iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Behavioural impacts of childhood lead poisoning and legacy consequences from stigmatization of psychotherapy?

Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

I'll be talking about this work next Tuesday Oct 7 at the Canadian Ecotoxicity Workshop here in Saskatoon. Looking forward to seeing folks there!

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Controversy is building over plans to treat and release oilsands tailings, CBC has reported. There is a clear research need here, but who's willing to open their wallets and fund it? youtu.be/fKZ84STdjAE?...

youtu.be

Fort Chipewyan protests plan to treat and release oilsands tailings water

YouTube video by CBC News Alberta

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Reposted by Ian Vander Meulen, PhD

Dena McMartin 🇨🇦 @dwmcmartin.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

For some, kindness and generosity, tolerance and inclusion are weakness. In Canada, we know these are strengths.

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

I see AI slop posted in droves on LinkedIn. For a site supposedly dedicated to "the grind," these folks sure do eagerly out themselves as lazy and low-effort.

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Reposted by Ian Vander Meulen, PhD

Dr. Merritt Rae Turetsky @queenofpeat.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

To become a BOG CHAMPION and protect these misunderstood yet essential ecosystems, please pick up a copy of Bogland, which has a bog bucket list of things you can do (and great spots to visit, to give a big thanks to the bog this fall). wwnorton.com/books/bogland profilebooks.com/work/boglands/ 6/6

Image of the two covers of the book Bogland

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Immediately juxtaposed against "You are shit you are poop you are feces you are excrement and you should be embarrassed." This person gets me.

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

"Since the dawn of technology, we’ve been picking at the locks, trying to free Being from the shackles of Doing." What a bar, damn. Was not expecting to get slapped with flashbacks of Continental Philosophy class this early in the morning.

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

IoT is just too prone to "enshittification." See the recent bru-haha around LG TVs and monitors turning themselves into corporate listening devices

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

youtu.be/6IFVTcM28KA This is effing nuts. I have an LG TV in my living room. I think I need a new TV. How long will Costco accept returns?

youtu.be

216,000,000 Spy TVs | The LG Smart TV Problem

YouTube video by Gamers Nexus

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Reposted by Ian Vander Meulen, PhD

darth™️ @darthbluesky.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

these stories always make me think about the politicians demanding that companies like apple provide back doors to their encryption

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

^ I'll be chasing down funding to answer those questions (and more if we can). Hit me up if you have deep pockets. Given all the hullabaloo lately on treat & release scenarios, following up on this work is going to matter to industry & communities. doi.org/10.1021/acse...

doi.org

Microbes Endogenous to Oilsands-Eroding Tributaries Can Enhance Mobilization of Bitumen-Derived Naphthenic Acid Fraction Compounds into Water

Abstract. The Athabasca Oil Sands region (AOSR) of Alberta, Canada has one of the largest proven unconventional petroleum deposits on earth. Petroleum extr

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

All sorts of interesting implications here to explore - how does this affect background petroleum exposure for downstream critters? How can native microbes change modelling of chemical dynamics in accidental releases? How might this inform necessary treatment thresholds for eventual release?

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

We started on this road by trying to do forensic work to build a "natural" chemical fingerprint of bitumen to differentiate from "industrial," but had to stop and re-think because the fingerprint wouldn't stabilize in river water from the region. Microbes were exerting dramatic influences quickly.

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

This might be one of the most impactful publications I've participated in to-date. New article out today touching on organic contaminant occurrence, transport, and fate in Athabasca River tributaries shows that these ecosystems have likely been adapting to bitumen for a very long time.

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Hey Cynthia Block, can we have bike lanes back in #YXE?

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

youtube.com/playlist?lis... Protest the Hero - "Kezia" It's progressive metalcore, so not for everyone, but I love it.

youtube.com

Kezia - YouTube

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

A long time ago, my parents were absolutely convinced that storing pineapples upside-down on the counter made them sweeter before cutting. That or my parents were swinging. Rooting for option 1.

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Another red-eye flight, another morning where anticipation of *something* going wrong getting to the airport completely derails any wink of sleep I might have gotten.

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Having participated in related meetings, communities are being clearly and loudly represented. What that means in terms of influencing outcomes is anyone's guess.

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Currently involved in workshops trying to define "naphthenic acids" etc following recommendations from AB Gov's Oil Sands Mine Water technical committee. Very good initiative. Having only been on the technical side (not policy), what a task to herd the proverbial cats. Hard to foresee the outcomes.

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

I haven't seen anyone bring a casserole to a potluck since my childhood. I concur.

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

I once thought the fellas behind Freakonomics were onto interesting, but realize a lot of it was economics-related narcissism that perpetuates status quo. E.g., they were really big on "grit" as a socioeconomic determinant, but never asked how socioeconomic priors lend themselves to persistence.

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

I thought this was a stupid little game, and it is, but it scratches a different part of my brain than Wordle. Everyone should try the Poople. poople.io

poople.io

Poople - Daily Word Game

The game where you turn words into poop! New game every day. Can you find the shortest path?

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Reposted by Ian Vander Meulen, PhD

Alex Usher @alexusherhesa.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

International Student Enrolments in Canadian Colleges by Major Field of Study. Interesting pattern. Wonder what could have caused it.

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

Who knew Scooby Doo is an existentialist "Do-be-do-be-do!"

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 19/04/2026

Thursday was my last day with Environment Canada after my "voluntary departure." I'm sad to leave my excellent colleagues. Further, I'm sad that research capacity is eroding away in the org that remains.

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 11/04/2026

"Shrinking" is a fun show, but it's so utterly out of touch. All the financial and class struggles are so utterly absent that folks then have the privilege of working through psych struggles. It scratches the same itch as wishful day-dreaming after buying a lotto ticket.

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 07/03/2026

Unexpected side-effect post-grad studies is that I have trouble enjoying old hobbies. There's a little gremlin constantly whispering "but that's not productive." Any tips for slaying the guilt gremlin and chilling out?

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Reposted by Ian Vander Meulen, PhD

Bradley P. Moss @bradmossesq.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Coffee, straight out of my nose.

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Unfortunately, no "guarantee of a reasonable job offer" (GRJO) for me. I was told my WFA was due to "discontinuance of function," so no such possibility. I'll land on my feet, but I'd rather never have needed to jump.

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Reposted by Ian Vander Meulen, PhD

Rory Johnston @roryjohnston.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

🇨🇦 Believing that half my fellow citizens have "bad" morality and ethics couldn't be a more foreign concept to me. It's much easier to bridge divides and arrive at reasonable compromise when you start from the premise that *most* people are, in fact, acting in good faith. Glad to see that reflected

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Reposted by Ian Vander Meulen, PhD

Canadian Ecotoxicity Workshop @ecotoxcan.ca · 10/02/2026

We're excited to welcome you all to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan for the 52nd Annual Canadian Ecotoxicity Workshop, October 4 to 7, 2026! Stay tuned to LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/cana...) and our website (ecotoxcan.ca) for the latest information. #CEW2026 #Saskatoon

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

Environment Canada is "discontinuing my function" as a part of ongoing workforce adjustments. If there are any opportunities for a dynamic, coachable environmental professional in Canada, I would be glad to learn about them.

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

As I ask myself why I live where I live, I repeat, "no hurricanes, no earthquakes, no tsunamis, no alligators."

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Reposted by Ian Vander Meulen, PhD

Rory Johnston @roryjohnston.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

Alberta oil and gas royalty income surged as oil sands projects shifted from pre- to post-payout royalty rates and both global crude prices/WCS differentials held strong.

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 11/01/2026

When I started undergrad, an old teacher of mine asked if I'd ever consider becoming a teacher. Rather than taking that as a compliment (kudos, teachers), I mentioned how I didn't appreciate how teachers got so frequently politicized. So instead I became a public servant. D'oh.

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 10/01/2026

Addendum: ❤️ winter-rated chain lube. Friction increases through the bike's entire drivetrain in the cold. Cold-weather chain lubricant is a leg-saver

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 10/01/2026

8. Try to enjoy it. Even though it's hard, it's a good way to work regular exercise into otherwise sedentary routines. I've found it helpful to think about how much better I feel at other times off the bike b/c of all the time I've spent on it. Cardio is worth it.

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 10/01/2026

7. Ski helmet, preferably with closeable vents (again, thermal management). It's not a question of "if," but "when" a car will run into you. I've had two close calls this winter already. Slips happen too. Protect your brain.

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 10/01/2026

6. Svelte snow pants. Same reason as the boots - it's tough to find something that's weather-resistant, but won't get caught in gears. I've been loving mountaineer-style hiking pants (with zipper vents). Wind-resistant, slim at the ankles, and able to dump heat. 🤌

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 10/01/2026

5. Good footwear. Personally, for ease of dressing up/down pre & post-commute, some sort of winter-rated insulated Chelsea-style boot has been awesome. It's terrible trying to bike in huge, chunky boots.

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 10/01/2026

4. Studded tires - in Saskatoon, ice is more often a safety challenge than is deep snow (though deep drifts can and do form). YMMV on choice between studded vs fat tires, but I've loved studded tires for the traction.

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 10/01/2026

3. Ski gear generally - it's the same challenges of keeping warm, but wanting to be able to manage your temps. If you're biking for an extended period, you don't want to get too sweaty (and subsequently freeze up) before arriving.

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Ian Vander Meulen, PhD @vandermeuleni.bsky.social · 10/01/2026

2. Ski goggles - huge quality of life improvement over riding without, especially when snow is falling. It cuts a ton of wind-chill off the face.

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