As Director of Christmas Tree Lab, Dr. Kelsey Leonard, is a Climate Change Adaptation Scientist emphasizing partnerships with farmers. Specializing in environmental justice, she champions local knowledge as vital in documenting climate change indicators. Prioritizing farmer collaboration, she aims to support the Christmas tree industry's continuity for future generations.

Alison Clarke (she/her) is a Research Associate with the Christmas Tree Lab, contributing to climate resilience research and community relations support. She recently completed a Master of Climate Change at the University of Waterloo, and joined the lab while completing the Master in May 2024. Previously, she completed her Bachelor of Environmental Studies at the University of Waterloo in 2023. Alison’s primary climate change areas of interest include determining anticipated climate impacts and how to appropriately adapt to the changes, in addition to fostering effective communication regarding climate change and its impacts for individuals.

Andrea Villalon (she/her) is a Research Associate supporting projects at the Christmas Tree Lab. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto, where she focused on Environmental Studies and Forest Conservation, and a Master of International Forestry from the University of British Columbia. Andrea is passionate about climate action and Indigenous environmental justice. She is excited to contribute to the Christmas Tree Lab’s efforts to address the impacts of climate change and support sustainable pathways for environmental stewardship and climate resilience.

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.