Born in Nova Scotia, I have enjoyed a rich career, first as a professional Landscape Architect in Ontario, followed by 25 years as a Professor (and at times Director) for Dalhousie University’s School for Resource and Environmental Studies. Recently retired, I remain engaged as Professor Emerita in the Faculty of Science and Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Throughout my career, I have been engaged in numerous professional, community, and volunteer organizations. For 15 years I chaired Nova Scotia’s Land Legacy Trust, which has provided game-changing matching funding support to land trusts to protect private lands of ecological significance. I have twice served on Recovery Planning Teams for species at risk in Nova Scotia. I have helped organize international conferences, provided guidance to Parks Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada, most recently for Canada’s National Ecological Corridors Program.

My interests have always focused on the inter-relationships between humans and our environment. Primarily I have centered on wildlife and natural ecosystems and our responsibilities as humans to think and act in ways that recognize that we are all related. The biological diversity that makes up ecological systems comprises our life-support system. My work has explored and advocated for ways to live in co-existence, for the benefit of all, both people and nature.

I have always enjoyed outdoor activities, especially backcountry camping, canoeing, hiking, and sea kayaking. I have done a lot of long-distance running, swimming and biking, including the Boston Marathon, and competing for Team Canada in international triathlon and duathlon competitions, earning an award of excellence and a bronze medal for Canada in 2013.