Bishop’s University
Anna Minaki in a mosquito net hat and high-vis shirt smiles at a moth that's on her fingers.

Student Anne Minaki and the Kenauk Institute Summer Internship

Anne Minaki participated in a 14-week research internship at the Kenauk Institute, a program designed for six female undergraduate biology students to independently lead ecological research projects. As the designated tree-climbing intern, Anne developed and executed a research project investigating the effects of vertical stratification on moth populations in sugar maple trees. Her study focused on comparing moth species composition and diversity between the canopy and understory layers.

Utilizing a single-rope climbing system, Anne installed pulley systems at selected tree sites and constructed custom light traps for moth collection. Captured moths were photographed in situ, released, and later identified using established identification protocols. Over the course of July, she recorded more than 2,115 individual moths representing at least 173 unique species. Her findings will contribute to the Kenauk Institute’s long-term entomological monitoring initiatives. In addition, she curated and pinned a subset of specimens for use in educational displays as part of Kenauk’s outreach programs.

Beyond her own project, Anne actively supported multiple ongoing research efforts led by graduate students and other interns. These projects included:

  • Monitoring basking behaviour of freshwater turtles using drone technology
  • Surveying lakes for the invasive Eurasian milfoil to support removal efforts
  • Tracking populations of loons, yellow warblers, and bats
  • Deploying Acoustic Recording Units (ARUs) to study bird populations
  • Investigating trout metabolism and thermoregulation
  • Collecting plant seeds to establish a permanent seed herbarium

Anne also played a key role in delivering environmental education activities to local youth aged 5–18. She led a variety of workshops and lessons, including wilderness survival, fish dissections, water sampling, guided hikes and kayak tours, insect identification, biology-themed games, and creative nature-based arts and crafts. These efforts were part of Kenauk’s broader commitment to community engagement and conservation education.

A final component of her internship involved assisting with the upkeep and maintenance of the Kenauk property, contributing to the sustainable management of the research site.

This internship proved to be a deeply formative experience for Anne. In addition to broadening her understanding of potential career paths in biology, it allowed her to acquire a wide range of practical skills, including insect pinning, rope climbing techniques, UTV operation, power tool use, and certifications such as her boating permit and renewed first aid. Most importantly, leading her own research project enhanced her confidence in scientific project design and execution. The internship provided an exceptional opportunity to work on meaningful conservation initiatives in a collaborative, empowering environment alongside other passionate women in the biological sciences.

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Learn more about the Kenauk Institute.

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

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