Scott Nielsen

Dr. Scott Nielsen is a Professor of Conservation Biology at the University of Alberta's Department of Renewable Resources within the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences. He leads the Applied Conservation Ecology Lab, focusing on biodiversity responses to industrial and climatic pressures, particularly in Canada's boreal forests. His work integrates field studies, remote sensing, and statistical modeling to address conservation challenges.

Education:

• PhD, Environmental Biology and Ecology, University of Alberta (2005)
• MSc, Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (1997)
• BSc, Biology (Ecology), University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (1995)

Research Interests: Conservation biology, species distribution modeling, endangered species management, landscape ecology, boreal forest dynamics, habitat fragmentation, and climate change impacts. His lab prioritizes practical solutions for sustainable land-use planning and wildlife conservation.

Awards and Recognition:

• Repeated Teacher of the Year (2010/11–2016/17)
• Eastern Scholar (China, 2018–2021)
• Research and Innovation Award (2013)

Advising and Grants: Supervises ~15 graduate students and research staff. Active in securing funding for biodiversity monitoring, habitat restoration, and wildlife corridor initiatives.

Labs and Teams: Directs the Applied Conservation Ecology Lab, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams on projects involving grizzly bears, boreal caribou, and industrial disturbance mitigation.