barking at strangers, barking at familiars, and charming the masses. When Jasper isn’t dining out on remote controls, he is probably enjoying a delicious meal of other things you wish hadn’t gotten eaten by a dog. In his spare time Jasper can be found barking at humans he sees and humans he can hear, and chewing objects in his proximity.