Wildfire experts – TRU Newsroom
Thompson Rivers University experts are available to discuss wildfires in BC, their impacts and other related issues.
Wildfire behaviour, ecology, land, air and water impacts
Dr. Mike Flannigan, BC Research Chair in Predictive Services, Emergency Management and Fire Science.
Dr. Flannigan’s research involves developing methods to help predict when and where extreme fire weather may arise and exploring the development of early warning wildfire notification systems. He is working with BC Wildfire Service staff to address challenges related to predicting wildfire activity and behaviour, to enhance their ability to prepare for and respond to wildfires.
Contact: 780-222-6819 (cell) | [email protected] | @mikeflannigan (Twitter)
Dr. Jill Harvey, Canada Research Chair in Fire Ecology.
Dr. Harvey investigates wildfire and drought as processes driving ecosystem change to help inform forest and fire management practices and enhance resilience in Canada’s forests.
Contact: 250-371-5804 | [email protected]
Dr. Wendy Gardner, associate professor, Natural Resource Science (Faculty of Science)
Dr. Gardner is an expert in rangeland management and ecology and the coordinator of the Master of Science in Environmental Science program at TRU. She is knowledgeable about post-wildfire plant community recovery.
Contact: 250-371-5570 | [email protected]
Dr. Brian Heise, associate professor, Natural Resource Science (Faculty of Science)
Dr. Heise studies the effects of land use practices and invasive species on freshwater invertebrates and fish. He is knowledgeable about the effects of wildfire on aquatic ecosystems, especially rivers and streams.
Contact: 250-371-5530 | 250-572-5805 (cell) | [email protected]
Dr. Michael Mehta, professor, Geography and Environmental Studies (Faculty of Arts).
Dr. Mehta studies public perceptions of risk, air quality and health, and disaster preparedness and lessons learned from previous wildfires.
Contact: 250-852-7275 | 778-694-7793 (cell) | [email protected]
Dr. Thomas Pypker, associate professor, Natural Resource Science (Faculty of Science).
Dr. Pypker is studying the after-effects of wildfires, particularly as they impact land disturbance and water flows.
Contact: 250-828-5414 | [email protected]
Contact:
Kim Van Haren, Communications Content Specialist
University Relations, Thompson Rivers University
778-471-8389 | [email protected]