Dr. Abbott is a Research Scientist for Fisheries and Oceans Canada based in Nanaimo. Her research focuses on the development and implementation of environmental DNA (eDNA) biomonitoring tools for a wide range of end uses. Highlights include co-authoring national science advice on targeted eDNA analysis for invasive and at-risk species, and leading a Genome BC project that built the NAMERS mitogenome sequence database to support robust eDNA surveys of BC's freshwater fish.

She is currently committed to eDNA standards development, including as project lead of one of the first eDNA standards proposed to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Dr. Abbott is also a Technical Manager at an ISO 17025 accredited regulatory diagnostics lab that supports Canada’s National Aquatic Animal Health Program. She has received one Public Service Award of Excellence and three national DFO awards, including a National Reconciliation Coin. Influenced by her 20 years as a federal researcher and her Jewish roots, Dr. Abbott is also keenly interested in the linkages between current environmental and sustainability challenges and the need for individual and collective healing.