Breathing Better : Understanding Oxygen Delivery

Abstract

Parker Sutherland was a semi-finalist in the 2026 UBC Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition. Parker presented the research titled “Breathing Better: Understanding Oxygen Delivery.” Teleost fish are among the most widespread and diverse groups of animals on Earth. Their incredible evolutionary radiation may be explained by their unique methods of transporting oxygen. Changes in haemoglobin structure and pH regulation allow teleost fish to transport oxygen significantly more effectively than non-teleost fishes. Despite knowing about these mechanisms for almost 20 years, very little information is known about how much of an impact they have on performance. Parker's thesis aims to understand these adaptations and quantify their impact on environmental stressors. As climate change and human development introduce these animals to these stressors with increasing frequency, understanding how they cope can inform us on how to protect their populations. Parker Sutherland is completing a MSc in Zoology in the Department of Zoology under the supervision of Dr. Colin Brauner. #3MT is an academic competition that assists current graduate students with fostering effective presentation and communication skills. Participants have just three minutes to explain the breadth and significance of their research project to a non-specialist audience. For more information or to participate in UBC’s Three Minute Thesis (3MT) visit https://3mt.grad.ubc.ca.