Welcome to the next post in our series that celebrates Indigenous professionals with careers in STEAM! SVS is committed to supporting Indigenous youth who are pursuing careers in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, math, and the arts, architecture and agriculture - all areas that Indigenous peoples have been innovators in for thousands of years, as described by IndigeSTEAM. We support through our scholarship program (with Indspire as well as others), but also through the mentorship and  inspiration of our staff members. 

In this series, we share the personal essays of our talented team members about their very individual journeys to their current careers. Today's contributor is Matthew Watson.

Meet

Matthew Watson, M.Sc.

Biologist & Terrestrial Ecologist

Growing up as a member of Caldwell First Nation, a healthy respect for the natural world was always a focal point of the education I received from the community. This respect and love for the natural world was a key motivation for the years of school and work that would follow.

From a young age I always had a passion for science and wildlife. Much of my time growing up was spent outdoors gaining an appreciation for the complex nature of natural ecosystems.

My first real professional experience working in the field of science and environmental management came through a collaboration with my First Nation community and Point Pelee National Park. Working with the Resource Conservation team I was able to gain a wide range of experience working on a variety of projects focused on restoring natural habitats, monitoring wildlife populations, and removing invasive plant species. Working as part of a diverse team with varying skills, knowledge and experiences introduced me to the professional world of science and biology in action and set me on my educational path.

Building on my experience working at Point Pelee National Park I enrolled at the University of Windsor in the Biological Sciences program. Here I gained a formal education in the field of ecology and environmental science, while also volunteering in an animal communication research lab. My education and volunteer experience culminated in a year long research project focused on how light sources affect migratory birds.

After completing my undergraduate education, I was recruited by a professor at the University of Windsor to lead a field team conducting surveys of wetlands in the Alberta Oilsands. This position came with a variety of challenges, mainly that I was working in an environment very different from what I was used to and navigating the complexities of conducting research while under the supervision of mining companies.

Taking on a leadership role was a new experience that I had to learn how to navigate while also conducing research in novel and sometimes dangerous environments.

Despite its challenges this role helped me grow professionally and helped me develop important skills I would carry through my education and career. My most valuable take away from this experience was that when opportunity to gain new career experiences presents itself, seizing that opportunity can be incredibly valuable.

After my time in Alberta, I returned to school to complete my Master of Science degree at the University of Western Ontario. The experiences I gained during my Masters degree has greatly shaped me both professionally and personally, and was an incredibly valuable experience. Following the completion of my degree I joined a non-profit organization focused on conducting environmental monitoring and aquatic studies along the Saint Lawrence River. Working with this organization I participated in various projects, collaborating with government organizations and Indigenous communities, to monitor the health of the St Lawrence and surrounding ecosystems.

Taking the cumulative experience I have gained through my education and professional careers, I made the jump to work with Shared Value Solutions. Here I am able to apply both my Traditional Knowledge and scientific education to help clients achieve goals that are vital to their communities.

This opportunity has offered me the chance to work with a diverse organization of individuals who all bring valuable knowledge and experiences that allow me to continue to learn and grow.