PhD Opportunity: Trees, Biodiversity, and Human Well-Being in a Changing World
Project Title: Trees, Biodiversity, and Human Well-Being in a Changing World
Location: Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada
Supervisor: Drs. Vivian Nguyen and Dr. John Zelenski
Start Date: Flexible (Summer 2027 preferred)
Funding: Fully funded PhD position in either Biology or Psychology (subject to university admission requirements)
Project Overview
Tree planting is increasingly promoted as a nature-based solution for biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, and community well-being. While the ecological benefits of trees are widely recognized, we know far less about how people experience tree plantings as they mature from young saplings into established forests.
This PhD project will investigate:
• How tree plantings at different stages of growth affect human well-being
• Whether biodiversity, particularly birds and soundscapes, enhances restorative experiences in nature
• How virtual reality can be used to simulate natural environments and assess human responses
• How people’s emotional, cognitive, and physiological responses compare between virtual and real-world environments
• What factors drive feelings of restoration, well-being, and connectedness to nature
Desired Qualifications
Applicants should have:
• A Master’s degree (completed or near completion) in environmental studies, conservation, ecology, psychology, geography, forestry, human dimensions, recreation, public health, or a related field
• Strong interest in human-nature relationships and nature-based solutions
• Experience with social science research methods (surveys, interviews, experiments, or mixed methods)
• Strong quantitative and/or qualitative analytical skills
• Strong experimental design skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with statistics, experimental design, physiological monitoring, virtual reality, GIS, or environmental psychology is considered an asset but is not required
How to Apply
Please submit:
1. A cover letter describing your interest in the project and relevant experience
2. Curriculum vitae (CV)
3. Academic transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable initially)
4. Contact information for two to three academic references
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
PhD or MSc/MA opportunity: Understanding and Resolving Conflict in Urban Recreational Fisheries
Project Title: Understanding and Resolving Conflict in Urban Recreational Fisheries
Location: Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada
Supervisor: Dr. Vivian Nguyen
Funding: Fully funded PhD position available (subject to admission requirements), Master’s student would also be considered
Start Date: Flexible (Spring/Fall 2027 preferred)
Help Shape the Future of Inclusive and Sustainable Recreational Fisheries
Recreational fishing is one of Ontario’s most popular outdoor activities, supporting over 1.5 million anglers and contributing more than $1.6 billion annually to the provincial economy. Yet increasing diversity within angling communities, competing values about conservation and harvesting, and growing pressures on aquatic ecosystems are creating new forms of conflict among anglers, non-anglers, governments, and communities.
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student or MSc/MA to join an interdisciplinary research program examining the causes, dynamics, and resolution of conflict in Ontario’s urban recreational fisheries.
This exciting project will work directly with partners including the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH), and other community organizations to develop practical tools for improving communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution within fisheries systems.
Desired Qualifications
• Master’s degree (completed or near completion) for the PhD position or BSc (for a Master’s position) in Environmental Studies, Geography, Sociology, Natural Resources Management, Conservation Science, Human Dimensions, Public Policy, Planning, Anthropology, Environmental Psychology, or a related field
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Interest in community-engaged and applied research
• Interest in human dimensions of natural resource management
• Strong interpersonal skills to navigate political spaces and cultural sensitivity
How to Apply
Please send:
• A cover letter describing your research interests and fit with the project
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Unofficial transcripts
• Contact information for two to three references
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Get in Touch
We welcome connections and inquiries!
Please email vivian.nguyen(at)Carleton.ca