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Associate Professor Alana Westwood, member of the School for Resource and Environmental Studies (SRES) at Dalhousie University, is a dedicated researcher focusing on the impacts of natural resource extraction on biodiversity in Canada. Her work blends biology and policy to inform and shape effective environmental policies.

Dr. Westwood’s research is centered on understanding the effects of forestry and mining on biodiversity, particularly within the Wabanaki-Acadian forest region. “We as humans need to use things, and if we're extracting resources to build things and use things, the only way we can do that without decimating biodiversity is to incorporate sustainability into everything we do,” she explains. Her approach is comprehensive, integrating field studies, spatial ecology, and social science methodologies to assess and mitigate the environmental impacts of resource extraction.

Westwood began her academic journey as a biologist, completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Winnipeg with a dual major in forestry and philosophy. She then pursued her PhD at Dalhousie University, where she developed a keen interest in the intersection of biology and policy. “I realized that to be part of the solution for keeping around all of these amazing species and places, I had to get into policy,” she recalls. After her PhD, she worked in the nonprofit and government sectors before returning to academia, bringing with her a wealth of practical experience and insights.

Dr. Westwood employs a blend of traditional biology, spatial ecology, and social science methodologies. Her research involves field studies to measure biodiversity responses to disturbances, GIS and landscape-level mapping to predict biodiversity outcomes over large areas, and surveys and interviews to understand knowledge exchange between science and policy. This interdisciplinary approach is crucial for addressing complex environmental issues.

One of her significant research areas is mining and impact assessment in Canada. A key insight from her work is the realization that mining companies often propose smaller projects to pass initial assessments, only to expand them significantly afterward. “These current processes aren't sufficient for actually taking into account the impacts of what's actually happening,” she notes, highlighting the need for more stringent and accurate impact assessments.

Dr. Westwood sees her role at SRES as part of a collective effort to address diverse environmental issues. Each faculty member focuses on different areas, from fisheries and plastics to agriculture and coastal integrity. “We each are trying to cover something off to converge to the bigger picture,” she says, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Her research directly aligns with SRES’s mission to prevent environmental destruction by providing evidence-based insights to inform policy. Her work on protected areas in the Maritimes and impact assessment policies has already influenced government regulations and conservation efforts, demonstrating the practical impact of her research.

Westwood champions an interdisciplinary approach, recognizing that complex environmental issues cannot be tackled from a single perspective. “These are huge social questions. How do we do better by the environment? How do we live more sustainably? The answers can’t be provided by any one lens,” she asserts. She values the diverse backgrounds of her colleagues and students at SRES, which enrich the research and learning environment.

“SRES is a place where I learn so much from my colleagues and our students,” Westwood remarks. She appreciates the varied experiences students bring, whether fresh from undergraduate programs or returning after careers in industry or government. This diversity fosters a dynamic and innovative academic atmosphere.

Westwood’s research has made tangible contributions to environmental policy. Early in her career, her findings were used to establish protected areas for species at risk in Nova Scotia and across Canada. More recently, her work on impact assessment policies has informed new government regulations and guidelines for more accurate and comprehensive assessments.

Reflecting on her role at SRES, Westwood highlights the importance of working with motivated and passionate students. “The students are what make it so great,” she says. She encourages prospective students interested in being effective at solving environmental problems to consider the program, emphasizing its ability to provide a comprehensive understanding of issues from multiple perspectives.