Department of Geography and PlanningOur research lies at the interface of ecology and geography and we draw on and contribute to the disciplines of biogeography, landscape ecology, conservation biology, and vegetation science. We focus on understanding the causes and consequences of ecosystem change, and the implications of this change for biodiversity conservation and environmental management.
Ecosystems are best studied at multiple scales in order to fully understand their dynamics, so we use a wide variety of methods in our research, including field observations and experiments; tree ring analysis; mapping, spatial analysis, and remote sensing; and statistical analysis of long-term monitoring data.
Three large, transboundary bioregions serve as focal points for our research:
- St. Elias Region (Yukon-Alaska-British Columbia)
- Bathurst Caribou Range (Northwest Territories-Nunavut)
- Algonquin-to-Adirondacks (Ontario-New York)
Current Projects
Habitat and Range Ecology of the Bathurst Caribou Herd
The Bathurst caribou herd of Nunavut and NWT declined from an estimated 180,000 animals in 2003 to fewer than 9,000 in 2018. The decline could be due to a multitude of interacting factors. We are investigating how changes in the structure and composition of the herd’s habitat may have contributed to the decline. We are using a variety of techniques implemented at a range of scales, including satellite image analysis, tree ring analysis, and computer mapping techniques (more details at http://rangechange.ca)
Arctic-Alpine Treeline Dynamics
As climate continues to warm, the boundaries between forest and tundra ecosystems (referred to as “treelines”) are expected to advance. We are investigating the potential for this to occur as well as the impacts such a change could have on species that inhabit tundra ecosystems. This includes studies of historical treeline dynamics using tree ring analysis, studies of treeline ecology using field measurements and experimentation, and simulations of future change using computer modeling. Much of this work has occurred in the mountains of southwest Yukon, but we more recently extended this work to latitudinal treeline in Northwest Territories.
Road Ecology
There are over 64 million kilometers of roads worldwide. These roads fragment wildlife habitat and can reduce population connectivity. For some species, vehicle-animal collisions can also be a significant source of mortality, reducing population size. We are investigating the impacts of roads on wildlife populations and experimenting with techniques to increase connectivity and reduce collisions. Most of this work has focused on the biologically diverse Frontenac Arch Bioregion in Eastern Ontario (more details at http://www.a2acollaborative.org)
Kluane Region Vegetation Dynamics
A spruce bark beetle outbreak reached epidemic levels in the late 1990s and killed large areas of white spruce forest in southwest Yukon. We are mapping the extent of this infestation as well as post-disturbance recovery using LiDAR and hyperspectral imaging. At higher elevations, the region’s tundra ecosystems have changed more progressively. We are using remote sensing and spatial analysis linked to field investigations to analyze this change and assess the implications for regional wildlife populations, including the iconic Dall’s sheep.
Student Opportunities
Thinking about grad school?
If you are interested in joining our team as a graduate student, then you should read the following information and explore the program information for the Department of Geography and Planning or the School of Environmental Studies. You should also read some of the publications from the lab, and you should look at the types of projects that students in the lab have worked on. If you’re still interested then feel free to contact me.
What I look for and what you can expect
Prospective grad students must be committed, enthusiastic and hard-working with a strong desire to learn and explore. You should have some exposure to ecology and physical geography with some basic training in quantitative analysis. You should be able to work both independently and as part of a team. You must be prepared to devote the next two (Masters) or four (PhD) years entirely towards your studies. Graduate school requires commitment and hard work, and you should be prepared for that; but is also extremely rewarding!
Thesis topics
Choosing a thesis topic can be a challenging task. I am open to students developing their own research projects, but they must fit within the scope of my research interests. I also have several projects that are available for students. In general, you should first consider a broad topic you are interested in, but also the methods you would like to gain expertise in, and the extent to which you want to conduct fieldwork.
Geography or Environmental Studies?
I am jointly appointed between the Department of Geography & Planning and the School of Environmental Studies. I accept graduate students in each unit. Regardless of the program, students under my supervision are part of the Q-LEG team.