Allison MacNeil

MSC Applied science

Allison did her undergrad at SMU in biology, researching plant functional differences in bogs, barrens, and forests across Nova Scotia. Allison worked with CBWES over the summer as a field research technician and is now with TCA as a research assistant. Allison’s favourite part of field work is getting muddy and looking at all the plants in bloom. 

Allisons master’s project focuses on Iva frutescens, the only shrub to occur in salt marshes in Nova Scotia. Little is known about this shrub, but it has the potential to be an important species for decreasing coastal erosion.  Allison is researching its distribution, adaptations to local environments, and ideal planting techniques to aid in the incorporation of the shrub into living shorelines and restored marshes.