Kevin A. Solarik, Ph.D.

Director of Forestry Research, Canada & Northeastern/Northcentral U.S.
Location: Canadian Operations – Montreal, Quebec

Role

As the leader for the NCASI’s Forest Environment & Sustainability Technical Studies Program, Kevin’s role is focused on coordinating, executing, and reporting forestry-related research to member companies pertaining to its three main themes: i) Wildlife and Biodiversity (e.g., Caribou, Migratory Birds), ii) Watersheds & Wetlands, and iii) Sustainable Forestry & Conservation Planning.

Background

Dr. Solarik is a forest ecologist and biologist with a wide range of research interests which include forest response to disturbance (anthropogenic and natural), climate change, and biodiversity & conservation. Kevin’s previously worked with the Canadian Forest Service (Natural Resources Canada) as their Sustainable Forest Management Officer, where his work focused on anthropogenic disturbances and their effect on boreal forest health. Prior to joining NCASI in June of 2018, Kevin was a Post-Doctoral Researcher at the University of Alberta with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Industrial Chair (Forest Land Reclamation, Applied Forest Ecology), where his work primarily investigated boreal tree ecophysiological responses in post-disturbance landscapes. Having worked in both the public and private sectors of the forest industry, Kevin has developed an extensive national and international network of collaborators across North America and Europe.

Memberships

  • The Wildlife Society (TWS)
  • Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF)
  • Ecological Society of America (ESA)

Qualifications

PhD. in Biology – Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) (2012-2017)
M.S. in Enhanced Forest Biology and Management – University of Alberta (2008-2010)
B.S. in Environmental Science – Concordia University (2004-2008)

Research capabilities and/or focus areas

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Forest Ecology, Forest Health, Forestry, Ecophysiology, Ecosystem Management, Natural Resource Management, Statistics, Sustainable Forestry & Conservation Planning, Silviculture, Watershed Management, and Wildlife Conservation.

Proficient in both English and French languages.

Awards and Career Highlights

  • NSERC – Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship (CGS D). (2013-2016).
  • Forest Complexity Modeling Scholarship (2012-14, 2016).
  • Desmond I. Crossley Memorial Scholarship. (2008, 2009).
  • Canadian Inter-University Sports (CIS) Academic All-Canadian (Football, 2005-2006).
Phone: (514) 907-3153