Sam Terry (she/her) recently completed her Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Environment, Resources and Sustainability at the University of Waterloo. She also completed a minor in Geography and Environmental Management. Sam began working with Dr. Kelsey Leonard for her undergraduate thesis and will be joining the Christmas Tree Lab as a Research Assistant for the summer. She is committed to uplifting local communities and creating long-term solutions focused on climate adaptation and mitigation, and will focus on these interests during her time in the lab. 

Jess Wong (she/they) is a graduate student from Hong Kong pursuing a Master of Climate Change at the University of Waterloo. During her studies, Jess has developed a deep understanding of the physical science of climate change and its disproportionate impacts on the agriculture sector and marginalized communities. Jess works as a Research Assistant alongside Dr. Kelsey Leonard at the Christmas Tree Lab, where she focuses on supporting the Christmas tree industry in southern Ontario. Driven by a passion for amplifying local knowledge in climate solutions, Jess is committed to centering community perspectives in her work.

Katie is a B.A.Sc. candidate entering her fourth year of Environmental Engineering at the University of Waterloo. She is a research assistant focused on the impacts of climate change on the Christmas tree industry in southern Ontario.

Melanie Hutchison-Rodgers, a University of Waterloo Environmental Science Undergraduate Thesis Researcher, examines consumer perceptions of climate change when selecting real Christmas trees. Her research also explores how women photographers might suffer from climate change-induced loss of Christmas tree farms, exploring challenges and potential adverse impacts on their professional practices.