Cameron Egan

I am a community ecologist fascinated with plant-fungal symbioses. Focusing primarily on the mycorrhizal symbiosis, my research program integrates disparate fields (community ecology, mycology, plant biology, microbiology, molecular ecology, high throughput sequencing, bioinformatics, and advanced statistical analyses) to reveal the fundamental reasons influencing mycorrhizal diversity across different ecosystems. My work has included sampling of mycorrhizal diversity in ecoregions and biomes across North America, including along elevation gradients in Glacier National Park Montana, and throughout the Hawaiian archipelago.

Outside of academia I was fortunate to work briefly as a restoration ecologist within the British Columbia interior which provided me with valuable experience in the approaches we use to restore degraded ecosystems. This work also strengthened my resolve towards a research trajectory that seeks to improve our approaches towards restoration and conservation that incorporates a more holistic view of ecosystems, that includes leveraging plant-fungal symbioses.  

I love teaching. My teaching background spans across my academic and research interests and has included courses in introductory biology, botany, microbiology, and ecology. When teaching I utilize evidence-based practices to help reinforce student learning, comprehension, and technical abilities in STEM. Utilizing active learning, CURE and other inquiry-based approaches, has enabled me to help students strengthen their scientific inquiry skills and identity, while concurrently improving in cognitive, technical, and collaborative skills necessary to be successful in a variety of scientific careers. Regardless of my teaching setting my mantra is simple – know your audience, have clear messages, and don’t be boring!

• B.Sc. Biology, University of British Columbia – Okanagan Campus
• Ph.D. University of British Columbia – Okanagan Campus