Advisory Board
Megan Adams
Megan is an ecologist studying carnivore-salmon-human systems in coastal British Columbia and is the lead researcher on the Wuikinuxv Territory bear monitoring project in Rivers Inlet. Megan provides SBRF with valuable expertise in coastal ecological monitoring, salmon ecology, and approaches to community engagement in research and conservation.
Kyle Artelle
Kyle is an ecologist who studies bear conservation, including the province-wide trophy hunt on grizzly bears, effects of salmon abundance on black and grizzly bear populations in the Great Bear Rainforest of British Columbia, and bear-human conflict patterns throughout the province.
Jonaki Bhattacharyya
Jonaki is an Ethnoecologist who focuses on cultural values in applied conservation and management practices around wildlife, protected areas, natural resources, and ecological systems. With SBRF, Jonaki shares her expertise in culturally appropriate research methods and participatory management frameworks that work with local and traditional knowledge.
Vernon Brown
Vernon was instrumental to the creation of the Spirit Bear Research Foundation. He worked tirelessly to survey the study area extensively and determine the most appropriate location for sample sites. Vernon’s local knowledge and experience as a wilderness bear guide proved invaluable for this process and continues to benefit SBRF. Vernon currently works for the Kitasoo Xai’Xais Integrated Resource Authority as a coordinator and a technical representative in the day to day activities of the territory
Philip Charles
Philip is the Director of the Klemtu SEAS (Supporting Emerging Aboriginal Stewards) program and helps us to engage these SEAS youth interns in Spirit Bear Research Foundation’s research each summer. Trained as a biologist at the University of Cumbria, Philip is also a wealth of knowledge about remote cameras as a method for monitoring bear behaviour.
Chris Darimont
As the Principle Investigator of the University of Victoria’s Hakai–Raincoast Applied Conservation Science Lab, Chris’ guidance and expertise has been foundational to Spirit Bear Research Foundation’s science program. Trained as an evolutionary ecologist, Chris has spent much of the last two decades researching carnivores in the Great Bear Rainforest and offers a wealth of expertise on non-invasive wildlife monitoring.
Tim McGrady
Tim has an extensive background in bear viewing and ecotourism, both in management and as a guide. In his current position as the general manager of Spirit Bear Lodge in Klemtu, Tim provides SBRF with valuable education and public outreach opportunities.