I graduated with a BSc (Honours) from the University of Guelph, majoring in Wildlife Biology & Conservation with a minor in Applied Geomatics. During my degree I used species distribution models to predict the occurrences of endangered Jefferson Salamanders in southern Ontario and developed a GIS toolkit to maximize habitat connectivity between protected areas along hydrological networks. I then worked with Natural Resource Solutions Inc. where I conducted surveys on birds, herps, mammals, fish, and vegetation. For my PhD, co-supervised by Dr. Ryan Norris and Dr David Green at Simon Fraser University, I am studying the social dynamics of Canada Jays (Perisoreus canadensis) on Vancouver Island. My research examines the drivers of their plural breeding system and the consequences of their complex social dominance structure on life history traits like dispersal and extra-territorial forays. Outside of academics, I train service dogs with Pacific Assistance Dog Society (PADS).

Publications

Linton, J., Heagy, A., Siemens, A., Gartshore, M. (2024). Recovery Strategy for the Davis’s Shieldback (Atlanticus davisi) in Ontario. Prepared for the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

Siemens, A., Bogart, J., Linton, J., and Norris, R. (2023). Predicting the occurrence of an endangered salamander in a highly urbanized landscape. Endangered Species Research, 52, 81-95.

Co-author, Natural Resource Solutions Inc. (2023). Jefferson Salamander Management Plan.