Abigael Kim
Education
Master of Marine Management, Dalhousie University
Thesis: 'It Grows Alone': Exploring the Implications of Marine Ecotourism Development on Water Insecurity in Bocas del Toro, Panama
Supervisors: Dr. Wilf Swartz, Dr. Cinda Scott
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Bachelor of Environmental Science, University of Guelph
Undergraduate Thesis: Exploring Critical Human Dimensions of Large Scale Marine Protected Area Management
Supervisor: Dr. Noella Gray
December 2023
May 2022
Current Appointment
Research
Researcher, Ocean Nexus
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Leading a comprehensive genealogical repot alongside Director, Yoshitaka Ota and Deputy Director, Wilf Swartz on the nature in which scholars have discussed/are discussing social equity in the ocean space, for publication.
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Executing a comprehensive literature review on ‘Ocean Equity' and related concepts, computing and analyzing tends to establish a theoretical foundation.
Student Research Fellow, Ocean Nexus
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Led the development and execution of a comprehensive research project on water insecurity and ecotourism in Bocas del Toro, Panama, determining research objectives, methodology, and timelines, demonstrating exceptional project management skills.
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Employed qualitative research methods to collect local insights while establishing positive working relationships with community members for future collaboration.
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Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and adaptability in successfully navigating challenges associated with conducting international community-based research.
2023-2024
Publications
Kim, A., Scott, C. P., & Swartz, W. (2024). Local perspectives on marine ecotourism development in a water-insecure island region: the case of Bocas del Toro, Panama. Frontiers in Marine Science, 11, 1377053.
Cadman, R., Bodwitch, H., Silver, K., Ortenzi, K., Seidler, D., Sinan, H., Kim, A., Akinrinola, G., Abdirahim, I.S., Fraser, M., Bailey, M. (2024). Working in solidarity towards an anti-colonial fisheries future in Canada. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences [In Print].
Professional Experience
Co-Chair, Sustainable Ocean Conference
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Directed a team of 45 individuals, in conference strategic planning and execution, delegating tasks effectively, and fostering a collaborative and positive working environment.
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Created a robust multi-day event timeline, coordinating multiple sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities, resulting in a well-paced and engaging conference.
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Research Assistant, Indigenous Consultation and Partnerships Branch, Ontario Ministry of Mines
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Liaised with First Nation communities to create and lead a high-level workshop on avenues for Government-Community partnerships, facilitating multi-branch discussion and innovation.
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Successfully coordinated branch participation in the Prospectors & Developers Association Conference, developing a panel discussion, overseeing booth setup, and liaising with event organizers.
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Intern, Indigenous Relations Unit, Ontario Ministry of Energy, Northern Development, and Mines
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Developed and delivered a comprehensive presentation on First Nation land claims to 15 ministry officials, creatively showcasing critical information in a clear and engaging manner.
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Managed branch filing systems, both physical and digital, ensuring easy retrieval of documents and maintaining information confidentiality.
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Office Assistant, TA Paterson & Associates Inc.
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Assisted in scheduling and coordinating meetings, and appointments, utilizing calendar management tools to optimize time and resources.
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Prepared and edited company documents, reports, and presentations, demonstrating proficiency in Microsoft Suite.
2023
2021
2018-2019
Teaching Experience
Teaching Assistant, Marine Affairs Program, Dalhousie University
​'Fisheries Management and the Equity Imperative'
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Led a 1-hour master's-level writing seminar and provided personalized student support through comprehensive feedback on assignments.
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Guest Lecturer, Introduction to the Blue Economy, School for Field Studies Panama
​'Introduction to the Blue Economy'
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Led a 2-hour undergraduate level lecture on the Blue Economy, utilizing interactive discussions and real-world examples to make complex topics accessible and engaging.
2023
June 2023
Awards & Honours
Sobeys Fund for Ocean Scholarship, Dalhousie University
Fund of $17,500 issued to a student whose exceptional research is innovative and multi-disciplinary.
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Canadian Association of Geographers Undergraduate Award
​Presented to the most outstanding students in Geography programs across Canada.
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Dean's Scholarship, University of Guelph
Awarded 1 of only 150 scholarships given to students with outstanding academic records
2022
2022
2020
Technical Skills
Geomatics
ArcGIS, ArcGIS StoryMaps, QGIS, Whitebox Tools, R Studio
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Design
Web-design, Graphic design
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Microsoft Suite
Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams