Ambrose Biology 2025 Graduate Published in Canadian Journal of Zoology

Ambrose University is proud to celebrate recent biology graduate Nathan Yeung, whose independent research project has been published in the Canadian Journal of Zoology. The opportunity to engage in collaborative research and achieve publication in a highly respected journal represents a distinct accomplishment for an undergraduate student.

Nathan’s research, titled “Using meristic and morphometric techniques to identify juvenile Catostomus suckers (Largescale Sucker C. macrocheilus, Longnose Sucker C. catostomus, White Sucker C. commersonii) within the Peace River watershed, Alberta”, contributes vital insight into a family of freshwater fish often overlooked in North American aquatic studies.

“Publishing research has been a personal goal from the beginning of my journey at Ambrose. Achieving this goal was challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. Sucker species in Alberta are among the most misunderstood and under-appreciated fishes. Conducting this research provided an opportunity to advocate for a group of aquatic creatures that are often viewed as “lesser”. Sucker fish are important to aquatic ecosystems and are really interesting to learn about if you give them a chance. It is a wonderful feeling to have this work shared with others!”

Catostomid suckers [MS1] play an essential role in the health of freshwater ecosystems, yet they remain under-researched, particularly during their juvenile stages. Nathan’s project focuses on identifying and differentiating these juvenile fish species using physical characteristics (meristic data), including counts of fin rays, scales along the lateral line, and vertebrae. His site-specific data, collected from sample populations in Alberta’s Peace River watershed, offers a key resource for ongoing species monitoring and conservation efforts in the province.

The article is publicly accessible in the Canadian Journal of Zoology.

Congratulations, Nathan, on this outstanding accomplishment.