Research Scientist, Adjunct Assistant Professor
Dr. Rianna Burnham has a BSc. in Natural Science (Hons) from the University of Bath, and MSc. and PhD in Biogeography from the University of Victoria. She worked in Central America on coral reef mapping and health monitoring programs in Honduras, as well as running a research program to estimate populations of sea turtles and the effect of bycatch off the coast of Baja California before turning her sights to whales
These in her ecological research include species-species interactions (including predatory prey) and species-habitat interactions. She has spent much time on both coasts of Canada understanding whale habitat use using vessel-based surveys and autonomous technologies. Key to her research is the use of acoustics as an ecological tool.
She continues to be the Scientific Program Director for the non-profit organization ‘Society of Ecological and Coastal Research’ whose research focus is of marine mammals in British Columbia.
Rianna keeps an active teaching schedule for the University of Victoria, where is she is an Adjunt Assistant Professor, and beyond. She has taught many undergraduate courses, supervises Honours and graduate students and has done community courses for Marine Mammal Observers and On-board Naturalists and Continuing Studies participants.
Teaching
Undergraduate Courses:
GEOG 274: Introduction to Biogeography
GEOG 300: Whale Ecology and Conservation
GEOG 474: Field Studies in Biogeography
GEOG 491: Whale Geography
GEOG 491: The ecology and politics of killer whales
Wildlands Studies Field Course: Marine Wildlife and Canadian Coastal Ecosystems
Public Outreach/Continuing Studies:
Marine Mammals of British Columbia - Part I and II
Evolution, Biology, and Ecology of Marine Mammals
Conservation and Management Issues of Marine Mammals in British Columbia
Whale Acoustics: Seeing in the Dark
The Hidden World of Whales
Whales: A World of Sound
Marine Naturalist Course
See 'Publications' tab for more on recent resarch interest and articles