Her outstanding academic achievement is already recognized at Bamfield Marine Sciences Center on Vancouver Island, where she spent the summer. There she became involved in two research projects. One project, slated to be published, investigates the biology of crab larva, which are part of the ocean’s zooplankton. Another project details the spawning area and timing of forage fish that are a vital part of the salmon diet.

An injured seal is moved to safety in the capable, caring hands of Smith, a budding marine biologist

Smith began volunteering at the Tynehead Salmon Hatchery in Surrey when illness prevented her from attending high school for several years. She and another volunteer have assumed responsibility for chum salmon enhancement, and are proud to report the highest survival rates at the hatchery in 15 years. In addition to enhancement work, she assists with the bald eagle count in Brackendale and the care of injured seals and porpoises at the marine mammal rescue center in Vancouver. She shares her passion for the marine world with students of all ages by offering public education at the hatchery.

The Pacific Salmon Foundation bursary program was started about 25 years ago through the fundraising efforts of former community advisor for Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Joe Kambeitz. Kambeitz wanted to to bridge the gap between Salmonids in the Classroom and higher education, by reducing the financial barriers for students committed to Pacific salmon.  The program continues to be supported by Kambeitz and augmented through corporate and individual donations. Successful applicants are chosen based on their volunteer efforts with local stewardship groups, and an essay detailing their chosen field of study and need for financial support.