Sejal Pramlall
MSc Geography
Contact: sejalpramlall@uvic.ca
BSc Honours in Ocean & Atmosphere Science (University of Cape Town, South Africa)
BSc in Ocean & Atmosphere Science, Marine Biology and Environmental & Geographical Science (University of Cape Town, South Africa)
Sejal Pramlall is a Master’s candidate with an interest in using satellite remote sensing tools to quantitatively analyze bio-physical oceanographic processes.
The main objectives of her MSc research is to
i) determine the long term spatio-temporal dynamics of phytoplankton phenology along the British Columbia and South East Alaskan coastal waters, with a particular focus on the Queen Charlotte Sound region,
ii) to determine the environmental drivers most strongly influencing phytoplankton dynamics, and lastly
iii) to quantitatively delineate regions with similar phenological indices into distinct ‘phenoregions’ along the migration route of juvenile salmon.
The outcome of this research can redefine some of what we know about seasonal cycles of phytoplankton over the past two decades, which could in turn provide valuable insight into trophic linkages between phytoplankton and juvenile salmon populations in this region. This study is a collaborative effort between the Spectral Remote Sensing Laboratory and the Hakai Institute, and contributes to the overarching MEOPAR and Canadian Space agency project: ‘Spatiotemporal dynamics of the coastal ocean biogeochemical domains of British Columbia and Southeast Alaska - following the migration route of juvenile salmon.’
Sejal has a background in physical oceanography, meteorology and marine ecology. She graduated from the University of Cape Town with a BSc Honours degree in Ocean & Atmosphere Science, for which she has attained the class medal for being the top achiever in her academic year. Her previous research involved applying algorithms to detect the presence of cyclones, analysis of storm tracks in the Southern Ocean and their relationship with Antarctic sea ice distribution. During this time, she contributed to the 2019 SCALE (Southern Ocean Seasonal Experiment) research expedition to the Antarctic Marginal Ice Zone. Throughout her academic career Sejal has accumulated numerous accolades, including the ZSSA (Zoological Society of South Africa) student award, various class medals, the Deans merit list and is a member of the Golden Key society.
