UBC researcher planning jellyfish world tour
A UBC researcher will soon embark on the trip of a lifetime, circling the globe over the course of several months to further her understanding of a creature that has captivated her for years: jellyfish.
Jessica Schaub is a first year PhD student at UBC's Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries. Her trip is being funded by a Hugh Morris Fellowship, administered by the Kimberley Foundation.
The funding allows Canadian graduate students researching a priority area related to earth sciences to pursue self-guided travel and experiential learning.
Schaub's trip will take her first to Japan, where she will learn from local scientists and fishermen about the problems large jellyfish blooms pose for fisheries. Then, she will travel to France, where she will work with researchers studying jellyfish polyps – the tiny, ocean-floor-dwelling creatures that determine the success of jellyfish blooms.
Polyp research will continue in Argentina, before Schaub rounds out her trip in Australia studying blooms of dangerous Irukandji jellyfish and working with a team developing a rapid test that uses environmental DNA to quickly determine whether the sometimes-deadly jellies are present.
"It's quite an array of experiences," she told CTV News in a recent interview.
"I'm really excited to get the breadth of knowledge and information from all the people that I'll be visiting."
Schaub grew up in rural Alberta and moved to Vancouver to attend UBC as an undergraduate. She's been studying marine biology ever since.
Asked what attracted her to the topic, she likened it to having a favourite colour.
"You don't really know why your favourite colour is yellow," she said. "It just is. I've just always really been drawn to ocean science and especially marine biology."
Schaub also mentioned watching a documentary about Japanese fishermen dealing with giant jellyfish when she was in Grade 12. The experience heightened her fascination with ocean science, and Japan eventually became one of the destinations for her upcoming trip.
She said those interested in following her trip can do so by following @jellieswithjess on TikTok and Instagram.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.