The 2021 heat dome that blanketed western Canada was an unprecedented and deadly weather event. Its record-breaking temperatures had far-reaching ecological consequences—many of which are only beginning to be understood.

For biology student Kyla Terenzek, the event sparked a research project born from both academic coursework in BIOL 342 and personal experience. After witnessing mass mussel die-offs along the shoreline near her home, she began investigating whether heat-tolerant, non-indigenous mussel species were more likely to survive—and whether their numbers were now increasing in the wake of the disaster.

The findings were unexpected—all surviving mussels were indigenous. However, Kyla uncovered notable variations in shell size and mantle pigment colour linked to environmental factors, pointing to intriguing questions for future study.

“I’ve come to love the strange and wonderful world of mussel biology through this project and hope to continue to study blue mussels after my undergrad and continue to work to help tell their story,” says Kyla. “Because of the complex life histories of invertebrates, it can be difficult to understand how organisms such as blue mussels may respond to climate change over time.”

Kyla was recently named a recipient of the UBC Undergraduate Prize in Library Research—a donor-supported award that recognizes students who demonstrate outstanding use of library resources in their academic work. Living on an island in a rural community far from UBC’s Vancouver campus, Kyla faced unique challenges accessing academic materials. Virtual access wasn’t just helpful—it was essential.

“Being able to connect with UBC Library’s resources online, as well as in person, allowed a research project like this to be accessible,” she says, “even through a very stormy winter where it was difficult to make it to the mainland by boat.”

First created in 2022 with generous donations from Dr. Susan E. Parker, University Librarian, UBC; Dr. Sabina Magliocco, Professor, Department of Anthropology, and Chair of the Program in Religion; and the John William and Hannah and Roland Frank Whittaker Charitable Trust, supported through an endowment by Mary Joan Mitchell, the Undergraduate Prize in Library Research was established to encourage more and deeper use of its resources and collections, to advance information literacy, and to promote academic excellence.

Kyla’s work illustrates precisely what the prize seeks to highlight: innovative, determined scholarship powered by the effective use of library tools and services. From a remote island home, through stormy weather, Kyla not only completed a significant scientific inquiry with academic rigour—she demonstrated the impact that well-supported research can have in finding solutions for our planet.

Winning the Library Research Prize was deeply meaningful for Kyla, reaffirming the immense value of connecting with UBC Library and its incredible resources, as well as with the supportive community of faculty, staff and mentors at UBC.

“I am extremely grateful and honoured for this award and experience.”