Robert Masaki Hechler (he/him)
Molecular and quantitative ecologist
About
I'm a PhD candidate and Vanier Scholar working with Dr. Martin Krkosek at the University of Toronto, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. I'm interested in understanding how aquatic biodiversity responds to changing environments and enjoy using molecular and quantitative methods to do so. For my PhD, I'm investigating drivers of nonlinear population dynamics and assessing wild salmon health in relation to industrial activities (in collaboration with the Musgamagw Dzawada’enuxw Fisheries Group and Salmon Coast). Prior to this, I completed an MSc with Dr. Melania Cristescu at McGill University where I developed environmental RNA based transcriptomics to monitor the heat stress responses of aquatic organisms.
Outside of research, I like to hike, camp, make photographs and iNat. I also volunteer at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre which allows me to immerse myself in and learn more about my Nikkei background. I'm passionate about uplifting folks who are underrepresented in ecology and have been involved in mentorship programs (e.g. STEMM Diversity) and creating non-GPA based research awards for racialized undergraduates (e.g. U of T's EEB USRA).