Labs
Mitchell Multifunctional Landscape Lab (M2L2 Lab)
Principal Investigator: Dr. Matthew Mitchell
Expertise: The M2L2 lab works to better understand how to sustainable and equitably manage human-dominated landscapes for both people and nature. We research the social-ecological processes that occur across spatial scales that affect ecosystems, biodiversity, and the benefits they provide to people, with a specific focus on interdisciplinary approaches for understanding urban and agricultural systems, and automated techniques for assessing and monitoring species, including bats and birds.
Resilient and Innovative Societies and Ecosystems Lab (RISE Lab)
Principal Investigator: Dr. Tahia Devisscher
Expertise: The RISE Lab is committed to advancing practical knowledge on equitable nature-based solutions at the intersection of climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and human wellbeing. We are a collaborative research group working in partnership with urban nature and communities to create healthy and resilient futures in innovative ways.
Urban Ecology & Sustainability Lab
Principal Investigator: Dr. Melissa McHale
Expertise: The Urban Ecology & Sustainability Lab’s overarching goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of urban ecosystem services, their spatial distribution, and how to maximize benefits provided by nature in cities. To achieve this long term goal our lab is focusing on (1) measuring and analyzing how urban ecosystem structure impacts biophysical outcomes and (2) how biophysical outcomes translate into ecosystem functions and the provisioning of ecosystem services in cities.
Urban Natures Lab
Principal Investigator: Dr. Lorien Nesbitt
Expertise: The Urban Natures Lab aims to understand and support people and nature, living together in cities. We are a collaborative research group led by Lorien Nesbitt at the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Forestry. Our work is guided by a focus on equity and justice, and a desire to integrate urban natures into our everyday lives.
Urban Nature Design Research Lab (under_lab)
Principal Investigator: Dr. Keunhyun Park
Expertise: Urban Nature Design Research Lab (under_lab) envisions a future where cities are healthier, more just, and more resilient through transformative urban nature planning and design. Our research inspires innovation, fosters environmental justice, and enhances community well-being.
Animal Behaviour and Cognition Lab
Principal Investigator: Dr. Sarah Benson-Amram
Expertise: The Animal Behavior and Cognition Lab strives to gain a comprehensive understanding of how wildlife are adapting to urban environments. More than ever, animals need to be able to quickly adapt to new conditions and deal with novel challenges. We are working to understand the role of cognition in these situations, by studying how complex cognitive abilities evolved, what animals know about their social and ecological environements, and how animals use this knowledge in adaptive ways.
Urban Forests Ecosystem Lab (UFEL)
Principal Investigator: Dr. Susan Day
Expertise: The UFEL tackles a diverse range of pressing issues on belowground systems in urban forests. Our research spans topics like urban soil management, land development, and stormwater management.