Hi, I'm Ferne! 🌿

PhD Candidate | Heliconia & Hummingbirds

Explore My Research
Ferne Kotlyar

About Me

I am a pollination ecologist. My work explores the relationship between Heliconia flowers and their hummingbird pollinators. I am completing my PhD at the University of Toronto in the department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.

I am also the co-founder of Heliconia Interactive, where we build video games for undergraduate biology classes. Outside of work, I am a kickboxer, grower of pickling cucumbers, and canoe-camper.

Education

2021 – Present

University of Toronto

PhD Candidate, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

2020

University of Edinburgh

Semester Abroad: Plant Biology

2017 – 2021

McGill University

Bachelor of Agr. and Env. Science, Plant Biology

2013 – 2017

Vaughan Secondary School

French Immersion Diploma

Beyond Research

Heliconia Interactive

Heliconia Interactive

Play, Learn.

Heliconia Interactive builds academically rigorous video games that transform how students learn biology. Designed for universities, our tools simplify complex topics, boost engagement, and give educators data-driven insights into student progress.

Visit Heliconia Interactive →