Scott Nielsen, PhD, MSc, BSc
Contact
Professor (Conservation Biology), Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sci - Renewable Resources Dept
- scottn@ualberta.ca
- Phone
- (780) 492-1656
- Address
-
701 General Services Building
9007 - 116 St NWEdmonton ABT6G 2H1
Overview
About
Dr. Scott Nielsen is a Professor of Conservation Biology in the Department of Renewable Resources at the University of Alberta. In 2008 he founded the Applied Conservation Ecology Lab leading a research team that examines the responses of biodiversity to forestry and energy development and the effectiveness of mitigation/restoration actions. His interests are in terrestrial ecology (plant & animal) and its applications to the field of conservation biogeography that blends field studies of species with remote sensing, GIS, and statistical modeling/forecasting. using methods that blend field studies of species with remote sensing, GIS, and statistical modeling/forecasting. The geographic focus of his work is the boreal and hemi-boreal forests of western and central Canada and the Canadian Rocky Mountain montane forests.
Dr. Nielsen is currently supervising ~15 graduate students and research staff. More details about his lab and research activities can be found at the Applied Conservation Ecology Lab website.
Education
- 2005 PhD, Environmental Biology and Ecology, University of Alberta
- 1997 MSc, Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
- 1995 BSc, Biology (Ecology), University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Awards
- Eastern Scholar, China (2018-2021)
- Research and Innovation Award, Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences (2013)
- Teacher of the Year, Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences (2016/17, 2013/14, 2012/13, 2011/12, 2010/11)
- Award of Excellence in Mentoring Graduate Students, Department of Renewable Resources (2012)
Research
Major Responsibilities / Research Interests
Conservation biology; species distribution and habitat supply modelling; endangered species monitoring and management; conservation planning and reserve design; landscape ecology and biogeography; terrestrial ecology; habitat fragmentation; boreal & hemi-boreal forests.
Research objective
To understand, map, manage, monitor and sustain biological diversity. My research interests are in conservation biology, ecology, biodiversity and biogeography of terrestrial plants and animals within temperate and boreal ecosystems. In particular, I am interested in understanding and applying ecological and conservation principles to support land management decisions and regional land use/conservation planning. I am, however, also interested in testing broader ecological questions, theory, and methods.
Teaching
- RENR 496/796 - Conservation Planning (2011-present)
- RENR 364/765 - Principles of Managing Natural Diversity (2009-present)
- RENR 401 - Independent Study (2009-present)
- RENR 299 - Field School, Wildlife component (2010-present)
Courses
REN R 105 - Introduction to Environmental Sciences
This course introduces students to environmental sciences by exploring the relationship between humans and their environment; especially the issues and science on the biosphere, atmosphere, and its species. Emphasis is on understanding our natural environment, our human impacts, and approaches to sustaining, managing, and restoring our natural resources using real-world issues such as climate change and biodiversity conservation.
REN R 401 - Topics in Renewable Resources
Directed study in the multiple aspects of renewable resources. Open to third or fourth year students upon consent of instructor. Some sections require payment of additional student instructional support fees. Refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations section of the Calendar.
REN R 496 - Conservation Planning
Conservation Planning is a quantitative, inter-disciplinary applied science that prioritizes conservation actions in a spatially-explicit manner. It seeks to understand trade-offs between biological, social and economic factors associated with land use activities. The course is a combination of computing labs that demonstrate key principles and software, lectures to discuss key issues, and a student-led final project to apply key concepts and quantitative techniques. Special emphasis is given to Alberta's land use planning challenges, although North American examples and exercises are also used. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor, or (REN R 364 or ENCS 364) and (REN R 201 or EAS 221) and (STATS 141 or SCI 151) and *81 university level credits.
REN R 596 - Conservation Planning
Conservation Planning is a quantitative, inter-disciplinary applied science that prioritizes conservation actions in a spatially-explicit manner. It seeks to understand trade-offs between biological, social and economic factors associated with land use activities. The course is a combination of computing labs that demonstrate key principles and software, lectures to discuss key issues, and a student-led final project to apply key concepts and quantitative techniques. Special emphasis is given to Alberta's land use planning challenges, although North American examples and exercises are also used. Not to be taken if credit received for REN R 496 or REN R 796.
REN R 906 - Research Project
The final research project that comprises REN R 906 is a final capping exercise for the degrees of MAg and MF. Its practical and professional focus should integrate the core areas of study in the program. The successful completion of the project entails (1) a research topic approved by the supervisor; (2) the presentation of a draft research proposal; and (3) the presentation of the research as a written document to the supervisor. The project may take the form of any of the following: (1) a formal analysis of management practice, organizational processes or policy; (2) a formative or summative evaluation of a research project or program; (3) a case study, using secondary documents, survey data, or interviews; or (4) replication of a previous study, with either the introduction of a new variable or an analysis in a changed context.