Viktoria Wagner - Directory@UAlberta.ca

Contact

Associate Professor, Faculty of Science - Biological Sciences

Email: vwagner1@ualberta.ca
Phone: (780) 492-1208
Address: B702 Bio Science - Botany Wing
11355 - Saskatchewan Drive

Edmonton AB

T6G 2E9

Overview

Research

We work in the areas of plant ecology and ecoinformatics and address questions relevant to grassland ecology, invasion biology and vegetation science. Our toolbox includes data mining (programming), field observations and experiments.

Much of our research focuses on grasslands. These habitats cover a quarter of the global terrestrial surface but face unprecedented and enormous pressure by farming, non-native species, a disruption of natural disturbance regimes, and climate change. We carry out fieldwork in western Canada and the adjacent US states but have also ties to Europe and Central Asia.

Currently, we focus on the following research themes:

(1) Habitat susceptibility to non-native plants: Different plant communities respond differently to disturbance and non-native plants; some buffer it while other collapse under pressure. Why is this? Do intrinsic properties allow some communities to buffer against non-native plants? Or are some ecosystems more exposed to external pressure than others? We tackle these questions through a comparative framework across distant regions and habitat types. We explore patterns across large databases and use the R program to extract data, link it to existing taxonomic, biological and spatial databases and analyze the levels of invasion and flows of invasive plants.

(2) Invasive species management. Herbicides are one of the most common tools to control non-native plants in North American wildlands (see review in Wagner et al. 2017 Journal of Applied Ecology 54: 198-204). We collaborate with plant and soil ecologists at the University of Montana, Algoma University and the MPG Ranch to understand how this practice affects the soil seed bank, the aboveground plant community and its soil components.

(3) Much of the biodiversity of the temperate hemisphere is held in grassland and meadow communities, such as the timberline communities of the Rocky Mountains (Wagner et al. 2014, Applied Vegetation Science 17:129-141), distinguished only as “non-forest” in regional classification systems. What species and ecological functions are we losing when these communities become affected by global change? Effective conservation and restoration efforts require that these communities are identified, described, and mapped. We explore the diversity and ecosystem functions of grasslands and meadow habitats that have received relatively little attention by scientists.

Courses

BIOL 430 - Statistical Design and Analysis in Biology

Familiarizes the student with the practical aspects of statistical design in biology, the analysis of experimental and survey data, and interpretation of statistical results. Lectures emphasize the rationale for choosing statistical tests and an understanding of their mathematical foundation and framework. Labs and assignments provide hands-on training in data analysis with the R programming language and in the interpretation of software outputs, and stress critical thinking and scientific communication. Prerequisites: STAT 141 or 151 or SCI 151, BIOL 330, and a 300-level Biological Sciences course. Credit cannot be obtained for BIOL 430 and BIOL 530 or REN R 480.

Winter Term 2026

BIOL 530 - Advanced Statistical Design and Analysis in Biology

Familiarizes the student with the practical aspects of statistical design in biology, the analysis of experimental and survey data, and interpretation of statistical results. Lectures emphasize the rationale for choosing statistical tests and an understanding of their mathematical foundation and framework. Labs and assignments provide hands-on training in data analysis with the R programming language and in the interpretation of software outputs, and stress critical thinking and scientific communication. Lectures and labs are the same as BIOL 430, but with additional assignments and evaluations appropriate to graduate studies. Prerequisites: Consent of Department. Credit cannot be obtained for BIOL 530 and BIOL 430 or REN R 480.

Winter Term 2026

BOT 332 - Plant Ecology

Study of the ecological factors that affect plants at different organizational scales, from the individual to the global level. Particular emphasis on understanding common patterns and dynamics, theoretical concepts, and examples of how insights can be applied to practice, such as in agriculture or conservation. Introduction to common methodological approaches in plant ecology, including manipulative growth experiments and vegetation surveys. The course fosters critical thinking, scientific communication, intellectual creativity, and active participation by students. Prerequisites: BIOL 208, and STAT 151 or SCI 151. Credit cannot be obtained for both BOT 332 and 532. Offered in alternate years. This course requires payment of additional miscellaneous fees. Refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations section of the Calendar.

Fall Term 2025

BOT 532 - Advanced Plant Ecology

Study of the ecological factors that affect plants at different organizational scales, from the individual to the global level. Particular emphasis on understanding common patterns and dynamics, theoretical concepts, and examples of how insights can be applied to practice, such as in agriculture or conservation. Introduction to common methodological approaches in plant ecology, including manipulative growth experiments and vegetation surveys. The course fosters critical thinking, scientific communication, intellectual creativity, and active participation by students. Lectures are the same as BOT 332, but with additional assignments and evaluation appropriate to graduate studies. Prerequisites: Consent of department. Prior coursework in ecology and plant biology is recommended. Credit cannot be obtained for both BOT 332 and 532. Offered in alternate years. This course requires payment of additional miscellaneous fees. Refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations section of the Calendar.

Fall Term 2025

Browse more courses taught by Viktoria Wagner

Links

Wagner Ecology Lab