Student Profile: Alex (Alejandro) Schmill

Alejandro (Alex) Schmill is a first-year MSc student, co-supervised by Dr. William Cheung and Dr. Margot Hessing-Lewis of the Hakai Institute. His research explores how environmental DNA (eDNA) can enhance our ability to map marine biodiversity across space and time. eDNA is an emerging tool that allows researchers to detect species by sequencing genetic material they leave behind in the environment — offering a powerful, non-invasive way to assess ecosystems. He has partnered with the Department of Fisheries, WWF Canada, CPAWS-Newfoundland, and the Miawpukek First Nation to conduct a year-long biodiversity survey of the waters off Newfoundland’s south coast. The goal is to inform a feasibility study for establishing a new National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) in the region. By collecting eDNA samples from both shallow and deep waters across multiple seasons, he is not only identifying which species are present but also tracking when migratory species move in and out of the area. His work will help assess the accuracy of eDNA for detecting species in dynamic marine environments and contribute to refining its application for conservation planning.

How did you come to the IOF?

My background is in marine biology — I earned my BSc from the University of Victoria, where I got my start in research as a technician in the Fisheries Ecology Lab. After graduating, I trained as a scientific diver, which, in 2023, led me to the Hakai Institute. I spent summers underwater conducting surveys and the rest of the year behind a computer, analyzing data from a range of projects. My experience in both fieldwork and data analysis has given me a well-rounded approach to studying marine ecosystems, and I’m always looking for ways to bridge the gap between hands-on research and cutting-edge technological or statistical methods.

What has been your favourite project to work on?

Since starting at UBC I have been able to collaborate and learn from the many highly knowledgeable faculty to develop my science skills. Working for the Hakai Institute has given me opportunities to work on many incredible projects. I think my favorite project is a tie between two. The first is the Kelp Monitoring Project, led by Dr. Margot Hessing-Lewis and Ondine Pontier. This project involves diving in both bull and giant kelp forests around Calvert Island, BC, to quantify the biomass of kelp plants and record important data on the diverse fish and invertebrate communities that inhabit these nearshore habitats. It combines many of my interests — diving, remote fieldwork, and problem-solving — while also generating high-quality ecological data.

The second would have to be the ongoing work in collaboration with the Mamalilikulla First Nation to map the abundance and distribution of Red Tree Coral (Primnoa pacifica). I was fortunate enough to join a team of technicians and researchers in Knight Inlet, where we conducted dive surveys at shallow sites and deployed ROVs at deeper depths to map the extent of these unique coral species. Like my MSc project, this work is being used to support the establishment of an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA).

What other ways do you express your interest in marine and coastal ecosystems?

When I’m not hunched over my computer, with terrible posture, I enjoy getting outdoors and staying active. Ever since moving to Vancouver, my #1 love — surfing — has had to take a backseat to mountain biking and skiing. While I don’t tend to scuba dive recreationally anymore, I do save a special place in my heart for spearfishing off the coast of Vancouver Island during the summer months. To me, there’s nothing better than heading out on a beautiful day with a group of like-minded friends, catching your own food, and turning it into a variety of delicious West Coast-inspired dishes. An added bonus? You get to skip the often outrageous price of fresh local seafood at the grocery store.