IOF PhD student wins Raja Rosenbluth Award for Women in Biological Sciences

Congratulations to IOF and Department of Geography PhD student Salome Buglass, who has won the Raja Rosenbluth Award for Women in Biological Sciences.

The Raja Rosenbluth Award for Women in Biological Sciences is offered annually for a female graduate student studying in the field of biological sciences. This award is in honour of Raja Rosenbluth’s long career in the area of Biological Sciences, and recognizes her research, mentorship and guidance of many graduate students with whom she worked. his award is for a female graduate student who has shown success in her previous studies. and where such an award will significantly help her to pursue her career in the Biological Sciences (Biological Science is meant to include diverse areas within UBC’s Faculty of Science, comprising but not limited to: Biology, Biochemistry Genetics, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Bioinformation, Ecology, and Zoology). The award is made on the recommendation of the Faculty of Science, in consultation with the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Salomé Buglass (she/her) is a marine scientist leading and supporting research on characterizing deep-water habitats in the Galapagos Marine Reserve. Buglass spearheaded a pioneering study exploring the twilight zone ecosystem on seamounts using remotely operated vehicles. This effort resulted in the exciting discovery of a previously unknown deep-water kelp forest in the Galapagos. She continues to explore these strange kelp communities, as part of her doctoral degree at UBC.

As an Afro-Caribbean Latina woman, Buglass also seeks to be a role model for today’s youth, addressing the underrepresentation of female scientists of colour in exploratory research on the ocean’s last frontier. Buglass aspires to break through the glass ceiling and ascend to the role of a senior researcher/professor, leading impactful research programs in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Congratulations, Salome!