Our Research Group at the 2025 ASPB Conference in Banff

josephtuffner
Dec 8
2 min read

From November 26–28, members of our research group traveled to Banff to participate in the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB) Conference, joining professionals, researchers, and industry partners from across the province to discuss emerging environmental challenges and innovations. Against the backdrop of the Rockies, the conference fostered collaboration and showcased exciting new work in ecology, hydrology, and land management which our team was proud to contribute to.

Who Presented

Four members of our group shared their latest findings with the ASPB community:

Carissa MacKenzie — PhD Student
Jiaao Guo — PhD Student
Joseph Tuffner — MSc Student
Lelia Tuffner — Research Technician

Each presented research focused on understanding how road development influences peatland hydrology, plant communities, and ecosystem function.

Our Presentations

Edge Effects of Mineral Roads on Woody Plant Communities in Northern Alberta: Insights from High-Resolution Remote Sensing

Poster Presented by Jiaao Guo

Jiaao showcased how advanced remote sensing tools can reveal subtle yet significant edge effects that mineral roads impose on boreal woody vegetation. His work illustrates the power of spatial technologies for monitoring landscape change.

Plant Community Structure and Primary Productivity as Ecological Indicators of Road-Altered Hydrology in Boreal Peatlands

Speed Talk Presented by Carissa MacKenzie

Carissa presented new evidence linking shifts in vegetation structure and productivity to road-driven changes in hydrology. Her work demonstrates the potential of plant communities as early indicators of disturbance and ecosystem stress.

Water Table Dynamics of Two Peatland Types Bisected by an Access Road

Poster Presented by Joseph Tuffner

Joseph shared his ongoing MSc research examining how mineral roads alter water table behavior across contrasting peatland systems. His results highlight important differences in sensitivity and hydrologic response between bogs and fens—insights that support more sustainable road design and management.

Wetland Water and Carbon Flux Responses to a Mineral Access Road

Poster Presented by Lelia Tuffner

Lelia’s presentation explored how road infrastructure influences carbon and water fluxes in wetland ecosystems. Her findings contribute to understanding how human disturbances affect broader biogeochemical processes in peatland landscapes.

Conference Highlights

Throughout the three days, our team engaged with biologists, regulators, consultants, and academics working on diverse environmental issues. The conference also gave our group opportunities to exchange ideas, build connections, and receive constructive feedback on ongoing projects.

Looking Ahead

We’re grateful to the ASPB community for a productive event and look forward to applying these insights as we continue studying road–peatland interactions.