معرفی
Wendy Burton is a Contract Lecturer in the Department of Politics & Public Administration at Toronto Metropolitan University, Faculty of Arts. She teaches POL377: Urban Sustainability Policy, a core course in the Environment and Urban Sustainability BA (Hons.) program.
Education:
- PhD in Geography, University of Toronto
- MA in Public Policy and Administration, Ryerson University
- BA in Sociology, Harvard University
Wendy Burton is a human geographer whose research centers on urban and political geography, with a focus on sustainable city-regions, civil society, green space protection, and environmental governance. Her work explores the intersection of policy, planning, and social innovation in urban contexts, particularly in suburban and small city environments. She investigates how civil society organizations contribute to environmental resilience and public realm provision.
Her recent publications highlight the role of civil society in protecting green infrastructure, particularly in the Toronto region. The thematic focus of her research includes political ecology, urban sustainability policy, and the governance of conservation areas. She is currently revising her PhD dissertation for publication as journal articles and potentially a book.
Scientific Awards:
- Best PhD Student Paper award, Canadian Association of Geographers Ontario annual meeting (2016)
Wendy Burton has extensive professional experience beyond academia, including leadership roles in journalism, non-profits, and business. She has served as communications director and campaign manager for political campaigns at municipal, provincial, and federal levels. She has been actively involved in environmental advocacy, having served as a past director of Environmental Defence Canada and the Oakville Community Foundation. Her advisory and professional engagement includes volunteer leadership in educational and alumni organizations, such as the Harvard Club of Toronto and the Toronto Board of Education.
She is a member of the Canadian Association of Geographers, several environmental organizations, and the Oakville Historical Society. Her interdisciplinary background enables her to bridge academic research with real-world policy and community action.
