News

 

Towards a Relational Theory of Value

Kai and others argued that the complete domination of economics in policymaking is a problem, and that what’s needed is an alternative (relational) theory of value. This is the introductory editorial to a special feature in People and Nature.

Kai appointed Commissioning Editor at People and Nature

After serving six years as a Founding Lead Editor, Kai is now Commissioning Editor at the British Ecological Society journal, People and Nature. In this role, Kai is commissioning three new kinds of articles. Check out this blog post to suggest someone or a topic, or to see if one of your ideas might fit.

Guidance for Prospective Students: Pitching YOUR Uncharted Territory

Check out Kai’s post on CHANS Lab Views, subtitled “How to think of your proposal in relation to your supervisor when applying to grad school

Alberto Campos announced a DeHaan Finalist for the Indianapolis Prize

Alberto Campos was named a DeHaan Finalist for the prestigious Indianapolis Prize for world-leading animal conservation. As a finalist, Alberto receives a $50,000 award to continue his efforts to conserve endangered species and rewild ecosystems. Bravo, Alberto!

Samantha Blackwell awarded a NSERC scholarship and wins President’s Medal

Incoming CHANS Lab Master’s student, Sam Blackwell, received the NSERC Canada Graduate Scholarship for her proposed research on citizen science for understanding nest predation in urban birds. Sam was the President’s Medallist at the University of Windsor, an honour given to the student with the most outstanding combination of extracurricular involvement and academic achievement.

Clare Price awarded a SSHRC scholarship

CHANS Lab Master’s student, Clare Price, received the SSHRC Canada Graduate Scholarship for her research on bird sound, urban noise, and their relationship with human well-being.

Jo Fitzgibbons and co. find Vancouver neighborhoods most in need of restorative nature least likely to have it; coverage by CBC and more

CHANS Lab PhD candidate, Jo Fitzgibbons, and team found that the most socially vulnerable areas of Vancouver are least likely to have access to restorative nature. Jo joined Dr. Tahia Devisscher, Taelynn Lam, Ingrid Jarvis, Derek Li, and Dr. Matt Mitchell in an article out in Ambio to propose a new “local restorative nature” index, […]

Rumi Naito defends her PhD

Congratulations to Rumi for an excellent PhD defence! “Messaging for wildlife conservation: leveraging attitudes, intentions, and actions for transformative change” With co-supervisor Jiaying Zhao, Rumi’s supervisory committee included Robin Naidoo, Jeff Sayer, and Intu Boedhihartono. Her external examiner was Kathryn Williams of the University of Melbourne, and her UBC examiners were Dave Hardisty and Daniel Weary. Bravo, Rumi!

CHANS Lab researchers depict how machine learning can suffer data leakage

In a new paper in Nature Ecology & Evolution, Andy Stock, Ed Gregr, and Kai Chan demonstrate how many routine applications of machine learning can inadvertently “leak data”, undermining accurate predictions.

Aaron’s bat research covered by CBC

Especially following the discovery of the fungus that causes White Nose Syndrome, Aaron Aguirre’s bat research has received welcome attention from the media. Check out this <2-minute segment on CBC.