September 24, 2026
Grant: $5,000 in Spring 2024; $5,000 in Spring 2026
Education level at the time of the grant: PhD student
Project Description:
My research project focused on Arctic and red fox spatial ecology, as well as the influence of marine carrion subsidies from polar bear kills on ice-facultative species such as the Arctic fox. With the recent expansion of red foxes from the boreal forest onto the tundra, the Arctic fox now serves as an excellent study species for examining a species-level response to the arrival of an ecologically similar competitor. Using GPS collaring techniques, this ongoing research provides a novel assessment of interactions between these foxes on the tundra during the breeding season, a critical period for recruitment, helping us to understand how red foxes influence Arctic fox habitat use and reproduction. By investigating the space-use patterns of these sympatric carnivores and the importance of marine environment food subsidies, resource managers can make informed conservation decisions on how to best conserve Arctic fox populations in a rapidly changing landscape.
How did the grant process or the project itself influence you as a scientist/researcher?
I am currently in the fourth year of my PhD research project, titled “Changing Biomes: Implications of a Rapidly Shifting Landscape on Arctic Foxes.” I am delighted to report that, thanks to this grant and several others, we were able to secure funding for 15 additional radio collars. To date, my research lab has collared and monitored 55 foxes, and we are deploying another 13 radio collars during the 2026 field season.
What advice would you give to future applicants?
The process of applying to various grants can be daunting and time-consuming, but don’t be discouraged if you are unsuccessful on the first few attempts. My advice is to try for as many grants and scholarships as possible, because you never know what the applicant pool or reviewing committee will be like each year. Be clear in your objectives and hypotheses, avoid technical jargon, and try to highlight what makes your research project important to a broad audience.
Where are you now?
I am currently a PhD Candidate in biological sciences at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada. My field work is conducted through the Churchill Fox Project and is based out of Churchill, Manitoba. As I’m nearing the end of my program, you can find me most days tackling R code, analyzing data, and writing up the results of my dissertation.
Students may apply for Sigma Xi research grants by March 15 and October 1 annually at www.sigmaxi.org/giar.