Member Spotlights

Aryn Laxton

Field Research Technician, University of Alberta

I am originally from the city of Airdrie, in southern Alberta. I hold a bachelor’s degree from the University of Calgary in English Literature mainly on Early Medieval Literature. My main area of interest lies in early European monsters and mythical creatures; I can talk about them for hours. Following my graduation, I spent a year teaching ESL in South Korea before returning to work as a painter in the construction industry. I owned a small business for a decade before landing a job as a subject matter expert on the application of finishes for historic building restoration. 

The physically demanding nature of the job prompted me to seek a change, so I got a Forest Technologist diploma from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT).  After that, I worked as an intern on oil sands reclamation at the Centre for Boreal Research. Since then, I have worked on dendrochronology, GIS/GPS, block layout, measurements, and land use management. My ultimate goal is to teach and pass on my professional and physical skills to the next generation. Apart from my professional pursuits, I enjoy engaging in historic re-enactment of Roman Gladiatorial and Viking age combat, reading, camping, gardening, Warhammer 40K, and playing video games. My furry companions include a giant orange tabby named Loki and a Border Collie Pyrenees mix named Cadence. 

Jeff Kiely

Field Research Technician, University of Alberta

I born and raised in Edmonton Alberta Canada. I hold a BSc degree in Biology from the University of Alberta which gives me a strong foundation in the scientific principles that underpin TRIA-FoR research project. Aside from my bachelor’s degree, I have extensive experience as a climbing arborist, given that I am not a stranger working in challenging outdoor environments. I am passionate about using my skills and expertise to contribute to this project and the magnitude of research that is tied to this project. I am honored to be a part of the TRIA-FoR team, that is working very hard to better understand the mountain pine beetle and ways toward healthier boreal forests, a major threat to our forest ecosystem. I am excited to learn new things and contribute to my new role. I also love spending time in gardens and working with community groups to promote gardening to connect with nature and improve our health and well-being. My past volunteer work has been very rewarding as I introduced people to gardening and the joy of interacting with nature and witnessing the rewards of our efforts at the end of the season. 

Lauren Miner

Project Manager, Carleton University

I grew-up in the small town of Petawawa Ontario which borders on Algonquin Park. This is where my interest in trees started, all my spare time was spent outside in the woods. I hold a bachelor’s degree in communications from Carleton University, with that I have spent some time working on Hallmark movie sets and as a social media manager for some online companies. 

When the world shut down during covid I was looking for a career change and wanted to get back to my forestry roots. I returned to Carleton where I completed my second bachelor’s in biology and picked up a Forestry SAO from Algonquin College. With this, I can both wield a chainsaw and preform Hardy-Weinberg equations. Throughout my undergrad I have been working in Dr. Cullingham’s lab as a tech, where I had the opportunity to flex my green thumb by helping in the greenhouse and work on pine trees at the genetic level. I look forward to continuing with the TRIA-FoR project as the project manager. 

In addition to work you can find me in the woods camping or hiking with my partner Matt, our new baby Audrey and our dog Murphy. I also enjoy crafting, I knit, quilt, embroider, make my own soap and bake, I always enjoy learning a new skill!