A normal day for Angela could have her attending a meeting in the morning, dissecting eels in the afternoon and consulting with student groups in the evening. Never a dull moment for UINR’s Research Assistant, Angela Denny!

In 1999, Angela was one of the first graduates from the newly-built Eskasoni High School, and she went on to continue her studies at Cape Breton University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2006.

Right after high school Angela worked as a summer student at UINR and Eskasoni Fish and Wildlife Commision. This is where she got her feet wet working as a lab technician and assisting the biologists on a wide-range of projects.

Nowadays, Angela is involved in many projects at UINR. She represents UINR at meetings of the Bras d’Or Lakes Collaborative Environmental Planning Initiative and attends training workshops and conferences relating to Species at Risk and invasive species. Over the years, she has become expert on the American Eel and spends many hours in the lab processing eels. This month she even spent some time on the ice spearing specimens for her research. She is also involved with the Malagawatch Environmental Best Management Practices Planning Committee.

Gaspereau are another species that Angela works with every year. She processes samples in the lab, helping in the development of a management plan for the local fishery. Most recently Angela assisted in developing the series of booklets “Sespite’tmnej” (Let’s be concerned) for the protection of eel habitat, setting up workshops and community meetings for all five bands and making presentations to students.

When not working, Angie loves spending time with her two young children Bethaney and Morris, and husband, Dion Denny. When she’s not connecting with her friends on Facebook, you can probably find her out shopping or at a movie and whenever there’s a quiet moment, reading.

“The most rewarding aspect of my work is the friendly, family-like atmosphere here at UINR. I enjoy my work and it feels nice being part of a great team.”