dave riddell : portfolio

About Me

Born and raised in Northern Ireland, my years at university brought with them the opportunity to travel and explore much of Europe. My continued thirst for new experiences eventually drew me to Canada, which is now my home.

Equal parts scientist and artist, I am passionate about that which stirs the mind and the heart and believe that our capacity to do good work springs from our recognition of who we are.

My research in the natural sciences has focused on the ecology and management of aquatic systems in the northern hemisphere, with particular emphasis on impacts to such resources, whether physical, chemical, or natural.

Since 2004, my focus has expanded to include the social dimension. My current work is concerned with environmental education regarding impacts to and stewardship of urban and rural watersheds and aquatic habitats. I am active in science and technology education at the K-12 and tertiary levels and work closely with communities and their watershed groups. I am also interested in the development and use of Web 2.0 and Open Space technologies as tools for outreach and capacity building in urban and rural communities and non-profit organizations.

As an educator, I see my role as guiding students on a shared journey toward new ways of seeing and being in the world. I attempt to unite these various elements in my teaching to form a rich soil in which the seeds of understanding, responsibility, and community may be planted.

Curriculum Vitae

Education
2004–2005
BEd: Department of Education, Saint Thomas University, Fredericton, Canada.

1999–2003
PhD: Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, UK.

1995–1996
MSc: Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, UK.

1991–1995
BSc (Hons) (Applied Ecology), Diploma in Industrial Studies (Commendation): Department of Biology, University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK.

Employment
09/05–present
Education Director: Environment and Sustainable Development Research Centre, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Canada.
Responsible for the design and delivery of educational media, materials, and programs for the Environment and Sustainable Development Research Centre and its partners. Projects include: community school curriculum development and implementation of Project-Based Learning methodology; needs assessment and training course design for non-profit organizations; adaptation of existing United Nations University course on Integrated Water Resource Management to meet the professional development and training needs of watershed managers in Atlantic Canada; design and evaluation of summer program to enhance ecoliteracy and provide hands-on work experience for at-risk youth; production of multimedia resources and educational materials designed to promote awareness and stewardship of ecological habitats in local watersheds; research on and production of educational materials advocating ecologically-sound urban landscaping procedures for municipal residents and schoolyards; design and construction of outdoor classrooms; community capacity building and promotion of best management practices in urban and rural areas; press kit design and production; website development; urban stream and wetland clean-ups. Writing of funding proposals and reports. Teaching of third-year undergraduate course in science education.

02/07–06/07
Rural Outreach Coordinator: Let’s Talk Science Access Initiative Program, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Canada.
Development and delivery of science activities, graphic design of local LTS Partnership Program promotional materials, and assistance with the planning and organizing of Access Initiative events and school visits — a program which strives to bring science outreach to youth who have a lower level of access to science programming due to geographic, socioeconomic, or cultural factors. Undertaking LTS visits in schools where I also work as a representative of ESDRC (see above) helped bring fresh energy, dialogue, and resources to these rural communities as well as foster new partnerships between LTS and community groups.

03/06–05/06
Marketing & Communications Officer: St. John River Society, Fredericton, Canada.
Comprehensive community asset mapping and capacity building, including liaising with community partners to work on message identification, product development, and gap analysis for the Lower River Passage, a strategic inter- and intra-community partnership to meet growing visitor needs for river-related sustainable tourism infrastructure, services, and products in the Lower St. John River Valley, New Brunswick.

06/04–09/04
Project Co-ordinator: Fredericton Area Watersheds Association, Fredericton, Canada.
Design and construction of a nature trail along Corbett Brook, a local urban waterway. Analysis and interpretation of water quality data. Liaising with municipal staff, local business owners, and community members. Graphic design and delivery of promotional and educational materials (posters, flyers, multimedia presentations) to a wide variety of audiences (general public, non-profit organizations, academe, municipal government).

04/03–05/04
Post-Doctoral Fellow: University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Canada.
National Hydrology Research Centre & Canadian Rivers Institute: Development and field-testing of a novel approach to ecotoxicological effects-testing using behavioural endpoints to investigate the effects of metal contamination on aquatic food web dynamics. Project design, management, and writing of funding proposals and peer reviewed journal articles. Supervision of field crews, technicians, and graduate and undergraduate students. Teaching of final-year undergraduate course in Aquatic Ecology.

08/97–02/99
Research Assistant: Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, UK.
Environment Group: Method development for industry incorporating investigations into the binding capacity and ecotoxicological effects of a proposed commercial anti-sea lice treatment in marine environments.

06/97–08/97
Assistant Scientific Officer: Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Banchory, Scotland, UK.
Vertebrate Ecology Group: Investigated the effects of cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) and sawbill duck (goosander, Mergus merganser; red breasted merganser, Mergus serrator) predation on natural freshwater fisheries in Scotland. Investigation of bird stomachs, preparation and identification of fish remains. Creation and maintenance of a working database of predation details.

01/97–03/97
Research Assistant: University of Iceland (Háskóli Íslands), Reykjavík, Iceland.
Department of Physiology: General husbandry of Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus). Investigation of the effects of accumulated NH3 and CO2 in a culture system. Liaised and worked with a number of Arctic charr farms throughout Iceland.

07/96–11/96
Research Assistant: Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, UK.
Environment Group: General husbandry and culture of Daphnia magna, Ceriodaphnia dubia, and algal species. Design and execution of a series of ecotoxicological tests investigating the effects of acute and chronic metal exposures.

10/93–06/94
Assistant Scientific Officer: Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Banchory, Scotland, UK.
Applied Ecology Group: Environmental Impact Assessments in both terrestrial and aquatic environments throughout Scotland and England.

Vertebrate Ecology Group: Investigation of piscivory and territorial behaviour in river populations of salmonids. Acted as Student Representative.

Hedgerow Survey 1993: Mapped the location, dimensions, and condition of hedges and standing water bodies throughout England and Wales as part of a team. Liaised with farmers and landowners on a daily basis.

Contributions to Training

Formal Education

2007–present
Curriculum development and implementation of Project-Based Learning methodology, Cambridge-Narrows Community School and New Brunswick Department of Education: 11 senior High School (Grade 11) students.

2007–present
Relating the Forest to Children and Young Adults (FOR 3940), UNB Fredericton: 11 undergraduate students.

2007
Rural Outreach Coordinator, UNB Let’s Talk Science Partnership Program: 43 graduate students from 7 faculties.

2006–present
Forest and Stream Ecology Education Program, Canaan-Washademoak Watershed Association: 53 students (37 middle school, 16 high school).

2005
ESL (English as a Second Language), UNB High School Program: 72 students from 8 countries across Beginner, High Intermediate, and Advanced Levels.

Fredericton High School: Grade 9 Science (56 students), Grade 11/2 Biology (56 students).

2004
Devon Middle School: Grade 7 Science (84 students).

Aquatic Ecology (BIOL 4772), UNB Fredericton and Saint John campuses: 28 undergraduate students, 7 graduate students.

Informal Education

2008–present
Redesign and repurposing of the United Nations University course on Integrated Water Resource Management to meet the professional development and training needs of watershed managers in Atlantic Canada: Research funded by the Canadian Water Network.

2007–present
“EcoTeam” summer program for at-risk youth, District 18 Alternative Education Program: 6 High School graduates.

2007–present
Needs assessment and training course design for New Brunswick watershed groups and associated non-profit organizations: Research funded by the Canadian Water Network.

2006–present
Canaan-Washademoak Speakers’ Bureau: 3 adult community members.

Certification
2005
Certificate of TESL Study and Apprenticeship Practicum, University of New Brunswick English Language Program.

Teacher's Certificate in Science and Education (New Brunswick, Level 6): Majors in Biology, Environmental Science, Technology Education; Minor in Mathematics.

1999
Institute of Biology: Member (MIBiol) and Chartered Biologist (CBiol) status.

Technical Skills

CPR and First Aid certified.

Extensive working knowledge of technology and associated software as research and teaching tools.

Design of novel research and education materials and their communication to a variety of audiences (students, general public, non-profit organizations, academe, industry, Provincial and Federal government).

Experience working independently and as part of inter-disciplinary research and education teams.

Student supervisory experience as a teaching assistant, research assistant, and university lecturer.

Extensive working knowledge of audio and video technology and software.

Team field experience in remote locations and for extended periods, including safety training and travel using 4x4 vehicles.

Research Contributions

Refereed Contributions

Riddell, DJ (2006) The Canaan-Washademoak Watershed. 1st International “Water and Film” Event. 4th World Water Forum, 17–21 March 2006, Mexico City, Mexico.

Riddell, DJ, Culp, JM & Baird, DJ (2005) Sublethal effects of cadmium on prey choice and capture efficiency of juvenile Salvelinus fontinalis. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 24:1751-1758.

Riddell, DJ, Culp, JM & Baird, DJ (2005) Behavioural responses to sublethal cadmium exposure within an experimental aquatic food web. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 24:431-441.

Riddell, DJ (2003) Behavioural responses of an experimental aquatic food web to sub-lethal levels of cadmium. PhD thesis, Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK.

Riddell, DJ, Baird, DJ & Culp, JM (2002) Cadmium effects on species interactions: responses of an experimental aquatic food web. Challenges in Environmental Risk Assessment and Modelling: Linking Basic and Applied Research. SETAC Europe 12th Annual Meeting, 12–16 May 2002, Vienna, Austria.

Riddell, DJ, Baird, DJ & Culp, JM (2001) Metal contamination effects on species interactions in an experimental aquatic food web. The Application of Aquatic Toxicity Research: Opportunities & Constraints. 28th Annual Aquatic Toxicity Workshop, 30 September–3 October 2001, Winnipeg, Canada.

Riddell, DJ, Taylor, GJ, Vassilakis, K, Baird, DJ, Telfer, TC & Ritchie, G (1999) A method for determining the quantity of chemicals associated with suspended solids in seawater. Quality of Life and Environment in Cultured Landscapes. SETAC Europe 9th Annual Meeting, 25–29 May 1999, Leipzig, Germany.

Riddell, DJ (1996) Stock assessment of the Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus L.) populations of Loch Rannoch, Perthshire, using quantitative hydroacoustic methods. MSc thesis. Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK.

Riddell, DJ (1995) Piscivory and territoriality in trout (Salmo trutta) and salmon (Salmo salar) in tributaries of the River Dee and Loch Davan catchments, Grampian Region, Scotland. BSc thesis. University of Ulster, Coleraine, UK.

Non-refereed Contributions

Riddell, DJ (2008) Engaging School Children: What Works and How to Do It. UNB Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management, 11 April 2008, Fredericton, Canada.

Riddell, DJ (2008) CityScapes and Schoolyard Habitats: Project Updates. Fredericton Area Watersheds Association Annual Symposium, 4 April 2008, Fredericton, Canada.

Riddell, DJ (2008) Assessing Tools for Effective Public Water Resource Meetings. Canadian Water Network Knowledge Translation Roundtable, UNB Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management, 19 March 2008, Fredericton, Canada.

Riddell, DJ (2007) Education and Outreach Initiatives at the Environment and Sustainable Development Research Centre. UNB Centre for Enhanced Teaching and Learning, 5 December 2007, Fredericton, Canada.

Riddell, DJ (2007) Schoolyard Habitats & Community Schools: A Natural Partnership. School District 18, 19 November 2007, Fredericton, Canada.

Riddell, DJ (2007) “Say What?” Choosing & Using Web-Based Communication Tools. UNB Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management, 16 November 2007, Fredericton, Canada.

Riddell, DJ (2007) Schoolyard Habitats: Opportunities for Research. Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Committee, 8 November 2007, Fredericton, Canada.

Riddell, DJ (2007) Schoolyard Habitats. Report to Fredericton Community Foundation, Fredericton Area Watersheds Association, New Brunswick, Canada.

Riddell, DJ (2007) Protecting Our Urban Streams. Nature New Brunswick Summer Camp, 8 August 2007, Fredericton, Canada.

Riddell, DJ (2007) Adapting Activity Kits to Meet the Learning Needs of Rural Communities. Let's Talk Science 9th Annual National Partnership Program Conference, 7–10 June 2007, London, Canada.

Riddell, DJ (2007) Learning Theory in 45 Minutes. Fundy Model Forest / New Brunswick Environmental Network Environmental Education Caucus Workshop: Environmental and Experiential Learning in the Acadian Forest, 30 May 2007, Moncton, Canada.

Riddell, DJ (2007) CityScapes and Schoolyard Habitats. Fredericton Area Watersheds Association Annual Symposium, 30 March 2007, Fredericton, Canada.

Weatherley, R & Riddell, DJ (2007) Awareness of Forest and Stream Ecology. Report to Fundy Model Forest, Washademoak Environmentalists / Canaan-Washademoak Watershed Association, New Brunswick, Canada.

Dalton, SE & Riddell, DJ (2007) Environment and Sustainable Development Research Centre: Press Kit. Environment and Sustainable Development Research Centre, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Canada.

Riddell, DJ (2007) Living With The Land: Water Quality. Canaan-Washademoak Watershed Association, New Brunswick, Canada.

Riddell, DJ (2007) Living With The Land: The Riparian Zone. Canaan-Washademoak Watershed Association, New Brunswick, Canada.

Dalton, SE & Riddell, DJ (2007) Living With The Land: Land Use. Canaan-Washademoak Watershed Association, New Brunswick, Canada.

Dalton, SE & Riddell, DJ (2007) Living With The Land: Community Characteristics. Canaan-Washademoak Watershed Association, New Brunswick, Canada.

Dalton, SE & Riddell, DJ (2007) Living With The Land: Who We Are. Canaan-Washademoak Watershed Association, New Brunswick, Canada.

Riddell, DJ (2007) CityScapes: Planting Native Wildflower Gardens. Fredericton Area Watersheds Association, New Brunswick, Canada.

Riddell, DJ (2006) Web-Based Communications Tools for Non-Profit Organizations. New Brunswick Watershed Groups’ Institute, 5 December 2006, Fredericton, Canada.

Dalton, SE & Riddell, DJ (2006) Canaan-Washademoak Watershed Association. Canaan-Washademoak Watershed Association, New Brunswick, Canada.

Riddell, DJ (2006) Core Member Survey Results. Canaan-Washademoak Watershed Association General Meeting, 13 September 2006, Coles Island, Canada.

Weatherley, R & Riddell, DJ (2006) The Canaan-Washademoak Watershed Association. Cambridge-Narrows Community Day, 1 July 2006, Cambridge-Narrows, Canada.

Riddell, DJ (2006) Reporting Urban Stream Health: The Water Quality Index. Fredericton Area Watersheds Association Annual Symposium, 24 March 2006, Fredericton, Canada.

Demma, M, Riddell, DJ & Mitchell, S (2006) The River Trails Network: Product Development Workshop. The St. John River Society, 11 April 2006, Hampton, Canada.

Riddell, DJ (2006) The Canaan-Washademoak Watershed. Video documentary. Colour, 50 minutes. Canaan-Washademoak Watershed Association, New Brunswick, Canada.

Riddell, DJ & Merrill, S (2005) Water Quality Parameters: Standardized Reporting. New Brunswick Watershed Groups’ Institute, 22–24 November 2005, Doaktown, Canada.

Riddell, DJ (2004) Corbett Brook Trail. Fredericton Area Watersheds Association, New Brunswick, Canada.

Riddell, DJ (2004) Corbett Brook Trail Project. Fredericton Area Watersheds Association General Meeting, 10 August 2004, Fredericton, Canada.

Riddell, DJ (1998) Assessing consequences of Teflubenzuron exposure on feeding behaviour and survival of a marine zooplankter (Acartia tonsa Dana) under realistic exposure scenarios. Report to industry, Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK.

Riddell, DJ (1997) Determination of the binding of Teflubenzuron (TFB) to suspended solids. Report to industry, Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK.

Riddell, DJ (1994) Survey of the Allt-Ruigh burn in relation to the demolition and reconstruction of the Allt-Ruigh arch bridge at Glencoe, Highland Region, Scotland. Internal report, Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Banchory, UK.

Taylor, PJ & Riddell, DJ (1993) Allt-Ruigh bridge: pre-demolition stream survey. Report to industry and Scottish Natural Heritage, Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Banchory, UK.

Other Interests

Contributing photographer for 2004 Olympic Games multimedia promotional material.

As a recording artist: "Mook" (1999: Frank Sumatra Records), "Liquid" (1995: Paisley Oberon Productions), "Signs Of Life" (1990: Paisley Oberon Productions).

References available upon request.

Download CV:

My Curriculum Vitae is also available for download here.

Download Bio:

My executive biography can be downloaded here.

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