While other kids in high school had posters of rock stars and hockey players on their bedroom walls, Tyson Paul, self-professed science geek, fell asleep under a poster of the periodic table!

Always interested in the environment, Tyson knew from the start that he was headed for a career in science and it was after his first year at Cape Breton University’s Bachelor of Science Community Studies program that he landed his first summer job at Eskasoni Fish and Wildlife, a job that he held for five summers.

Tyson now works full-time at UINR as a Research Assistant where his tasks range from counting salmon smolt in Middle River to consulting with Elders and fishers to gather information on traditional Mi’kmaq knowledge on eels, cod, salmon and striped bass.

While working at UINR, Tyson has received additional training to add to what he learned at university. From CABIN and M. E. D. training to pleasure craft training, one of the benefits of working at UINR has been the ongoing learning of new skills.

“One of the most satisfying projects that I worked on at UINR was collecting information for our publication “Kataq Mi’kmaq Ecological Knowledge: Bras d’Or Lakes Eels.” We did a lot of research, and condensing all of that information into a booklet was demanding but very rewarding. It helped me develop new work strategies and taught me how to approach information with a broad view that I will be able to use in the future.”