Email: cmmcgale[at]mun[dot]ca

 

Supervisor: Dr. Carissa Brown

Research Group:
Northern EDGE Lab

Previous Education: 

MSc Biology, University of Lethbridge (Supervisor: Dr. Jenny McCune)
BSc Environmental Sciences and Honours Thesis, University of Lethbridge (Supervisor: Dr. Jenny McCune)

Research Project: 

I am broadly interested in understanding species geographic distributions and how predictive distribution models can be used to inform conservation efforts. My project will investigate the use of species distribution models to quantify how demographic stage-specific ecological processes and environmental filters limit the distribution of black ash (Fraxinus nigra), a threatened tree species, in Newfoundland. Long-lived species, such as trees, are known to have varying environmental requirements at different life stages. By modelling the distribution of F. nigra, I hope to determine whether model predictions differ between life stages, whether the environmental conditions required for its growth and persistence in Newfoundland differ from those on the mainland, and how these models can support the active conservation of the species.

Research Interests: 

Species distribution models
Biogeography
Plant community ecology
Conservation