Jesse Aspinall (BSc '20, MSc '23) monitors post-fire regeneration using remote sensing

Jesse Aspinall (BSc '20, MSc '23) hopes to continue to grow professionally and personally in a field he is passionate about, wherever it takes him. Jesse chose the University of Lethbridge for the opportunity to work alongside renowned researchers and with cutting-edge technology. As a grad student, he focused on remote sensing methods to monitor post-fire regeneration. Among the valuable lessons he learned at ULethbridge was the power of organization, not only of data but also of thoughts, and finding the best way to think through a problem.

This opportunity is what you make of it. Embrace the chaos and immerse yourself in every opportunity you get. The connections you make will be with you for the rest of your career.

Meet Jesse: Persistent. Resilient. Determined.
Hometown: Red Deer, AB
Program: Master of Science | Major: Geography

Why did you choose to pursue graduate studies at ULethbridge?

The University of Lethbridge is home to fantastic researchers who are at the top of their fields. The opportunity to work with the faculty, cutting-edge technology, and relevant research topics was the best way for me to learn, develop academically and grow personally.

What is your research focus?

My research focuses on developing remote sensing methods that can be used to monitor post-fire regeneration during the initial years of growth. I hope my work will help land managers monitor post-fire ecosystems, leading to a better understanding of how vegetation grows and how factors such as weather can influence post-fire ecosystems. Additionally, I hope my work will provide insight into the current state of post-fire vegetation growth in Waterton Lakes National Park.

What is your most memorable ULethbridge experience?

My most memorable ULethbridge experience was participating in fieldwork in northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories during the summer of 2019. Three weeks of trekking through remote forests, knee-deep wetlands, and some of the most unique landscapes with an amazing team of students will always be a highlight.

What is the most important lesson you learned during your time as a graduate student ULethbridge? 

As simple as it sounds, I learned the power of organization in various ways. Organizing large quantities of data, or numerous pages of text, but also thoughts and finding the best way to think through a problem.

Is there someone specific who had an important influence on your ULethbridge experience?

My wife, Shilo, was always supportive of my work and pushed me to be my best. She listened to numerous presentations, helped me develop my writing, and listened to me ramble about vegetation and remote sensing even when it made no sense at all.

What are your hopes/plans for the future?

My hope for the future is to continue to grow professionally and personally in a field I am passionate about, regardless of my role.

What advice would you give to those about to begin their journey at ULethbridge?

This opportunity is what you make of it. Embrace the chaos and immerse yourself in every opportunity you get. The connections you make will be with you for the rest of your career.