Sara Ashpole

Sara Ashpole is an Associate Professor in the Environmental Studies Department at Saint Louis University (SLU), holding the R. Sheldon ’68 and Virginia H. Johnson Professorship in the Sciences. She has served as Chair of Environmental Studies (2022-2023), Faculty Director of the Sustainability Program (2019-2022), and advisor to the Business in the Liberal Arts Major. Her work emphasizes diversity advocacy and interdisciplinary environmental practice.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Planning, University of Waterloo
• M.Sc. in Zoology & Toxicology, University of Guelph
• B.Sc. (Hons) Zoology, University of Guelph

Research Focus: Dr. Ashpole specializes in biodiversity conservation, particularly amphibians and turtles. Her work integrates ecological field research with policy advocacy, addressing issues like environmental contaminants (PCBs, pesticides), wetland rehabilitation, road ecology barriers, and invasive species management. She collaborates with Indigenous communities, NGOs (e.g., World Wildlife Fund), and government agencies across Canada's Great Lakes and Okanagan regions.

Policy and Leadership: As Canadian co-chair of the IUCN Amphibian Specialist Group (since 2015) and former member of Canada’s Committee on Endangered Wildlife Amphibian/Reptile Subcommittee, she directly influences national conservation policies. She also serves on the Southern Interior Land Trust board and edits Restoration Ecology.

Teaching & Outreach: Combines theoretical instruction with hands-on fieldwork via SLU’s Environmental Studies Living Lab. She leads global field courses to Costa Rica, Mexico, and Canada, emphasizing applied skills for environmental careers. Courses integrate environmental ethics, business sustainability, and citizen science.

Labs/Initiatives: Active in long-term amphibian monitoring, wetland restoration projects, and community outreach programs. Her work often involves citizen science and landowner stewardship initiatives.