Danielle Ignace

Danielle Ignace serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Forest Resources at the University of Minnesota, Research Associate at Harvard Forest, and affiliated faculty at the University of British Columbia. An enrolled Coeur d'Alene tribal member, she directs ecophysiology research on climate change, fire, and invasive species impacts on forest ecosystems and Indigenous communities across North America.

Her academic foundation includes:

• PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona (2006; Advisor: Travis Huxman)
• MS in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona (2004)
• BS in Zoology and Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin, Madison (2000)

Dr. Ignace's research integrates Traditional Ecological Knowledge with scientific methodologies to address global environmental challenges. She examines ecosystem responses to climate stressors while centering Indigenous perspectives on land stewardship, with particular focus on reconciliation of knowledge systems and equitable science practices. Her work bridges forest ecology, social justice, and community-based adaptation strategies through transdisciplinary collaborations.

Recent publications reveal strong thematic trends in decolonizing ecological frameworks, with recurring emphasis on knowledge co-production, terminology reform, and climate resilience. Key subfields include Indigenous research methodologies, invasive species management, permafrost carbon dynamics, and geospatial forest monitoring, reflecting her commitment to both theoretical innovation and applied conservation solutions.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Excellence in Ecology Scholar, Ecological Society of America
• Wall Scholar at Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies (UBC, 2022-2023)
• Science for Society Equity Fellow, Fair Count Inc

Dr. Ignace mentors multiple graduate students including PhD candidate Miah Godek (Public Scholars Initiative and Climate Solutions Scholars awardee) and Master's researchers Gracie Crafts (triple fellowship recipient) and Devlin Grewal. She secured $937,212 from the Paul G. Allen Foundation for Coeur d'Alene Tribe climate-salmon initiatives and leads four UBC Indigenous Strategic Initiatives Fund projects. Her advisory roles include the BC Conservation Fund ($300M ecosystem initiative) and Silviculture Innovation Program ($10M provincial investment).

The Ignace Lab operates as a dynamic nexus for ecophysiology research, art-science collaborations (including Clyfford Still Museum exhibitions), and science communication through YouTube field documentation. It connects with broader networks including the Forest MacroSystems Network, Systems Beings Lab, and UBC's Wine Production and Climate Change Research Cluster to advance community-driven environmental solutions.