Student Research Profile: Durell Desmond
The Department of Environment and Geography is proud to highlight recently published graduate student research.
THE STUDENT
Durell Desmond is a third-year PhD student in the Department of Environment and Geography, under the co-supervision of Dr. Gary Stern, Dr. Dustin Isleifson, and Dr. David Barber. Durell completed his BSc in 2015 at Manitoba with a major in Physical Chemistry, and two minors in Mathematics and Physics and Astronomy. He continued at the U of M to complete his MSc in 2019 in Environment and Geography. Durell’s PhD in Geography is examining oil spill behaviour, detection, and mitigation in an Arctic environment. He does say that the degree title of “Geography” is a little ironic because it was one of his worst subjects in high school!
Though Durell is equally passionate about art and humanitarian work, he believes his passion for science and academia started because of two inspiring science and chemistry teachers in high school – it was then that he decided to pursue a chemistry degree at the U of M. Durell planned on pursuing chemistry for his graduate studies, but found himself drawn to research of oil spill detection and mitigation. He was keen for field adventures, though nowadays he has taken a liking to writing research papers relating to the field work conducted. Durell says, “what inspires me to continue in this new field is the hope that I can make a little difference to better the world through my research.”
THE RESEARCH
Durell’s paper, Photooxidation and Biodegradation Potential of a Light Crude Oil in First-Year Sea Ice, published in Marine Pollution Bulletin, is a study on the effectiveness of bioremediation carried out in an artificial oil-in-ice mesocosm located at the Sea-Ice Environmental Research Facility. For this study, the focus was on the potential of biodegradation in upper sea ice, given that spilled oil tends to concentrate towards the sea ice surface. The paper demonstrates that bulk, or heavy, oil content in the ice remained separate from the very salty brine water. His data suggest that brine in ice may not be enough at low temperatures to support biodegradation and that seawater is likely more suitable.
Durell highlights the pressing need of research on oil spills as sea ice receding has resulting in increased marine traffic and feasibility for oil and gas development; there is a growing potential for oil spills to occur in relatively pristine and sensitive regions. He states, “An oil spill has the potential to not only harm Arctic marine life due to the oil’s persistence, toxicity, and potential for bioaccumulation, but can also impact the health of local inhabitants who rely on local wildlife and waters for their livelihood. By studying the behaviour of oil in an Arctic environment, we can better establish detection and mitigation techniques so that a swift clean up response can reduce the damage to the ecosystem.”
THE PUBLISHING
How did you select the journal to publish in? I selected the Elsevier journal Marine Pollution Bulletin for three reasons. The first being that Marine Pollution Bulletin is a well-established journal worthy of publication. Second, this journal is multidisciplinary in its focus and is suitable for our paper, which is multidisciplinary combining the topics of sea ice, oil spill preparedness, microbial genomics, as well as analytical and physical chemistry techniques. Last, I have previously published in this journal and have an established relationship. I also have an understanding of this journal’s operation.
What did you think of the reviewer comments? Fortunately, I had many reviewer comments concerning this paper. Although, having to undergo major revisions could be seen as unfortunate, it could also be taken as a positive. I am thankful to the Editors-in-Chief, Associate Editor, and the Reviewers for their time and reviews of the paper. Their comments and suggestions have allowed me to improve upon and better the paper.
How did you find the process overall? The external review process poked “holes” in the research conducted, providing an opportunity for me to find solutions to “cracks” in my logic, or to simply better explain rationale. I find that the review process helps me to grow in humility, as it also forces me to slow down and listen to what the reviewer is bringing to my attention.
THE TAKE-HOME ADVICE
“Depending on the extent and nature of reviewer comments, it can be easy to become angered or frustrated. However, many of the reviewer comments help to better the original work. Regardless of if you agree or disagree with a particular reviewer comment, it is important to take the time understand why the reviewer has brought a particular issue to your attention. It is especially important to be respectful of the reviewer’s time and efforts, as their reviews are voluntary and are for your benefit.”
CONTACT
Durell Desmond, PhD Student
Centre for Earth Observation Science (CEOS)
University of Manitoba
umdesmod@myumanitoba.ca
THE PAPER
Desmond, D. S., Saltymakova, D., Smith, A., Wolfe, T., Snyder, N., Polcwiartek, K., Bautista, M., Lemes, M., Hubert, C., Barber, D. G., Isleifson, D., & Stern, G. A. (2021). Photooxidation and biodegradation potential of a light crude oil in first-year sea ice. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 165, 112154. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112154
Interview by Katarina Djordjevic