Our Team

Dr. Ruth Waldick - President & Lead Scientist

Dr. Ruth Waldick is a Canadian ecologist and climate risk researcher whose work spans science, policy, and community action. She held scientific roles with the federal government at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), and the Privy Council, focusing on climate impacts and socioecological resilience. 

Her academic and scientific approaches to problem solving have led, more recently, to climate risk and resilience work in coastal BC, and the formation of the Climate Adaptation Research Lab Society (CARL). Her aim is to advance community-based approaches to ecosystem restoration and climate adaptation in coastal British Columbia. She is pleased to be working with a passionate and skilled team of restoration ecologists building resilience to climate change using ecosystem-based solutions.

Karlis Hawkins - Vice President

Karlis has worked with CARL for several years, contributing to research, restoration and event planning in support of the water quality improvements on Mount Maxwell. He holds a Diploma in Restoration of Natural Systems from the University of Victoria, which grounds his ecology-focused approach to climate adaptation. He has also served in board roles and gained experience in fundraising, reflecting a broader commitment to building the organizational capacity needed to advance conservation and restoration work. He currently works with Watershed Watch Salmon Society, where he leads public education initiatives helping communities across British Columbia understand what it takes to restore watershed security - connecting people to the science, policy, and local action needed to protect the province's freshwater systems. 

Dr. Pierre Mineau - Secretary

Pierre is an ecologist with almost 50 years of experience in assessing the environmental risk of pesticides. He was formerly with the Canadian Government as Senior Research Scientist within the Science and Technology Branch of Environment Canada and, before that, the Canadian Wildlife Service. He continues to hold Adjunct Professor Status at Carleton University in Ottawa. Since his moving to Salt Spring Island 15 years ago, he has been involved in local conservation and environmental issues.

Keegan Thomas - Co-Treasurer

Keegan is an environmental practitioner with a BSc in Biology from the University of Victoria, specializing in forest ecology and environmental studies. Growing up in North Saanich, he developed an early connection to coastal forests and a lasting appreciation for the ecosystems of the Southern Gulf Islands. He is currently pursuing a Master of Sustainable Forest Management, building on his experience in applied ecology, restoration, and community-based environmental work. Through his involvement with CARL, Keegan contributes to initiatives focused on ecosystem resilience, land stewardship, and youth engagement across the region. Outside of his work and studies, he spends his time growing native plants, backpacking, camping, and exploring the landscapes that continue to shape his approach to environmental stewardship.

Grace Fields - Co-Treasurer

Grace has a background in forest and freshwater ecology. She holds a B.Sc. in Natural Resources Conservation from the University of British Columbia, where she developed a foundational understanding of biology and the impacts of human activity on environmental systems. Now based in the Kootenays, Grace brings both professional and personal commitment to watershed health, ecosystem resilience, and community-based environmental work with Living Lakes Canada. Grace has been involved with CARL since 2023 and is excited to continue to contribute to environmental stewardship in the Salish Sea. Outside of her work, Grace enjoys hiking, biking, skiing, and crafting, and continues to seek out opportunities to deepen her connection with the landscape wherever possible.

Emily Brown - Wildfire Risk & Ecological Research Analyst

Emily is an ecologist focused on the intersection of wildfire, water, and ecosystem resilience. She holds a B.Sc. in Biology from McGill University and an M.Sc. in Oceanography from UBC, where her research explored how wildfire shapes aquatic ecosystems, from the Fraser River to the Salish Sea. Her work emphasizes wildfire resilience, land-water connectivity, and ecological restoration. She is passionate about science communication and community engagement, with a focus on making ecological research accessible and actionable. Outside of work, Emily can often be found camping, cooking for friends, or tending to her balcony tomato plants. 

Mathew Appelbaum - Stewardship Coordinator

Mathew grew up in Coquitlam, BC, where he spent his youth playing sports at every possible moment. He is enthusiastic about his favourite outdoor activities, like trail running, biking, and backpacking, but also keen to simply relax in nature. Mathew graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2024, with a degree in Natural Resources Conservation. He is passionate about environmental restoration and community engagement, and is incredibly excited to be working with CARL, an organization that shares in these same passions. Mathew’s work with CARL involves organizing land stewardship activities that support ecological restoration and collaborating with other environmental organizations throughout the Southern Gulf Islands. 

Eero Gaffney - Ecological Research Associate 

Eero is an ecologist and longtime collaborator with the Climate Adaptation Research Lab Society. He continues to support CARL's research and restoration initiatives through scientific advising, ecological expertise, and collaboration on projects in the Maxwell Creek Watershed and beyond. Eero holds a M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences from Utrecht University. His work focuses on addressing critical research gaps in Coastal Douglas-fir and Western Hemlock ecosystems, helping to inform adaptive, place-based management approaches tailored to the unique environmental and community contexts of the Salish Sea. Outside of his professional work, Eero enjoys trail running and spending time on the coastal waters he is passionate about stewarding.