
Darian Pollock, BSc
PhD Student
Darian was born and raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Darian was fortunate to grow up in an environment surrounded by animals and science, and always knew she wanted a future involving both of these things. This led her to complete her BSc. (Hon) in Toxicology from the University of Saskatchewan in 2018. During her degree, Darian was fortunate to conduct research under Dr. Barry Blakley, where she discovered her passion for diagnostics and analytical methods. This led her to commence graduate school under the supervision of Dr. Yolande Seddon, where she is working on validating and evaluating the hormones dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and cortisol as biomarkers of welfare in growing swine. In her free time, Darian enjoys travelling, being involved in Sikaran (Filipino martial arts), playing instruments, and spending time outdoors with her pets and younger brothers.
https://swinewelfare.com/2021/11/10/dehydroepiandrosterone-and-cortisol-as-biomarkers-of-welfare-in-growing-swine/

Karolína Steinerová, MSc
PhD Student
Karolína did her BSc in Animal Protection and Welfare in her home country, the Czech Republic. After graduation, she moved to Sweden where she saw more academic opportunities in the field of animal science. Throughout her MSc studies at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, exchange stay in Canada, and countless volunteering experiences with animals abroad, she broadened her perspective of the animal agriculture industry and decided to continue in her academic endeavours at the University of Saskatchewan. Now, she focuses on pigs, the animals that have been her favourite ever since.
https://swinewelfare.com/2021/11/12/the-effects-of-play-on-the-psychological-and-physiological-robustness-in-the-growing-pig/

Siba Khalife, MSc
PhD Student
Wanting to pursue a career in animal-related studies, Siba Khalife completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Guelph in Animal Biology. After taking part in an undergraduate research project on the welfare of pregnant sows, she developed an interest in swine welfare and behaviour and decided to further develop the project as a master’s student. She completed her MSc at the University of Guelph in 2019 and moved to Saskatchewan to study early life effects on the resilience and welfare of pigs under the supervision of Dr. Yolande Seddon. Siba has participated in research involving all areas of swine welfare including transport and gestation housing and is hoping to conduct further research to improve swine housing and husbandry systems.
https://swinewelfare.com/2021/11/12/evaluating-the-effects-of-rearing-environment-during-a-critical-development-period-on-the-long-term-welfare-of-pigs/