Brian Leung, Ph.D.
Associate Professor

Graduate Students

1. Johanna Bradie	Johanna Bradie, PhD Student [e-mail: johanna.bradie@mail.mcgill.ca] Using genetic and population characteristics to predict establishment success of NIS: My research will evaluate population and genetic characteristics that are indicative of a species’ invasive potential. These characteristics will be used to build models to predict future invasions and direct management efforts.
   In particular, my research will focus on (i) species characteristics that are related to invasiveness, (ii) the role of Allee effects in establishment, (iii) the relationship between population genetic diversity and establishment success, and (iv) the relationship between disturbance in the native environment and invasiveness.
   Ayaz Hyder	Ayaz Hyder, PhD Student [e-mail: ayaz.hyder@gmail.com] In my research, I construct theoretical and mathematical models for the spread of invasive species. Currently, I am working on a decision theory model using stochastic dynamic programming (SDP) which incorporates a spatial spread model for leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula). The objective of this project is to find the optimal control strategy (biological, chemical or multi-species grazing) in a given time which maximizes the benefits in the next time period.
   This project will assist policy makers and land managers in deciding which control strategy to employ at any given time under the assumptions in our model. Over the course of my Masters degree, I will be addressing theoretical questions about modeling spatial spread. These may include issues of scale, spatio-temporal heterogeneity, incorporating information about unknown variables and missing data and multicollinerarity. To solve such problems I will be using theoretical, mathematical and computational tools along with empirical data to validate my models. Computer programming will play a large part in my work in the Leung lab. Some other research paths I may wander off to may include philosophy of ecology/biology, social science and policy making in biology. I recently moved to Montreal from Hamilton, ON. I am living here with my wife, Falak Pasha in our cozy apartment.
   Corey Chivers	Corey Chivers, PhD Student [e-mail: corey.chivers@mail.mcgill.ca] [website] My area of interest is in the development of forecasting and risk assessment models of non-native species. Computationally intensive methods for forecasting within a regime of high uncertainty have become increasingly feasible with the decreasing cost of high powered computers.
   Working with the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis on a project tittled Economic impacts of non-native forest pests and pathogens in North America, my research will provide species impact models that incorporate economic valuations of forest resources, invasion probabilities and spread dynamics. The results of this research will help inform policy and management practices to effectively deal with invasion risk. The second portion of my course of study will be carried out in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. The department is interested in forecasting potential invasions of aquatic flora and fauna to the Great Lakes Basin. Formulating an integrative model across all known pathways of introduction will be the crux of this project. Finally, in collaboration with Zhejiang Agricultural University, in Zhejiang, China, modeling the spread across various pathways of Rice Water Weevil in China. Using techniques of gravity modeling, my aim is to create a predictive framework for the future spread of the grain pest. Past research includes estimating the propagule pressure of alien aquatic fauna into the Great Lakes Basin via the aquarium trade. It is this research that, in part, will be built upon to devise an integrative invasion model across all known pathways. In other areas, I have worked in urban public space research, conducting parks emmissions audits and modeling outdoor artificial ice rink efficiency under various management scenarios.
   Paul Edwards	Paul Edwards, PhD Student [email: paul.edwards1@mail.mcgill.ca] My proposed topic of research for my thesis is to develop new theoretical options to manage invasive species. One half will focus on eradication strategies: presently, there are few general frameworks for managers to eradicate an established invader.
   We aim to develop new strategies for this common problem, explicitly incorporating the parameters of most use to managers such as feasibility, cost, timescale, and scope allowing them to most easily and quickly make decisions. The second half will concentrate on monitoring for range expansions and new aquatic invasions. This will provide managers a framework to devise cost-benefit-optimized monitoring strategies for their aquatic system. Further, I'm am involved on several projects involving development of spatial statistical methods, as well as spread modeling of invasive species incorporating oceanographic data.