Dr. Chantel E. Markle, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the University of Waterloo, holding a joint appointment in the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability and the Department of Geography and Environmental Management. She is a Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Wildlife Ecohydrology and Global Change. With a background in Biology, her research focuses on understanding and mitigating the impact of landscape change on reptile populations. Dr. Markle has received numerous grants and awards for her work, including recognition for her contributions to conservation biology and excellence in teaching. She is committed to bridging the gap between science and environmental policy.
Profile
ššEducation
2017 PhD in Biology, McMaster University Nominated for Distinguished Dissertation Award and Governor Generalās Academic Medal for Research Excellence 2012 BSc (Hons) in Science, McMaster University Graduated summa cum laude
Ā š¬š©āš« Professional Experience
2023 ā Present Assistant Professor, University of Waterloo Joint appointment: School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability and Department of Geography and Environmental Management 2023 ā Present Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) Wildlife Ecohydrology and Global Change 2017 ā 2022 Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Parental leave Jan 2021āJan 2022) School of Earth, Environment & Society, McMaster University
Awards and Prizes
2022 BioOne Ambassador Award (Nomination) 2018 Canadian Association for Graduate Studies Distinguished Dissertation Award (Nomination) 2017 Governor Generalās Academic Medal competition (Nomination) 2016 Keith Leppmann Teaching Assistance Excellence Award (Nomination) 2016 Biology Travel Scholarship, Canadian Herpetological Society Conference 2015 Clemens-Rigler Travel Award, International Association of Great Lakes Research 2012 Best Talk, Biology Undergraduate Symposium 2012 Spatial Content Award, The Weather Network
Research Focus
Dr. Chantel E. Markle’s research focuses on understanding and mitigating the impact of landscape change on reptile populations, particularly Blanding’s turtles and other herpetofauna species. Her work encompasses habitat selection, spatial ecology, and the effects of environmental factors such as wildfire, road mortality, and habitat restoration efforts. Using innovative techniques such as unmanned aerial vehicles and spatial modeling, she investigates habitat dynamics and management strategies to support the conservation of vulnerable species. Dr. Markle’s interdisciplinary approach integrates wetland ecohydrology, spatial complexity, and climate change impacts to inform effective habitat management and restoration practices for reptiles in diverse ecosystems.