Persia Khan

I am a MSc Student with the ACS Lab investigating potential responses of different culturally and ecologically important mammals to variation in forest seral stage, using data from a wildlife camera grid in Heiltsuk Territory on the Central Coast of BC. This project seeks to quantify the relationship between wildlife and forest age at the stand- and watershed-scale, allowing for inferences at both site-level and over larger areas more consistent with species home ranges, with objectives to provide evidence-based solutions for forestry policy. This camera grid was deployed in partnership with the Heiltsuk Integrated Resource Management Department, and I am so grateful to work and spend time in such a rich environment.

My relationship with the ACS Lab began during my undergraduate degree at the University of Victoria assisting with the Bear Project. After graduating with a degree in Geography and Environmental Studies (BScHons), I worked as the Lab Manager for the ACS Lab and Raincoast Conservation Foundation. In this role, I was fortunate to assist on many exciting projects and work as a technician on the Heiltsuk Bear Project. Throughout my early research career, I have always gravitated to working with wildlife camera data, and I am excited to grow with this project throughout my degree.

My research is made possible with the support of the Raincoast Conservation Foundation, MITACS, NSERC, HCTF Together for Wildlife Scholarship, and the UVic Geography Department.

Outside of the office, I enjoy mountain biking, skiing, and running along the coast.

I am so grateful to work alongside this community of scientists and informed advocates!