Our team
Dr. Françoise Cardou
Assistant professor, University of Calgary
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PhD (2015-2020) Université de Sherbrooke
MSc (2007-2010) University of Alberta
BSc (2004-2007) Université Laval
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I am a plant and a community ecologist with a specific interest in functional ecology. Although I started out climbing mountains and hiking remote seashores, my interest is now in understanding how people and nature affect each other in socio-ecological systems, most wonderfully in cities. I pursue questions that can inform how we manage the environment and promote the dynamic stewardship of nature around us.​​
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Current lab members
For more information on how to join the lab, click here.
Tiana Parker
Master's (Fall 2024-present)
BSc, Saint-Mary's University (2024)
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I’m an MSc student studying how urbanization and water availability shape plant communities in naturally regenerated no-mow areas across Calgary. My research highlights the ecological value of these often-overlooked spaces, showing how their growth supports biodiversity and contributes to climate resilience. I’m particularly interested in how informal green spaces can be integrated into urban planning to enhance sustainability, beauty, and livability. Beyond my research, I’m passionate about conservation and understanding the roles of woodlands and herbaceous communities in maintaining ecological stability. In the long term, I aim to build a career in conservation, focused on protecting and restoring ecosystems through applied research and collaborative stewardship.
Cindy Spiro
Undergraduate research (Fall 2024-present); UFor fellow
BSc, University of Calgary (2025)
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I am interested in the long term health of urban woodlands, which include the portions of the urban canopy that are self-regenerating. My research investigates tree regeneration dynamics across an urbanization gradient in the Greater Toronto Area. Using long-term monitoring data collected by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, my work focuses on the abundance, composition and stability of seedling, sapling and canopy trees. The main goal is to understand how the pressures of urbanization can impact tree regeneration. Outside of my research, I play on the Premier Senior Women’s rugby team with the Canucks RFC, and enjoy hiking and backpacking.
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Co-Supervision: Lyndsay Cartwright (Toronto and Region Conservation Authority)
Rakshit Narayanan Devaraj Baskar
Undergraduate research (Fall 2024-present);
BSc, University of Calgary (2025)
Co-supervision: Scott Ketcheson, Athabaska University
Francisco Daniel Alvarado Garcia
Mitacs globalink scholar (Spring 2025-present)
BEng, ​Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí (2025)​
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​I am an undergraduate student at UASLP pursuing a degree in Environmental Engineering. I have gained professional experience in the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a tool for territorial planning, applying a geostatistical and sustainable development perspective. My work is driven by the integration of the social, environmental, and economic components that shape complex systems, aiming to understand and guide their dynamics. I have collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop practical solutions and deliverables addressing environmental challenges related to climate risk, urban planning, and rural development. Through these projects, I have gained valuable experience in spatial data analysis and the application of integrated approaches to support decision-making processes that promote sustainable and resilient communities.
Yuliia Dovhan
Mitacs globalink scholar (Spring 2025-present)
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​I'm studying to be a landscape designer, so I'm completely passionate about nature! Anything related to creativity and plants is wonderful. The main focus of my work is to explore the possibility of grouping different types of plants for their harmonious interaction and aesthetic appeal.
