Gadfly Stratton embodies the spirit of scientific inquiry and social responsibility. Graduating from Algoma University with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2015, Gadfly’s journey in academia and research has been driven by a curiosity about our relationship with the environment.
Originally from southern Ontario, his decision to study at Algoma U was not only academic; it was a strategic choice along with personal ties and a quest for experiential learning. The many opportunities for hands-on lab and fieldwork experiences offered outside of the traditional classroom settings drew Gadfly and his partner to Sault Ste. Marie.
Fuelled by a passion to address pressing environmental challenges, Gadfly began a career path in research that has led him to the University of Toronto, Scarborough where he is a PhD candidate in the Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences. His work explores the intricate web of stakeholder perceptions surrounding aquatic invasive species and their associated risks. Through his research, Gadfly strives to unravel how these perceptions influence management strategies, community engagement, and policy formulation.
Beyond the laboratory, Gadfly is an advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives within academic and professional spheres. His commitment to fostering inclusive environments is shown through a host of engagements. He has facilitated various workshops, including “Disrupting Assumptions” for U of T’s “Lead with Pride” conference in 2022 and “The importance of 2SLGBTQIA+ allyship in STEM spaces for the Society of Freshwater Sciences (SFS) in 2023. Gadfly is currently a member of the Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigeneity (JEDII) committee for the Society for the Canadian Aquatic Science (SCAS) and has previously served as the Equity Officer for University of Toronto’s Graduate Student Union. This month, he presented a webinar for the Invasive Species Centre (ISC) and International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species (ICASIS) entitled “Why Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are Necessary for Successful Invasive Species Management” and has been invited to be a panelist for an upcoming webinar called “Making Canadian Aquatic Science Spaces more Equitable, Diverse, Inclusive, and Accessible: How to incorporate EDIA Principles into Your Professional Practice”. Gadfly leaves an indelible mark on the landscape of EDI advocacy.
As Gadfly prepares to present a chapter of his dissertation at the upcoming International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species (ICAIS) conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia, his journey stands as a testament to the power of curiosity, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to social progress. In Gadfly Stratton, the scientific community finds not only a brilliant mind but also a tireless champion for a more inclusive and equitable future.
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