Carly Ziter

Carly Ziter is a Professor and Research Chair in Urban Ecology and Sustainability at Concordia University, where she leads research on the intersection of landscape structure, biodiversity, and ecosystem services in human-dominated landscapes. She is a regular member of the Center for Forest Research (CEF) and directs the Carly Ziter Lab, which focuses on understanding urban ecological systems and their contributions to sustainability.

Her research program centers on ecosystem services as a lens for ecological questions related to sustainability, policy, and practice. Using field observations, satellite data, and community-engaged science approaches, she addresses fundamental and applied research questions across spatial and temporal scales. Her work falls into four primary themes: (1) spatial and temporal drivers of ecosystem services; (2) patterns and drivers of biodiversity across landscapes; (3) urban forest resilience; and (4) the intersection of built and ecological infrastructure.

Dr. Ziter's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on urban green infrastructure, tree biodiversity, and the relationship between urban form and ecosystem service provision. Her research shows particular interest in how urban forests provide cooling benefits, support biodiversity (especially pollinators), and contribute to human well-being across different urban contexts. She has pioneered community science approaches, notably the NDG Community Tree Inventory, which engages Montreal residents in studying private land trees to improve understanding of the urban forest.

• 2025 - Selected Participant, Storymakers Program, Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability
• 2023 - Research Communicator of the Year – International, Concordia
• 2022 - Research Communicator of the Year – International, Concordia (Institutional)
• 2022 - Research Communicator of the Year – Francophone Media, Concordia
• 2022 - Newsmaker of the Month, Concordia
• 2021 - Newsmaker of the Month, Concordia
• 2020 - Research Communicator of the Year – National, Concordia
• 2019 - Newsmaker of the Month, Concordia

As a dedicated mentor, Dr. Ziter advises multiple graduate students at both Master's and Doctoral levels, fostering the next generation of urban ecologists. She maintains strong collaborative relationships with landowners, community groups, local governments, and planners, ensuring her research has practical applications for urban sustainability. Her educational background includes a PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an MSc from McGill University, and a BSc from the University of Guelph, providing her with a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied ecology.