Dr. Joe Bennett and Dr. Catherine Cullingham were recipients of the 2022 Research Excellence Awards.
Dr. Bennett’s research areas include conservation prioritization, threatened species, invasion ecology, environmental policy and spatial statistics. I have a particular interest in practical questions regarding invasive species control and management to protect threatened species. My work in these areas aims to provide conservation agencies with useful tools that allow them to achieve better results within their limited budgets. I also undertake ecological and social research to help improve Canadian environmental policy. My study systems include polar regions, temperate grasslands and lakes, and boreal forests. Check out the Bennett Lab to learn more!
Dr. Cullingham is currently working on community genomics in pine-pathogen systems. While we can garner considerable information studying species in isolation, we need to examine species as a community to better understand host-pathogen systems. Using methods from population genomics and landscape ecology my lab is investigating the mountain pine beetle and western-gall rust systems to better understand what genetic factors contribute to pathogenicity and host-pine susceptibility. We will use these data to develop risk maps across the relevant ranges of the species which can be used to develop additional research questions, and for making management decisions. Check out the Cullingham Lab to learn more!
Congratulations to the recipients of this years awards! Visit this page to learn more!