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By Robie Liscomb
 Bland
How does one get to be top science grad in your class? “I was very determined and dedicated, and I worked very hard,” says Meghan Bland, 2007/08 winner of the Jubilee Medal in Science. “Ask a ton of questions,” she advises others. “Pester your profs; they are really dedicated to helping you do your best.”
Of course, passion for your subject also helps. “I’ve always loved science,” says Bland. “I got my first job in high school working on a biological control farm.”
And now, having received her BSc in biology last November, she’s working as a research assistant at the University of Toronto, studying the effects of a naturally occuring virus on gypsy moths. Since the virus is specific to gypsy moths, it is a potential candidate for an effective spray to control infestation by the pests.
Bland was born in Sidney and came to UVic on an entrance scholarship. "I really liked the small campus,” she says. “And the close relations between students and faculty meant I got a lot of first-hand help.”
“Biology co-op was the most important thing I did at UVic,” she says.
Her co-op placements included working with Eco-Care Technologies in North Saanich developing an environmentally friendly herbicide; with Agriculture and Agrifood Canada designing and running trials of a trap to control wireworm infestation which threatens field crops; and with the Ministry of Forests conducting surveys of invasive alien plants for a GPS database. She also did a directed study and co-op work term at the Pacific Forestry Centre, working on identification and inventory of bark beetles.
“Co-op created a huge network for me when I graduated and it’s really why I now have a job.”
Aside from schoolwork, Bland has travelled extensively and particularly enjoyed a stint working as a volunteer on a sea turtle breeding beach in Costa Rica.
As for her future plans, Bland hopes to continue with a career focused on invasive species control and conservation of native Canadian flora and fauna, with graduate school in her sights sometime after her current term position is over.
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