Virginia Oeggerli

Coming from a rural dairy farm in Bainsville, ON, I have always enjoyed being outside and learning the ins and outs of the factors that influence plant lifecycles. During my undergraduate degree, where I studied biology with an ecology emphasis, I developed a strong interest in plant ecosystems and the impacts of invasive species. This, alongside a passion for teaching through undergraduate TA positions, led me to pursue graduate research.

I completed my Master’s degree at UBC with Honours, focusing on Vegetation Growth Trajectory Responses of Native and Invasive Plants Across the McKay Creek Wildfire Area on St’át’imc Territory. Now, as I continue my research in the Indigenous Ecology Lab during my PhD, I aim to contribute valuable insights that support St’át’imc communities in their decolonized and Indigenized decision-making processes regarding post-fire vegetation recovery. I am passionate about Indigenous equity and food sovereignty, and continuing my work in the Indigenous Ecology Lab allows me to build on meaningful collaborations and contribute to community-led ecological research.