Professional Documents
Culture Documents
January 2011
Table of Contents
Resume Page 3
Copies of Degrees and Official Transcripts Page 15
Teaching Recognition and Evaluation Page 21
Awards, fellowships, and scholarships Page 32
WORK EXPERIENCE
Aug ’08 to present Community development worker, Mennonite Central Committee
(MCC), Zacango, Guerrero, Mexico.
I work closely with an indigenous rural community (Zacango) in the mountainous region of the
state of Guerrero. I accompany community members as they work to realize their aspirations in
the following three main areas.
1. Watershed Management
After listening to community members regarding their water concerns I presented the idea of
Community-Led Integrated Watershed Management Planning (CIWMP). Community members
were in favour of pursuing CIWMP and so with their input I prepared a concept paper for MCC.
The concept paper was successful as MCC has since funded the CIWMP process (MCC had not
previously worked in the area of CIWMP).
I currently serve on the CIWMP technical committee which provides scientific expertise (in the
areas of water quality, agrochemical use, waste management, and baseline studies) to the steering
committee.
2. Development Communication
With community members I help facilitate various development communication initiatives.
(Development communication is a field of community development that uses communication
tools and processes to create positive social change.)
I introduced the idea of a monthly community newspaper and continue to accompany the
newspaper staff as they work towards the long-term sustainability of the paper.
I work with the youth of Zacango as they produce their own public service announcement videos
which are shown to the community.
I along with community members, a Mexican lawyer, and the municipal president are working
towards obtaining Internet access in Zacango. This work is intended to address the ever growing
issue of the Digital Divide between rural and urban communities.
3. Education
Formal education opportunities are few in rural Mexican communities such as Zacango. When I
arrived in Zacango community members requested various classes. After listening to their
interests I now offer classes and workshops in the areas of environmental science and computer
application. The age of students in the various programs ranges from age 5 to adult. I incorporate
many hands-on learning activities and deliver the material in a context that community members
can relate to.
Work experience continued…
July ’07 to June ‘08 Protected Areas Advisor, Northwest Territories Protected Areas
Secretariat, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Yellowknife, NT.
I worked closely with First Nations communities in their efforts to protect land that has cultural
and/or natural value. I strived to make meaningful connections between “Western science” and
Traditional Knowledge. I worked towards the ultimate goal of building community capacity in the
area of aquatic science expertise. As a member of the Protected Areas Strategy (PAS) Science Team
I contributed to the development of a Freshwater Classification System for the Northwest Territories.
I also critically reviewed the PAS and evaluated such questions as “How can ecological integrity be
maintained in the North?” and “What role does natural capital play in the PAS?”
Aug ’07 to June ‘08 Biology Teacher, Aurora College, Yellowknife, NT.
Through discussions, object lessons, independent projects, and experiments I delivered high school
biology courses (grade 11 and 12) to adult learners. I enjoyed exploring biology with my students as
they brought their unique perspectives to the material. I valued our discussions on the role the
biology courses play not just in their career path but also in their broader understanding of our place
in the global ecosystem.
Jan ‘07 to July ’07 Project Officer/Environmental Scientist, Contaminants & Remediation
Directorate (CARD), Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Yellowknife, NT.
I worked on the remediation of contaminated mine sites in both the Sahtu and the Tli Cho regions of
the Northwest Territories. I was the lead on several components (e.g., baseline conditions in
proposed discharge routes; environmental site assessments) of the remediation processes for these
sites. I was also involved in an innovative remediation approach (i.e., enhancement of phytoplankton
concentrations) to reduce water column cyanide levels. Another one of my responsibilities was to
review and provide comments on various draft documents including environmental site assessment
reports, detailed work plans and remediation action plans. I also provided technical expertise to
projects related to aquatic ecology. I believe that it is essential to involve local First Nations
communities if long term remediation initiatives are to succeed. As such, I facilitated community
meetings and tours of contaminated sites. These were designed to help ensure community engagement in
the remediation process.
My most rewarding work while with CARD was the co-development and delivery of a water analysis
workshop program for a local First Nations community.
April ‘06 to Jan ‘07 Manager Northern Operations, Rescan Environmental Services Ltd.,
Yellowknife, NT.
I was responsible for the day to day operations of the office and I managed Rescan’s northern
environmental projects for both public (e.g., Indian and Northern Affairs Canada) and private clients
(e.g., World Wildlife Fund for Nature). I also supervised Rescan staff members that were based out
of the Yellowknife office. I enjoyed the excellent rapport I had with my colleagues, many of whom
have become family friends.
Work experience continued…
June ’05 to Jan ’07 Environmental Scientist, Rescan Environmental Services Ltd., Vancouver,
BC and Yellowknife, NT.
I was involved in a variety of environmental projects both in Canada and internationally. Some
projects that I contributed to include:
In Northern Canada:
Phase I Ecological Assessment of Bear Rock and The Smokes, NT
Long-Term Monitoring, Rayrock Uranium Mine, NT
Sediment Survey of Steeves Lake. Colomac Mine, NT
Revaluation of EKATI’s Aquatic Effects Monitoring Program, NT
Environmental Impact Assessment Mount Klappan Project, BC
Environmental Impact Assessment Kutcho Creek, BC
In Southern Canada and Internationally:
Wetland Baseline Study, New Afton Project, BC
Wetland Study, Planta Valdivia, Chile.
The most rewarding part of my time with Rescan was my involvement with members of Canada’s
First Nations (e.g., Dene, Tahltan, and Sautaux bands) whom I worked with in the field and in
planning management strategies.
Aug ’03 to June ’05 High School Science/Math Teacher (’03 to ’05) and Vice Principal (’04 to
’05), Petit Casimir Memorial School, Northlands Dene Education Authority, Lac Brochet, MB.
I taught math and science (grades 9-12) in an unconventional classroom environment. Students
ranged in age (12-28) and academic abilities. Thus, I had to make modifications to course content at
the individual level. I also worked with community members in developing recreation opportunities
for the youth. As vice principal I was involved in administrative duties and was responsible for
dealing with various human resource related concerns. I was successful in writing proposals to
private, provincial, and federal funding agencies. I was also often the liaison person between the
community and the school. My family and I really enjoyed our time in Lac Brochet. We were quite
involved both at the school and in the wider community. While in Lac Brochet we made many great
friends who taught us a lot of important life lessons.
Spring 2002 Persistence of lindane in agricultural soils. Subcontracted for the study by AXYS
Agronomics a division of AXYS Environmental Consulting Ltd., Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The study was designed to investigate the persistence of lindane in agricultural soils. By
understanding lindane persistence, the environmental impacts of lindane treated seed disposal in
agricultural soils can be assessed. My involvement in the study included a literature review as well as
setting up and monitoring soil microcosms that were spiked with various levels of lindane.
Jan to Feb 2003 Guest lecturer, Agricultural Pesticides 040.411, Soil Science Dept. University of
Manitoba.
I was invited to give a series of lectures related to toxicology of major pesticide groups. Course
description: Fourth year course. Discussion on pesticides and pesticide use; the application of soil
science principles to understand the retention, transport and transformation processes that affect the
behavior of pesticides in agroecosystems and surrounding environments.
Fall Term 2002 Instructor, Pesticides and Toxicology 038.454/040.454, Entomology Dept./ Soil
Science Dept. University of Manitoba.
I team taught this course along with a professor from the Soil Science Dept. I was responsible for the
toxicology portion of this course (half the lectures, tests, and final marks). Course description: Fourth
year course. Discussion of the pesticide dilemma; pesticide distribution, impact and degradation in
the environment; acute and chronic toxicity in targets and
non-targets; the impact of pesticides on human health; pesticide residue analysis and toxicology
studies.
Spring Term 2002 Instructor, Pollution Biology 01.337, Botany Dept. University of Manitoba.
I was solely responsible for delivery of this course. This included giving the lectures, developing and
marking exams and other evaluation criteria. Course description: Third year course for non-science
majors. Discussion of current topics related to the pollution of the environment.
Jan- Feb 2002 Guest lecturer, Agricultural Pesticides 040.411, Soil Science Dept. University of
Manitoba.
See description for Jan-Feb 2003.
Fall Term 2001 Instructor, Pesticides and Toxicology 038.454/040.454, Entomology Dept./ Soil
Science Dept. University of Manitoba.
See description for Fall Term 2002.
Oct. 2000 Guest lecturer Pollution Biology 1.337, Botany Dept., University of
Manitoba.
I was invited to give a guest lecture related to my PhD research.
Course description: Third year course for non-science majors. Discussion of current topics related to
the pollution of the environment.
Oct. 2000 Guest lecturer, The State of the Earth’s Environment, Biology, 71.134 Dept. University of
Manitoba.
I was invited to give a guest lecture related to my PhD research.
Course description: First year course for non-science majors. Discussion of current topics in
environmental science.
Work experience continued…
1999 to 2001 Marker, Environmental Science 128.100. Environmental Science Program. University
of Manitoba.
I was responsible for marking exams and term papers.
Course description: First year course designed for science majors.
1998 to 2001 Laboratory Demonstrator, Introductory Biology 71.125. Introductory Biology Program.
University of Manitoba.
I was responsible for laboratory instruction
Course description: First year course designed for science majors.
1997 to 1998 English Teacher, Oxford Language Inst., Chiayi, Taiwan R.O.C.
Along with my wife, I team taught English as a second language to students ages 4 to adult. This was
a challenge given that the students, for the most part, were forced to attend these classes by their
parents. This experience has helped in my effectiveness as a cross-cultural communicator.
1995 to 1997 High School Science/Math Teacher, St. Joseph's School for the Deaf; and
Kalumbwa Secondary School, Zambia.
As a volunteer with the Mennonite Central Committee I taught secondary level (grades 9 to 12) math,
biology, and chemistry. I learned rudimentary Zambian Sign Language to allow me to instruct and
communicate with my deaf students. I also had the opportunity to develop and participate in sports
programs and a conservation initiative. I developed close friendships with my colleagues, students
and their families. This life changing experience has taught me many things including how we should
not take our Canadian education system for granted.
Fate of Pesticides in Wetlands of the North American Prairie Pothole Region. Sept. 1998 to Oct
2004
(Ph.D. research Botany Dept. University of Manitoba. Funded by the Institute for Wetland and
Waterfowl Research)
Wetlands of the Prairie Pothole Region often lie in close proximity to agricultural land and may
receive pesticide inputs through a number of transport mechanisms. The fate of pesticides in wetland
ecosystems is not fully understood. My PhD research investigated the determinants of
pesticide concentrations in prairie wetlands. The following is a brief description of some of the
research I have conducted:
Determinants of atrazine and lindane concentrations in wetlands of the Prairie Pothole Region.
Atrazine and lindane concentrations as well as numerous wetland environmental variables were
measured in sixty wetlands located across the Prairie Pothole Region during the 1999, 2000, and
2001 growing seasons. Lindane was detected primarily in Canadian wetlands and atrazine was
detected exclusively in American wetlands. Rainfall and proximity to chemical use were the two
most significant factors determining pesticide concentrations in survey wetlands.
The influence of sediment organic matter on atrazine fate.
Although there are numerous studies documenting the ability of soil organic matter to sorb
pesticides, few studies have examined the interaction between sediment organic matter and pesticide
persistence. Laboratory wetland microcosms with varying levels of sediment organic matter were
subjected to atrazine treatments. The water column persistence of the atrazine was inversely related
to the organic matter concentration of the sediments.
Pesticide photolysis potential in a prairie wetland.
Some have suggested that photolysis of pesticides in wetlands may be significant given the high
levels of light and photosensitizers that can occur in wetlands. The influence of light on pesticide
(atrazine and lindane) persistence in experimental vials and barrel shaped mesocosms was
investigated in situ at Delta Marsh Manitoba. Significant photolysis was not seen for either pesticide.
The lack of pesticide photolysis may have been due to a number of factors including shading of the
pesticides by macrophytes and suspended solids. Pesticide sorption to suspended solids may have
also made the pesticides less available for photolysis.
The effects of alternate stable states on pesticide fate in a prairie wetland.
The same transport mechanisms that deliver pesticides to wetlands may also deliver agricultural
fertilizers. The nutrients found in fertilizers may have a direct (via nitrate induced photolysis) or
Academic and volunteer research experience continued…
indirect (via stimulating phytoplankton growth) effect on pesticide fate. The influence of nutrient
(nitrate and phosphate) enrichment on the persistence of lindane was studied in small limnocorrals
and in situ experimental vials in Delta Marsh. From the vial portion of the experiment it was
determined that the nutrients alone had no effect on lindane persistence. In the limnocorrals the
nutrients indirectly decreased the aqueous persistence of the lindane by stimulating phytoplankton
growth. Phytoplankton provided sorption sites for the lindane. When the phytoplankton settled out of
the water column they transported the lindane with them to the sediments.
Radula extraction from small marine gastropods, Goshen College Marine Laboratory, Layton,
FL 1991-1993
I chemically extracted radula from different species of small marine gastropods. Once extracted the
radula were mounted on microscope slides as a future reference tool for identifying gastropods.
WRITING EXPERIENCE
Friesen-Pankratz, B. and Friesen-Pankratz, J. 2010. Mennonite Central Committee involvement in
Zacango. With a brief commentary on what the future may look like. Prepared for the Mennonite
Central Committee. June 2010.
Friesen-Pankratz, B. 2009. The role of the Internet in community development: With a focus on
Mennonite Central Committee initiatives in Zacango, Mexico. Prepared for the Mennonite Central
Committee. December 2009.
Friesen-Pankratz, B. 2007. Proposal for the development and delivery of the Water Steward
Certificate Program at Aurora College. Draft submitted for review to Aurora College and Indian and
Northern Affairs Canada.
Rescan 2005 to 2007. I contributed significantly to the writing of the following Rescan reports:
Rescan 2007. Phase I Ecological Assessment of the Bear Rock and the Smokes. Report
prepared for the Tulita Dene Band by Rescan Environmental Services Ltd.
Rescan 2007. Results of the 2006 Rayrock Long-Term Monitoring Report. Report prepared
for the Contaminants and Remediation Directorate of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada by
Rescan Environmental Services Ltd.
Rescan 2006. Enhanced Sediment Survey of the Steeves Lake Shoreline – Colomac Mine.
Report prepared for the Contaminants and Remediation Directorate of Indian and Northern
Affairs Canada by Rescan Environmental Services Ltd.
Rescan 2006. Recent Changes in the Rio Cruces: Evaluation of Hypotheses. Report prepared
for Planta Valdivia by Rescan Environmental Services Ltd.
Rescan 2005. Galore Creek Wetland Classification and Assessment. Baseline Report.
Prepared for Nova Gold by Rescan Environmental Services Ltd.
Friesen-Pankratz, B. 2004. Fate of Pesticides in Wetlands of the North American Prairie Pothole
Region. Doctoral Thesis. Botany Department, University of Manitoba.
Friesen-Pankratz, B., Doebel, C., Farenhorst, A., and Goldsborough, L. G. 2003. Influence of algae
(Selenastrum capricornutum) on the aqueous persistence of atrazine and lindane: Implications for
managing constructed wetlands for pesticide removal. Journal of Environmental Science and Health
Part B. Pesticides, Food Contaminants, and Agricultural Wastes. Vol. B38, No. 2: 147-155.
ORAL PRESENTATIONS
Friesen-Pankratz, B. 2010. What could watershed management planning mean in the context of
Zacango? Presented to the community of Zacango, Guerrero, Mexico.
Friesen-Pankratz, B. 2009. The use of duckweed (Lemna sp.) as an alternative food source for
Tilapia on small scale community fish ponds in rural Guerrero, Mexico. Presented to the community
of Aguachotla, Guerrero, Mexico.
Friesen-Pankratz, B. and Lafferty G. 2007. Aquatic science education in the NWT: Challenges and
opportunities. The 35th Annual Yellowknife Geoscience Forum. Nov 20 to 22, 2007. Yellowknife,
NT.
Friesen-Pankratz, B., Goldsborough, L. G., and Farenhorst, A. 2002. The role of light and suspended
solids in determining pesticide persistence in a coastal wetland. The 45th Annual Conference of the
International Association for Great Lakes Research. Winnipeg, MB.
Oral presentations continued…
Friesen-Pankratz, B, Smith, L. Farenhorst, A. and Goldsborough, L. G. The influence of suspended
solids, light, and nitrate on the persistence of pesticides in prairie wetlands. 2002. The 45th Annual
Manitoba Society of Soil Science Meeting. Winnipeg, MB.
Friesen-Pankratz, B., Goldsborough, L. G., and Farenhorst, A. 2001. Impacts of nutrient enrichment
on the fate of insecticides in prairie wetlands. The 44th Annual Manitoba Society of Soil Science
Meeting. Winnipeg, MB.
Friesen-Pankratz, B. and Shubert, L. E. 1999. Impact of sewage inputs on benthic algae in a natural
prairie wetland. North American Benthological Society 47th Annual Meeting. Duluth, MN.
SOFTWARE KNOWLEDGE
Adobe Illustrator
Canoco for Windows
Data Desk
Microsoft Office Suite
SigmaPlot
The SAS System for Windows Version
SYN-TAX 2000 For data analysis in ecology and systematics.
SYSTAT
REFERENCES
Meyer, Marion (my current supervisor in Mexico)
Country Director for Mexico
Mennonite Central Committee
México City, México
Ph (01) 555-579-0908. Email: representantes@mexico.mcc.org
Roth, Jonathon (former professor of mine at Goshen College, I also worked in his laboratory)
Professor emeritus of biology at Goshen College
Goshen, Indiana
Ph (574) 533 3351. Email: rinfo@micrologylabs.com