Dr. Vern Peters

Dr. Vern PetersAssociate Professor of Biology
Office: A205
Phone: 780-465-3500 x8127
Email: vern.peters@kingsu.ca

Public Field Tours


Education
PhD, University of Alberta, 2003
BSc, University of Manitoba, 1995

Professional Experience
Research Scientist, Canadian Forest Service         2003 – 2005
Industrial NSERC Alberta Pacific Forest Industry    1998 – 2002
Research Technician, Ducks Unlimited Canada     1995 – 1997

Research Interests
Research utilizes tree-ring analyses to investigate population dynamics of trees, and climate-sensitive phenomena like masting in boreal forests. 

  • Masting and fire ecology
  • Dendrochronology and tree population ecology
  • Ecological effects of climate change and fire severity
  • Forest management
  • CO2 emissions from wildfire

    • Current Research Projects

  • Masting synchrony and tree-ring production in white spruce – recent and historic patterns in relation to climate in boreal mixedwoods.
  • Snowshoe hares & missing rings:  herbivore defoliation and light interactions affect ring development in white spruce.
  • Fire severity and carbon emissions study in collaboration with Canadian Forest Service & Canadian Centre for Remote Sensing, that integrates remote sensing, fire behavior models, and field data to improve carbon budget estimates for ratifying the Kyoto Accord.
  • Growth and Yield of White spruce in Natural Origin Stands.
  • Reproductive biology of the limber pine.


    • Courses I Teach
    BIOL 211 - Organisms and the Environment
    BIOL 330 - Ecology
    BIOL 340 - Plant Diversity
    BIOL 436 - Conservation Biology
    BIOL 438 - Plant Ecology
    BIOL 494 - Senior Independent Project


    Related Links

    Biology Major Program | Biology Minor Program