Meet the Weston Family Conservation Science Fellows
Research by Weston Family Conservation Science Fellows supports the conservation and management of important natural areas and biological diversity across Canada. Meet the Fellows below:
Laura Rodríguez Miguel
MSc student, Carleton University (2024-present)
Laura Rodríguez Miguel is driven by a passion for nature and research, aiming to understand the “why” of things to create positive environmental impact. She is a Weston Family Conservation Science Fellow and master’s student in biology at Carleton University. Her research focuses on bat and disease ecology, particularly coronaviruses, and their implications for species-at-risk, habitat resilience, and public health. By studying bat viral loads and the effects of habitat fragmentation, and sharing the vital roles that bats play in ecosystems, Laura aims to inform conservation and disease prevention and ultimately help people and nature to thrive together. Laura holds a veterinary medicine degree from El Salvador and an environmental science diploma from St. Lawrence College, Ontario. Before starting her master’s, she spent six years in environmental and natural resource roles with Ontario Public Service, bringing a powerful blend of technical and policy expertise to applied conservation science.
Justin Kreller
MSc student, Carleton University (2023–present)
With training in engineering, applied science and conservation, Justin brings strong analytical skills and a commitment to tackling urgent environmental challenges. He is a Weston Family Conservation Science Fellow and a master’s student in biology at Carleton University. Engineers apply science to real-world problems and Justin brings that to his conservation science. His research focuses on invasive plants, one of the most pressing threats to ecosystems in Canada. By developing computer simulations that predict the spread of invasive alien plants like common reed and garlic mustard, his work will give NCC and partners tools to anticipate risks, prioritize management actions, and strengthen ecosystem resilience. Outside of his studies, Justin enjoys birding, camping, reading, and exploring nature with his German shepherd, Atlas. Learn more about Justin and his research in this video.
Emily Trendos
PhD student, University of Guelph (2020–present)
If you ask Emily Trendos, Weston Family Conservation Science Fellow at the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), there’s nothing creepy about the crawlies she studies. Emily is a PhD student at the University of Guelph and studies the endangered mottled duskywing, one of Canada’s most at-risk butterflies. By examining its population dynamics and habitat needs, she is providing critical insights to guide recovery and reintroduction efforts across Ontario. Emily brings strong experience in insect ecology and conservation. She completed a master’s in environmental studies at the University of Waterloo, where she studied wood-boring beetles in urban forests. Her field experience ranges from Peru and Vietnam to California and the Northwest Territories, helping to shape her expertise and adaptability as a conservation scientist. Learn more about Emily and her research in this video and her blog post.
Amy Wiedenfeld
PhD student, University of Lethbridge (2022–present)
Amy Wiedenfeld is a Weston Family Conservation Science Fellow and PhD student at the University of Lethbridge, specializing in plant ecology and conservation. Her research focuses on the population dynamics of rare plant species in southern Ontario’s temperate deciduous forests. By combining fieldwork, environmental monitoring, and complex modeling, Amy’s work identifies optimal conditions for at-risk species, informs conservation strategies and guides habitat restoration efforts. Her research is designed to deliver actionable insights that strengthen conservation planning and ensure long-term resilience of vulnerable plant populations. Amy holds a master’s degree from Arizona State University where she studied the effects of rainfall and invertebrates on desert plants. She also worked at the University of Florida on soil landscape ecology. Learn more about Amy and her research in this video.
Jessica M. Sánchez-Jasso
PhD student, University of Manitoba (2022–present)
Jessica M. Sánchez-Jasso brings her passion for nature and expertise in land management, GIS, landscape ecology to her PhD research at the University of Manitoba. As a Weston Family Conservation Science Fellow, she studies the recovery of two endangered butterflies found only in the northern tallgrass and mixed prairies: the Poweshiek skipperling and the Dakota skipper. Working with NCC and partners, Jessica seeks to understand the effectiveness of disturbance-based prairie management activities in maintaining and recovering prairie habitat for these butterflies. She studied the Mexican silverspot butterfly during her undergraduate degree, and later, as a master’s student at the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, she developed a management plan for a protected, community-owned park in her hometown. Before starting her PhD, Jessica worked for seven years with her hometown’s government in Mexico, applying science to guide and implement conservation efforts. Now based in Winnipeg, she hopes her work will help increase public understanding of endangered butterflies and the complex ways ecosystem components interact. Learn more about Jessica and her research in this video and her blog posts (here and here).
Meet the Weston Family Conservation Science Alumni
Zachary Moore
MNRM student, University of Manitoba (2020–2024)
Supported by the Weston Family Conservation Science Fellowship, Zachary completed a master’s degree in Natural Resources Management at the University of Manitoba. He studied grassland songbird communities in response to different grazing regimes in the Waterton Park Front, Alberta. His research informs strategies that enhance biodiversity in grassland ecosystems. Previously, Zachary earned a Bachelor of Arts and Science (Hons.) from the University of Toronto, where he completed independent research in evolutionary biology and ecology. He also pursued practical training in ecosystem restoration at Niagara College, and later an NCC internship in Alberta. Learn more about Zachary and his research in this video and by reading his thesis.
Brielle Reidlinger
MSc student, University of Saskatchewan (2022-2024)
Supported by a Weston Family Conservation Science Fellowship, Brielle Reidlinger completed a master’s degree at the University of Saskatchewan. Raised on a cattle ranch in southern Alberta, Brielle developed a strong connection to animals and landscapes early in life and brings hands-on expertise in working landscapes to prairie conservation. Her master’s research focused on Old Man on His Back Prairie and Heritage Conservation Area in southern Saskatchewan, comparing how cattle and bison grazing affect grassland songbirds. Her research offers vital insights into how grazing management can strengthen habitat and landscape resilience. Previously, Brielle earned a Bachelor’s degree in geography and environmental studies at the University of Victoria, where volunteering at a bird observatory sparked her love for avian ecology. Learn more about Brielle and her research in this video.
Meet the Weston Family Conservation Science Fellows
Research by Weston Family Conservation Science Fellows supports the conservation and management of important natural areas and biological diversity across Canada. Meet the Fellows below:
Laura Rodríguez Miguel
MSc student, Carleton University (2024-present)
Laura Rodríguez Miguel is driven by a passion for nature and research, aiming to understand the “why” of things to create positive environmental impact. She is a Weston Family Conservation Science Fellow and master’s student in biology at Carleton University. Her research focuses on bat and disease ecology, particularly coronaviruses, and their implications for species-at-risk, habitat resilience, and public health. By studying bat viral loads and the effects of habitat fragmentation, and sharing the vital roles that bats play in ecosystems, Laura aims to inform conservation and disease prevention and ultimately help people and nature to thrive together. Laura holds a veterinary medicine degree from El Salvador and an environmental science diploma from St. Lawrence College, Ontario. Before starting her master’s, she spent six years in environmental and natural resource roles with Ontario Public Service, bringing a powerful blend of technical and policy expertise to applied conservation science.
Justin Kreller
MSc student, Carleton University (2023-present)
With training in engineering, applied science and conservation, Justin brings strong analytical skills and a commitment to tackling urgent environmental challenges. He is a Weston Family Conservation Science Fellow and a master’s student in biology at Carleton University. Engineers apply science to real-world problems and Justin brings that to his conservation science. His research focuses on invasive plants, one of the most pressing threats to ecosystems in Canada. By developing computer simulations that predict the spread of invasive alien plants like common reed and garlic mustard, his work will give NCC and partners tools to anticipate risks, prioritize management actions, and strengthen ecosystem resilience. Outside of his studies, Justin enjoys birding, camping, reading, and exploring nature with his German shepherd, Atlas. Learn more about Justin and his research in this video.
Emily Trendos
PhD student, University of Guelph (2020-present)
If you ask Emily Trendos, Weston Family Conservation Science Fellow at the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), there’s nothing creepy about the crawlies she studies. Emily is a PhD student at the University of Guelph and studies the endangered mottled duskywing, one of Canada’s most at-risk butterflies. By examining its population dynamics and habitat needs, she is providing critical insights to guide recovery and reintroduction efforts across Ontario. Emily brings strong experience in insect ecology and conservation. She completed a master’s in environmental studies at the University of Waterloo, where she studied wood-boring beetles in urban forests. Her field experience ranges from Peru and Vietnam to California and the Northwest Territories, helping to shape her expertise and adaptability as a conservation scientist. Learn more about Emily and her research in this video and her blog post.
Amy Wiedenfeld
PhD student, University of Lethbridge (2022-present)
Amy Wiedenfeld is a Weston Family Conservation Science Fellow and PhD student at the University of Lethbridge, specializing in plant ecology and conservation. Her research focuses on the population dynamics of rare plant species in southern Ontario’s temperate deciduous forests. By combining fieldwork, environmental monitoring, and complex modeling, Amy’s work identifies optimal conditions for at-risk species, informs conservation strategies and guides habitat restoration efforts. Her research is designed to deliver actionable insights that strengthen conservation planning and ensure long-term resilience of vulnerable plant populations. Amy holds a master’s degree from Arizona State University where she studied the effects of rainfall and invertebrates on desert plants. She also worked at the University of Florida on soil landscape ecology. Learn more about Amy and her research in this video.
Jessica M. Sánchez-Jasso
PhD student, University of Manitoba (2022-present)
Jessica M. Sánchez-Jasso brings her passion for nature and expertise in land management, GIS, landscape ecology to her PhD research at the University of Manitoba. As a Weston Family Conservation Science Fellow, she studies the recovery of two endangered butterflies found only in the northern tallgrass and mixed prairies: the Poweshiek skipperling and the Dakota skipper. Working with NCC and partners, Jessica seeks to understand the effectiveness of disturbance-based prairie management activities in maintaining and recovering prairie habitat for these butterflies. She studied the Mexican silverspot butterfly during her undergraduate degree, and later, as a master’s student at the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, she developed a management plan for a protected, community-owned park in her hometown. Before starting her PhD, Jessica worked for seven years with her hometown’s government in Mexico, applying science to guide and implement conservation efforts. Now based in Winnipeg, she hopes her work will help increase public understanding of endangered butterflies and the complex ways ecosystem components interact. Learn more about Jessica and her research in this video and her blog posts (here and here).
Meet the Weston Family Conservation Science Alumni
Zachary Moore
MNRM student, University of Manitoba (2020-2024)
Supported by the Weston Family Conservation Science Fellowship, Zachary completed a master’s degree in Natural Resources Management at the University of Manitoba. He studied grassland songbird communities in response to different grazing regimes in the Waterton Park Front, Alberta. His research informs strategies that enhance biodiversity in grassland ecosystems. Previously, Zachary earned a Bachelor of Arts and Science (Hons.) from the University of Toronto, where he completed independent research in evolutionary biology and ecology. He also pursued practical training in ecosystem restoration at Niagara College, and later an NCC internship in Alberta. Learn more about Zachary and his research in this video and by reading his thesis.
Brielle Reidlinger
MSc student, University of Saskatchewan (2022-2024)
Supported by a Weston Family Conservation Science Fellowship, Brielle Reidlinger completed a master’s degree at the University of Saskatchewan. Raised on a cattle ranch in southern Alberta, Brielle developed a strong connection to animals and landscapes early in life and brings hands-on expertise in working landscapes to prairie conservation. Her master’s research focused on Old Man on His Back Prairie and Heritage Conservation Area in southern Saskatchewan, comparing how cattle and bison grazing affect grassland songbirds. Her research offers vital insights into how grazing management can strengthen habitat and landscape resilience. Previously, Brielle earned a Bachelor’s degree in geography and environmental studies at the University of Victoria, where volunteering at a bird observatory sparked her love for avian ecology. Learn more about Brielle and her research in this video.