Very Employable Person (VEP) - Aaron Fairweather
- Carolyn Martinko
- 11 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Check out our most recent Very Employable Person (VEP), Aaron Fairweather!
Hiring? Or interested in Aaron's research? Reach out via their contact information below.
AARON FAIRWEATHER
PhD
Biology, Chemical and Environmental Toxicology
University of Guelph
MSc
Integrative Biology
University of Guelph
Describe your involvement with L-SETAC:
The start of my PhD involved new experiences in ecotoxicology. The 2018 L-SETAC AGM was my first experience presenting at an ecotoxicology conference, and I have continued to present my PhD and recent complete post-doc (2025) work with the Prosser lab each year since. L-SETAC has helped me experience disciplines outside my usual field of research, network with future collaborators, and develop my skills as a scientist.
Describe your short-term career aspirations:
I wish to continue improving my skills in the fields of environmental science, entomology, and ecotoxicology. Ideally, this would involve hands-on experience in the field, involvement in research projects and post-docs, and adding to my list of publications. I wish to put the skills I have gained through over 17 years in academic and private work to use.
Describe your long-term career aspirations:
I love to educate and bridge disciplines, and I believe a position as a professor would provide me the ideal situation to combine both. I have taught 14 university level courses, mentored and been in a supervisory role on over 26 projects, and developed research from the ground up with nine publications and eight more in process. In these positions I have thrived and seen the impacts of my work, and I wish for the opportunity to continue this web of influence and progress.
Describe any interests or hobbies outside of academics:
I have been a nature nut all my life. Much of my free time is spent hiking, camping, or educating on the diversity of life on Earth. A past lab mate introduced me to rock climbing over ten years ago, and I have been addicted to it ever since. You can find me frequenting the Guelph Grotto, or sneaking out between talks to find local gyms at conferences. Costuming and cosplay consume some free time as well. I enjoy DnD, board games of all kinds, and attend conventions with my husband.
If you could meet anyone, living or historical, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet children's storybook writer and concept artist William Joyce. William's creations were responsible for some of my favorite childhood links to science and entomology, including the cartoon George Shrinks and A Bug's Life. George Shrinks was the first time I heard about what a lepidopterist was, in the Monarch butterfly episode. I think William's means of conveying exploration of the natural world, science communication, and family bonds is phenomenal, and I believe meeting him would give me insight on how to bring that to my science communication.
What is your most memorable graduate school moment and why?
Unfortunately, my most memorable graduate school moment is not a positive one. It was the moment just before defending my PhD when I was told by a mentor to delay a life-saving surgery in order to post-pone my defense, and add more to my thesis. Despite it being a negative memory, it is also one I am proud of. In that moment, I stood up for my health, the quality of my work, and was able to see the positive academic influences in my life. Inevitably, I successfully defended on time, with no revisions necessary on my thesis, and make it through said surgery. I have had countless wonderful moments throughout graduate school, and this memory does not cloud those, but this memory stands out as a difficult time that I overcame.
What accomplishments are you most proud of, and why?
Developing and publishing a novel method for testing invertebrates in soil systems is one of my proudest academic achievements. Seeing the impact of this work on the local farmers I worked with, on top of contributing to the field I have dedicated my life brings me feelings of joy and accomplishment. Also, being the guest expert on the TVO Kids series Leo's Pollinators for their ant and firefly episodes brings me great pride. It was the moment I felt like my ability to communicate science was recognized more publicly, and helped me recognize that I had become the same kind of figure on television that had inspired me to pursue a career in science.
Anything else you'd like to highlight?
Thank you L-SETAC for being a supportive presence during my time in academia and providing a great networking environment. Thank you reader for taking the time to review what I have written! I am actively seeking work in the disciplines of entomology, ecotoxicology, and science communication. I would love the opportunity to share with you the full breadth of my experience and expertise.
Thesis Title:
Ants in Agriculture: Their Diversity, Ecological Role, and Utility as a Model Soil Organism for Ecotoxicological Studies
Supervisor:
Dr. Ryan Prosser
Graduation Date:
May 2023
Recent Publications:
Fairweather A. et al. (2026). A novel method for testing the impacts of pesticide exposure on soil-nesting insects: a case study using the ant Lasius neoniger and the neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid. Environ. Tox. and Chem., [In Press].
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