Sara Ashpole

Sara Ashpole, Associate Professor of Environmental Studies 

Sara has always had a passion for biodiversity. Her academic career began with a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from the University of Guelph, which helped nurture a love for evolutionary and conservation biology. Sara’s undergrad honors project examined frog and salamander skeletochronology (which is similar to examining the rings of a tree!). Sara continued her research interests working for Environment Canada examining the impact of industrial persistent environmental contaminants (think PCBs or human made chemicals) and embryonic deformities in turtles (like extra bones!). This research was the basis of Sara’s thesis which earned her a Master’s of Science in Zoology & Toxicology at the University of Guelph. Next came a three year position working for the Federal government examining agricultural environmental contaminants (aka pesticides) and deformities in developing frogs. Realizing the complexity of challenges to species survival in a highly modified landscape, Sara pursued a Ph.D. in Conservation Planning at the University of Waterloo, Ontario.  Sara’s science-based and interdisciplinary education and work experience has been critical in launching her career as both a respected environmental practitioner and scientist.

Sara’s interests and research has brought her and her students the opportunity to explore global perspectives. In most years, Sara incorporates travel components to her courses and summer research, often taking students to places such as Costa Rica, Florida, Mexico (scheduled for 2021), and western Canada. Sara also has connections and loves to travel to China where she has taught courses in Environment and Business, facilitated SLU internships and consulted with NGO’s on biodiversity and stewardship projects.

Sara has a small hobby farm where she raises almost all her own meat, and much of the fruit and vegetables she consumes. She barters everything from her bees’ honey to the manure produced by her chickens in exchange for other locally produce and crafts. If it wasn’t obvious Dr. Ashpole is a Canuk!