Our Team
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Dr. Kelsey Leonard, Director
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.
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Jess Wong, Research Assistant
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.
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Alison Clarke, Research Assistant
Alison Clarke (she/her) is a candidate for a Master of Climate Change at the University of Waterloo. Previously, she completed her Bachelor of Environmental Studies at the University of Waterloo in 2023 with a major in Environment, Resources and Sustainability, minor in Geography and Environmental Management, and diploma in Environmental Assessment. She is joining the Christmas Tree Lab as a Research Assistant for the summer term. 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. She hopes to expand on this area of interest through her work with the Christmas Tree Lab.
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Katie Devenny, Undergraduate Research Assistant
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.