Alana is a firm believer that environmental science should be applied to decision-making about natural resources. She has facilitated dozens of training workshops at the interface of science, policy, decolonizing research, and communication. Request Alana for a workshop: see the list at the bottom of this page, or propose something else!
She is a frequent media commentator on issues related to forestry, endangered species, and impact assessment in Canada. Get in touch: a[dot]westwood[at]dal[dot]ca.
Alana is a passionate advocate for marginalized peoples in science, including folks who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+, and persons with disabilities. She serves on the Society of Canadian Ornithologist’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and Dalhousie University Faculty of Graduate Studies Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, among others. Past notable appointments include tthehe City of Ottawa’s Environmental Stewardship Advisory Committee and was a member of 2012 Canadian Youth Delegation to the UN COP18 climate negotiations in Doha, Qatar.
AVAILABLE WORKSHOPS
From research to action: Facilitating knowledge exchange in the environmental sciences by building respectful partnerships: This workshop challenges assumptions about how environmental research should be done. On whose land does the research occur? Who designed the project, and what are their goals? Who benefits from the results? How can research influence policy? This workshop tackles issues related to forming equitable, effective research partnerships with particular consideration for reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in the portion of Turtle Island also known as Canada.
Policy briefs for scientists: Now more than ever, it is critical that science be used to inform real-world policy decisions. This workshop teaches all career levels, from graduate students to senior researchers, how to write an effective policy brief that will be viewed, understood, and (hopefully) acted upon by decision-makers. [With Evidence for Democracy]
Communications for scientists 101: Most scientific papers are read by fewer than ten people. Get your work seen! This workshop gives an understanding of the news cycle, media releases, and gives basic training on becoming an effective science communicator. [With Evidence for Democracy, recorded version available here]
Op-eds for scientists: Don’t just learn how to communicate your science–make it a reality! In this workshop you will not only learn to write a blog or opinion article, but be given follow-up support to publish it in your venue of choice. [With Evidence for Democracy, recorded version available here]
Introduction to native plants: Field lectures on Canadian flora, how to identify them, and the features that make them so fascinating. Explore the edible, the medicinal, the poisonous, and gain a better understanding of the botanical splendour around us.
Alana Westwood 