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I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Steven M. Vamosi, PhD, as the scientific director of the Biogeoscience Institute, for a five-year renewable term effective July 16, 2018. Vamosi is currently the associate dean of diversity, equity and inclusion, and a professor of population biology in the Faculty of Science. Vamosi will work closely with the Office of the Vice-President (Research) team to develop, lead and deliver multi-disciplinary research and educational programs at the Biogeoscience Institute.

The Biogeoscience Institute (BGI) is located in Kananaskis Country, and serves as the only research station for the Canadian Rockies and Foothills. BGI’s mission is to support high-quality scientific research and environmental science outreach activities.

BGI offers researchers a full spectrum of services at two well-established field stations: Barrier Lake Station, located in the Kananaskis Valley and the R.B. Miller Station, located in the Sheep River Provincial Park. BGI facilitates university field courses, as well as educational and community outreach programs focused on experiential, hands-on learning and access to world-class research.

“Field work has been an integral part of my 27-year research program since my days an undergraduate student,” says Vamosi. “It was a transformative summer-long research project at the Wildlife Research Station in Algonquin Park, Ontario, that inspired me to become a temperate ecologist and led me to where I am today.”

Vamosi’s research program in evolutionary ecology and conversation biology focuses on the negative impacts of introduced species on native species and ecosystems. His research is supported by NSERC and the Alberta Conservation Association. Together with collaborators, he has published on the influence of environmental factors and climate change on the distribution and ecology of a variety of species populations, including the effects of elevational gradients on the distribution of plants and diving beetles.

During his tenure as associate dean of diversity, equity and inclusion, Vamosi has contributed to the delivery of a number of institutional initiatives, including the Indigenous Strategy, Campus Mental Health Implementation Strategy, and Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence.

“I look forward to working with the team at BGI to raise the international profile of the field stations as unparalleled venues for conducting high-calibre research on montane ecosystems; refreshing and expanding course offerings to UCalgary, national, and international students; and becoming a hot spot for short courses, retreats, and workshops,” says Vamosi.

I would like to thank Dr. Robert Barclay, PhD, and Dr. John Post, PhD, of the Faculty of Science for serving as interim directors, and our selection committee for their time and commitment to the adjudication of the candidates.

Please join me in congratulating Steven on his new appointment.

Dr. Ed McCauley, PhD
Vice-President (Research)