Mia-May Grabovac: Arctic Zooplankton and the Future of Marine Biology
Take a break, we’re on Smoko. This week, I sat down with Mia-May Grabovac, a passionate marine biology student at the University of Manitoba. From her early fascination with sharks to her current fieldwork in Arctic ecosystems, Mia shares an inspiring journey of scientific curiosity, resilience, and conservation.
Currently serving as a research assistant, Mia has worked aboard the Canadian Beaufort Sea Marine Ecosystem Assessment vessel, where she conducted studies on zooplankton—tiny but vital organisms that form the foundation of the marine food web. Her work includes abundance assessments and rapid zooplankton assessments (RZA), tools that help researchers track changes in oceanographic conditions and ecosystem health in real time.
“The Arctic is unforgiving, but it's also a place I've come to love deeply.” – Mia-May Grabovac
In this episode, Mia explains how climate change is altering Arctic marine environments and why consistent monitoring is key to understanding and protecting these fragile systems. She shares what it’s like to live and work aboard a research vessel and the hands-on skills she’s gained through fieldwork.
Mia also offers a glimpse into her future graduate studies, where she’ll focus on meroplankton using DNA and environmental DNA (eDNA) methods to better understand species composition and marine biodiversity in the Canadian Beaufort Sea.
Beyond the lab, Mia is deeply committed to ocean conservation and raising awareness about the importance of Arctic ecosystems. She offers encouraging advice for young scientists—including the power of asking questions, staying open to new paths, and actively seeking field experience.
This episode is a compelling dive into the world of marine research, climate science, and the next generation of ocean advocates.