Ellen Petticrew

Dr. Ellen Petticrew is a Professor in the Department of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), where she holds the FRBC Endowed Research Chair in Landscape Ecology. She is affiliated with the NRES Graduate Program and the Quesnel River Research Centre, and her research spans river and lake systems with implications for watershed management and ecological restoration.

• PhD in Biology, McGill University (1989)
• MSc in Physical Geography, University of British Columbia
• BSc in Physical Geography, Queen's University

Dr. Petticrew's research focuses on the fate and transport of fine-grained sediments (< 63 microns) in aquatic systems, integrating biotic and abiotic processes. Her work examines sediment, nutrient, and contaminant fluxes influenced by disturbances such as forest harvesting, wildfires, and mine tailings spills. She investigates biogeomorphology, flocculation processes, and the ecological implications of sediment storage in rivers and lakes, with a strong emphasis on salmon-bearing systems and lake restoration.

Her recent publications reveal a consistent focus on sediment dynamics, environmental disasters (notably the Mt. Polley mine spill), wildfire impacts, and marine-derived nutrient cycling. Using techniques like sediment fingerprinting and stable isotope analysis, her research addresses watershed-scale challenges in British Columbia and beyond, contributing to climate resilience and ecosystem recovery.

Scientific recognition includes her Endowed Research Chair, and she has secured major grants from NSERC, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and the Pacific Salmon Foundation. Her work bridges science and community stewardship, particularly in northern watersheds.

• Supervises PhD and MSc students in NRES (Natural Resources and Environmental Studies), Biology, Environmental Science, and Geography
• Primary Investigator on multi-million-dollar projects related to salmon habitat, mine spill recovery, and climate change impacts
• Collaborates with agencies and communities on restoration and monitoring initiatives

Dr. Petticrew is actively involved with the Quesnel River Research Centre, where experimental and field studies are conducted. She leads a research team including graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and collaborators, focusing on integrated watershed science and environmental recovery.