Sapna Sharma

Sapna Sharma is a Full Professor in the Department of Biology at York University's Faculty of Science. Her research focuses on predicting the effects of environmental stressors—such as climate change, invasive species, and habitat alteration—on lakes and aquatic ecosystems. She leads the Sharma Lab, emphasizing big data and machine learning to address global change biology challenges. Her work explores lake ice dynamics, water quality, and biodiversity responses to climate shifts, with a focus on Arctic and Northern Hemisphere lakes.

Key research areas include cryosphere studies, aquatic ecology, and climate modeling. She has developed quantitative frameworks to predict ecosystem responses and collaborates on long-term projects like the Community Lake Ice Collaboration, spanning over 1,000 lakes. Her lab's contributions include datasets like the Global Lake area, Climate, and Population (GLCP), enhancing global environmental monitoring.

Sharma's research highlights societal impacts of environmental changes, such as reduced lake ice safety and economic consequences for communities. She advocates for interdisciplinary approaches to limnology and emphasizes freshwater biodiversity conservation. Her work bridges ecological and social sciences, addressing climate adaptation and policy implications.

Contact details: Email sharma11@yorku.ca, Office: Lumbers Building 326. She is eligible to supervise graduate students in the Biology Graduate Program at York University.