Katie Kuker

Field Biologist and Naturalist

Katie works as a field biologist and naturalist.  She obtained her degree in Environmental Geography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from the University of Guelph, Canada.  Since 2001, she has worked in various locations including Scotland, the U.S. and Canada studying diverse cetacean species, including harbour porpoises, minke, fin, and humpback whales.  Her interest in the marine environment began on the Isle of Mull, Scotland, where she assisted in minke whale research and educated children and adults about cetaceans aboard a whale watching boat.  Over the past two years, Katie has been a co-investigator in Hawaii studying humpback whale behaviour in their mating and calving grounds. This work included photography, boat operation, and occasional underwater videography.  Recently, Katie was also involved in minke whale research in Quebec, Canada, where she investigated their foraging strategies.  This work led to a poster presentation at the SMM conference and a manuscript on the subject of individual foraging strategies of minke whales.

Throughout her years in the field, she has become an experienced boat driver, photographer and interpreter.  Katie has educated participants and students of all ages in both a field and lecture setting.  She also designed and delivered an educational ‘whale day’ for elementary level school children, which included lessons and activities regarding whale biology, distribution and behaviour.  Katie’s passion is for marine wildlife, conservation and education.  She is a certified scuba diver, enthusiastic wildlife photographer and a competent and responsible boat driver.

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