Photo of Vivian Nguyen

Vivian Nguyen

Assistant Professor, Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science

Degrees:MSc (Carleton), Ph.D. (Carleton)
Phone:613-520-2600 ext. 7071
Email:Vivian.Nguyen@carleton.ca
Office:4411 Herzberg Building, Carleton University
1125 Colonel By drive
Ottawa, ON
K1S5B6
Website:Social Ecology and Conservation Collaborative
Twitter:Follow

Education

B.Sc. Environmental Science, Minors in Biology and Business, Carleton University

Ph.D. Biology with focus in sociology, Carleton University

Current Research

My research embodies inter- and transdisciplinary principles to solve today’s environmental and societal challenges such as natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration, climate change adaptation, food insecurity, among others. I have broad interests and my research uses concepts and principles from knowledge exchange and mobilization theory, social ecology, conservation social science, and human dimensions research. As a result, my work is very collaborative and spans the natural and social sciences, as well as science and policy.

I am interested in understanding human motivations, perceptions and behaviours as they relate to conservation and environmental issues. My research also focuses on how to ensure that the right knowledge (including scientific, local, and community knowledge) is included in decisions and practices to address today’s problems.

For example, I ask questions like: What drives people to behave in a pro-environmental way? How do we ensure that sustainable practices are adopted in natural resource management? What influences policy decisions and how can science play a larger role in informing policy? What are effective ways to communicate best practices and scientific information, which result in behaviour change? How do and can local communities influence environmental management and conservation?

Lastly, but most importantly, I am committed to bridging the ‘knowledge-action gap’, including knowledge mobilization and co-production, as well as science communication.

As a summary, our research group has expertise and interest in the following areas:

  • Human dimensions of natural resource management (fisheries, forestry, agriculture, etc.)
  • Conservation and environmental social science
  • Socio-demographic studies
  • Adoption or diffusion of innovation and disruptive technologies
  • Public, community, and stakeholder perceptions
  • Stakeholder and community engagement
  • Knowledge and evidence synthesis
  • Knowledge exchange and mobilization / science policy
  • Science of science communication

Selected Publications

Nguyen, V.M., Young, N., Brownscombe, J.W., Cooke, S.J. Science-based action starts with collaboration and engagement: factors influencing knowledge uptake in fish telemetry (2019) Ecological Applications 29, e01943

Nguyen, V.M., Young, N., Corriveau, M., Hinch, S.G., Cooke, S.J. (2018) What is ‘usable’ knowledge? Perceived barriers for integrating new knowledge into fisheries management of an iconic Canadian fishery. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjfas-2017-0305

Nguyen, V.M., Young, N., Cooke, S.J. (2017) A roadmap for knowledge exchange and mobilization research in conservation and natural resource management. Conservation Biology 31, 789-798.

Delle Palme, C.A., Nguyen, V.M., Gutowksy, L.F.G., Cooke, S.J. (2016) Do fishing education programs effectively transfer ‘catch-and-release’ best practices to youth anglers yielding measurable improvements in fish condition and survival? Knowledge and Management of Aquatic Ecosystems 417, 42.

Nguyen, V.M., Young, N., Hinch, S.G., Cooke, S.J. (2016) Getting past the blame game: convergence and divergence in perceived threats to salmon resources among anglers and indigenous fishers in Canada’s lower Fraser River. AMBIO 10.1007/s13280-016-0769-6

Nguyen, V.M., Martins, E.G., Robichaud, D., Raby, G.D., Donaldson, M.R., Lotto, A.G., Willmore, W.G., Patterson, D.A., Farrell, A.P, Hinch, S.G., Cooke, S.J. (2014) Disentangling the roles of air exposure, gillnet injury, and facilitated recovery on the post-capture and release mortality and behavior of adult migratory sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) in freshwater. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology 87, 125-135.

Nguyen, V.M., Larocque, S.M, Stoot, L.J., Cairns, N.A., Blouin-Demers, G., Cooke, S.J. (2013) Perspectives of fishers on turtle bycatch and conservation strategies in a small-scale inland commercial fyke net fishery. Endangered Species Research 22, 11-22.

Nguyen, V.M., Rudd, M.A., Hinch, S.G., Cooke, S.J. (2013) Pacific Salmon recreational anglers: attitudes and behaviors relevant for salmon conservation and management in British Columbia. Journal of Environmental Management 128, 852-865.

Nguyen, V.M., Rudd, M.A., Hinch, S.G., Cooke, S.J. (2012) Differences in information use and preferences among recreational salmon anglers: implications for management initiatives to promote responsible fishing. Human Dimensions of Wildlife 17, 248-256.