I enjoy learning new skills just for fun, but also to make myself better in whatever career I am in at the time.

I completed a Higher Education Teaching Certificate program (2020-21) to develop skills to teach in an academic setting, and generate an understanding of my own learning traits (Professional, Applied and Continuing Education (now provided by Graduate Studies), University of Winnipeg). During the program I learned about strategies to create a stimulating and respectful learning environment and design learning sessions to build on students’ previous knowledge at their pace. Also to recognise the teaching styles I prefer, but to use a variety of styles to help engage all students. I learned about techniques to create interactive learning sessions where students are motivated. During my practicum, I incorporated all of what I learned into real university learning sessions.

I think dedicating to teach the most appropriate content for students’ learning, even if it is emotionally or intellectually difficult, is important while leading sessions. I may need to transition to topics students have asked about, while still directing the session towards the learning objectives I developed for the students. I also think that actively updating my understanding of the subject material to the most recently accepted knowledge is my responsibility as an educator, mainly because it improves the chance that students will succeed in their learning objectives. Hopefully by bringing an undaunted attitude into the learning environment I can encourage students to also strive for their most ambitious goals. I think creating a learning environment that is respectful to psyche of students, learning stage or level, ways of learning and personal and cultural values facilitates students’ achievement and enjoyable teaching! I feel prepared to lead learning sessions, as well as cultivate and direct my own learning. I look forward to continue to develop as an educator as my career presents new opportunities. Please reach out if you would like a copy of my teaching dossier!

Higher education teaching example slide, Henault
Example slide that I designed to encourage students to apply what they have learned to a “real” situation.

Thanks to Dr. Brenda St. Hilaire, Carlton Duguay, Dr. Rob Anderson and Dr. Susan Lingle for practicum opportunities!

While supervising research assistants at the University of Winnipeg, I have had the opportunity to provide skill development. Typically I supported the development of several of following skills with every student (2017-19: 12 students):

identify endangered butterflies in flight

sample vegetation data in the field

identify graminoids in natural habitats

compare visual moth traits to identify species

prepare collected moth specimens

catalogue specimens in a digital spreadsheet

You were all a joy to work with!

I have explored parts of my Métis culture that I identify with the most, curious about myself and how I can collaborate respectfully with Indigenous research partners. I share personal details in my Reconciliation page. I learned about cultural plant medicines from elders Stella Blackbird and Audrey Bone in Keeseekowenin first nation and listened to perspectives of some Indigenous peoples during Canadian colonisation in Indigenous Insights. I personally grew during these experiences that were special to me. I hopefully also developed skills to create a transparent, empowering and fun environment during any partnerships in the future.

I investigated what an academic career may look like during workshops part of Early Career Researcher Day (University of Winnipeg). We focused on developing skills helpful to researchers beginning their career, including how to make research data management plans. We also were looked at financial support programs from Universities, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Mitacs and other members in the academic community.

Example knowledge mobilisation, Spirit Sands, endangered, Schinia avemensis, Manitoba, Henault.
Example of communicating endangered species ecology, and encouraging folks to experience this habitat for themselves.

In 2021, I enrolled in a knowledge mobilisation program (8 weekly sessions) – MobilizeU: Knowledge Mobilization Certificate – jointly provided by the University of Winnipeg, Memorial University of Newfoundland and York University. I developed communication skills to articulate research findings to academic and public audiences, including techniques for social media.

I have developed proficiency in several programs as I have researched so far. I learn how to use new software when I think it is the best option to help me answer research questions. For analysing data, these programs are ArcGIS Pro, Canoco, PC-ORD, RStudio, Species Diversity and Richness and SPSS Statistics. I also completed an online (20 hour) PC-ORD course with Dr. JeriLynn Peck to learn about the theoretical background of multivariate tools and how to apply them using the statistical program PC-ORD. I think the analytical skills I have developed in any program translate to understanding and confidence in any new program! I am eager to communicate research with articulate visualisations. I was introduced to an illustration program (Adobe Illustrator) by Dr. Jeremy Hemberger, and have enjoyed trying out approaches to share my research visually.