A collective of collaborative, interdisciplinary, and nature-inspired scientists.
Professor, Liber Ero Chair in Conservation Biology, co-Chair (elect) GEO BON , Founding director of the QCBS
Hey, I’m Andrew Gonzalez. I oversee the research conducted here in the lab and work to keep our team driven by science that matters. I have spoken at the World Economic Forum and co-lead the Adapting Urban Environments for the Future theme of McGill's Sustainability Systems Initiative. In 2018, I co-founded an urban resilience consulting company, called Habitat.
Post-doc
My research focuses on developing and applying advanced tools for monitoring and modeling ecosystem services. I integrate biological and ecological data across scales to predict ecosystem and biodiversity changes. My work aims to advance machine learning, geostatistical, and geospatial methods for monitoring biodiversity networks, contributing to the Canadian Biodiversity Observation Network (CAN BON) and aligning with the GEO BON framework to support evidence-based reporting, policy-making, and conservation efforts.
Post-doc
The twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss demand innovative solutions to halt environmental decline. Conserving freshwater biodiversity requires effective restoration and monitoring strategies. My goal is to advance conservation and restoration through collaborative, interdisciplinary research that integrates social, ecological, and economic perspectives.
As part of the Gonzalez Lab, my research advances the understanding of Nature's Contributions to People (NCP) within global ecosystem service assessments. Using synthesis, natural language processing, and machine learning, I am developing the first global knowledge graph of NCP resources, including tools, data, policies, and models. This open-access platform evaluates resources across spatial and temporal scales while identifying knowledge gaps, assessing data quality, and tracking FAIR data practices. Ultimately, this work supports current IPBES assessments.
LinkedIn • ResearchGate • Scholar
@sebtheis.bsky.social
Post-doc
I’m broadly interested in ecological connectivity and learning how it affects wildlife movement and how it structures biological populations and communities across large-scale landscapes. My research integrates large biological and geospatial data to model the effects of landscape configuration and connectivity on biodiversity, to support conservation planning and policy.
With the Gonzalez lab, I am developing a framework for multi-species connectivity modelling of protected areas to support the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This research will support the regional government, and local municipalities make planning decisions to support Quebec’s 30x30 protected area targets.
Lab Manager
I’m passionate about applying broad field and lab techniques in creative ways to investigate freshwater systems. I studied freshwater food webs and species interactions during my MSc. Since then, I worked on projects with the Canadian LakePulse Network, the Large Experimental Array of Ponds (LEAP), Environmental & Climate Change Canada (ECCC), and the International Society of Limnology (SIL). I support research activities and splits my time as a research assistant in a paleolimnology lab and lab manager in the Gonzalez Lab at McGill.
Lab manager (temporary)
I’m excited to join the lab and contribute to biodiversity conservation, large-scale ecology, and its collaborative research environment from behind the scenes. I trained as a biodiversity conservation ecologist with a passion for aquatic ecosystems. My research has focused on the effects of human-driven environmental change on aquatic ecosystems, using a range of ecological and molecular approaches. I am also completing postdoctoral research using community science and inland water eDNA to track zoonotic mosquitoes in Canada. Outside academia, I have worked as a science educator at the Montreal Insectarium, Parks Canada, Les Amis du Mont-Royal, and with NGOs in Canada and abroad. If you have questions about the lab, do not hesitate to contact me!
Program developer
It is a rare chance to contribute to the preservation of the ecosystems as a software engineer. I am more than happy to put my software development and Scrum Master abilities at the service of GEO BON. Before taking up this position, I was serving the cause of eye disabilities at HumanWare, developing technological aids for people with low vision or blindness. During these seven years I have developed software with a wide range of technologies (Java-Android, Kotlin, C++, Groovy, Jenkins, etc.), configured Image Signal Processors for image quality tuning, and served as a Scrum Master for a few projects.
I hope to help GEO BON achieve its greater goal of contributing to effective biodiversity management policies, one small sprint goal at a time.
Executive Secretary
I lead the coordination of GEO BON's global network, working with scientists, governments, and international organizations to strengthen biodiversity monitoring and support evidence-based conservation policy worldwide. Before becoming Executive Secretary, I served as a Science Officer for GEO BON and worked at the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), where I supported the implementation of the Global Taxonomy Initiative and the programme on invasive alien species. These experiences shaped my interest in connecting biodiversity science with international policy and building collaborative approaches to monitoring.
I completed my PhD at McGill University, where my research focused on molecular ecology, landscape genetics, and patterns of genetic diversity in natural populations. Today, my work centres on advancing coordinated biodiversity observation, developing robust monitoring frameworks, and fostering an inclusive global community of practice that supports countries in implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Data Scientist
I am excited to be joining the GEO BON team as the biodiversity data scientist working on the BON in a BOX tool. I recently completed my Master’s degree at McGill University, where my research focused on predicting large-scale changes in mammal space use in response to intensifying human footprint. I look forward to contributing to the continued development of BON in a Box to support the coordination and standardization of biodiversity metrics, including indicators and Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs), for detecting and monitoring changes in biodiversity.
We are focused on many aspects of biodiversity science.
We do empirical research on biodiversity from microbes to mammals, whilst our theoretical interests range from nonequilibrium eco-evolutionary dynamics to food webs in metacommunties.
The overarching theme of our research is the development of a rich theory of biodiversity, that can be applied to support decisions for conservation and sustainability. We develop theory, test it with experiments in the lab and field and use meta-analysis to evaluate its validity beyond controlled conditions.
We are committed to the academic development of all students.
My group has always maintained strong gender balance, and I encourage ethnic diversity and LGBT researchers. I will invest a lot of time and energy in helping you through the trials of paper writing, conference presentations, and statistical analyses.
My lab offers state of the art equipment, access to a global network of partners, and a collaborative working environment. I have high expectations of my students. I expect you to be committed to your research, to be prepared to work through the difficult times (they will come), and to ask for help when needed.
If you are interested in joining the Gonzalez lab, please send me an email introducing your research interests, research experience and academic background. A copy of your CV, grades (where appropriate), and a list of referees should also be attached to your email.
I look for students with a passion for research, who have succeeded in publishing their work and want to apply their knowledge to improving society’s relationship with our natural environment. I encourage applicants to apply for research fellowships (e.g., NSERC), but I will fund applicants if the fit to our research program is good.
Note: Unfortunately, I turn down excellent applicants to keep the lab to a manageable size.
International students:
January 15th for September registration
August 15th for January registration
Canadian residents and citizens:
March 15th for September registration
October 15th for January registration
Click HERE for complete information for the Graduate Studies program.
