Bishop’s University

Graduate Studies Student Natalie Iwanicki: The impacts of photoselective nets on strawberry and raspberry production in a northeastern climate

Nathalie Iwanicki’s academic journey began at Bishop’s University, where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Sustainable Agriculture. After graduating, she learned about a new research initiative taking shape at the university’s educational farm. The project sparked her interest immediately. As an international student, she saw pursuing a Master’s degree at Bishop’s as an opportunity to remain in an academic community she valued while benefiting from strong educational and financial support systems. Returning to Bishop’s felt like a natural continuation of her path.

Now enrolled in the Master’s program in Sustainable Agriculture, Nathalie is studying the use of photoselective nets as a sustainable pest management strategy for organic raspberry and strawberry production in a Northeastern climate. Under the supervision of Dr. Mirella Aoun and co-supervisor Dr. Darren Bardati, her research embodies her long-standing passions for sustainability, agroecology, and environmental stewardship.

Nathalie first heard about the project a few months after returning home from her undergraduate studies. Unsure about her next steps, she was struck by how closely the project aligned with her interests. It offered hands-on work in a field she cared deeply about, while also presenting the opportunity to grow academically. It felt like the right project at exactly the right time. Her choice to focus on berries was easy, with a particular love for strawberries and raspberries, Nathalie wanted to contribute to research that could make their production more sustainable. She was drawn to the innovative, practical nature of photoselective nets and to the potential for her work to support both farmers and ecosystems in meaningful ways. The goal of her research is to encourage farmers in Quebec—and eventually beyond—to adopt photoselective nets as an environmentally responsible alternative to chemical pesticides. Given the risks pesticides pose to humans, animals, and ecosystems, Nathalie hopes her findings will demonstrate that these nets can effectively reduce pest damage while maintaining fruit quality, offering a viable solution for sustainable fruit production.

Her research journey has not been without challenges. Although she had a solid academic foundation in sustainability and agriculture, this was her first experience working directly on a farm. Establishing her research plots required adapting quickly to the physical demands of fieldwork. As the growing season progressed, she had to learn to identify subtle signs of pest damage, often without seeing the pests themselves. Initially overwhelming, this task became manageable through persistent learning, independent study, and collaboration with experts. Over time, her confidence grew significantly.

Nathalie has developed key research skills, including problem-solving, data collection, and adaptability. Designing and preparing her research plots required creative thinking, while months of systematic data collection strengthened her attention to detail and consistency. The moment she saw her first ripe, vibrant berries after months of preparation was profoundly rewarding, marking a turning point in her research experience.

Balancing research, academics, and personal well-being has also played an important role in her graduate studies. Nathalie has learned that maintaining a healthy routine, setting dedicated days for specific tasks and reserving time for rest and self-care, helps her remain focused and motivated. Planning enjoyable activities outside of her research keeps her grounded, especially during the demanding summer months.

Nathalie’s work supports her long-term goal of contributing to environmental protection through practical, hands-on work. Whether she continues in agriculture or pursues another branch of sustainability, her research has equipped her with valuable experience and strong problem-solving skills. Although she hasn’t yet decided on her next research direction, she has learned an important lesson: sometimes, the right opportunity finds you just when you need it most.

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Joannie St-Germain B.Sc. ’16, M.Sc. (she/her/elle)
RESEARCH OFFICER
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND GRADUATE STUDIES
819-822-9600 x 2242

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