FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ottawa, ON – August 19, 2026 – The Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS) is pleased
to announce that Explorer-in-Residence Dr. Emily Choy has been named the Audain Wildlife
Conservation Fellow, a two-year position enabling Emily and a research team to complete a
scientific investigation on the nesting patterns of Williamson’s Sapsuckers, and the effect of
logging in B.C. old growth forests. Her research will be profiled as part of her fellowship in
Canada’s #1 paid magazine, Canadian Geographic.
This fellowship, made possible through the support of the Audain Foundation, supports
researchers who want to make major contributions to wildlife conservation research.
“Dr. Choy’s work is the impactful research needed to protect British Columbia’s wildlife,” said
John Geiger, CEO of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. “Thanks to the generosity of the
Audain Foundation, this fellowship will put her findings in front of Canadians to show them why
these efforts are vital.”
The Audain Foundation was founded in 1997 by Michael Audain, and is committed to protecting
B.C. wildlife through conservation, research and habitat protection initiatives.
“Protecting British Columbia’s wildlife requires an understanding of the changing world around
us,”said Manon Gauthier, Executive Director of the Audain Foundation. “We are proud to
partner with Canadian Geographic as part of our commitment to preserving Canada’s natural
environment.”
Canadian Geographic will share Emily Choy’s research with its audience of 4.6 million monthly
readers and 28,000 teachers through its educational arm to bring these issues to light.
Dr. Emily Choy is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at McMaster University,
studying the physiological response of climate change on birds and other wildlife. She has done
extensive research in the Arctic and now in British Columbia.
“I can’t wait to start this research,” said Emily Choy. “Observing the birds and their nesting
grounds is critical for their long term survival. Having the funding that allows us to do field work
in the forests of the Okanagan region is essential for their conservation. I was in the field this
summer, and their habitat is deteriorating. We need policies to protect their nesting grounds.”
Through the fellowship, Dr. Choy will share the important role British Columbia’s old-growth
forests play in supporting Williamson’s Sapsuckers. Her work will be featured in Canadian
Geographic Magazine, public digital campaigns, and educational resources distributed through
the Canadian Geographic Education network.
Through the fellowship, Dr. Choy will share the important role British Columbia’s old-growth
forests play in supporting Williamson’s Sapsuckers. Her work will be featured in Canadian
Geographic Magazine, public digital campaigns, and educational resources distributed through
the Canadian Geographic Education network.
The Audain Wildlife Conservation Fellowship program is part of Canadian Geographic's efforts
to invest in environmental storytelling and education as the Society reaches towards its 100th
anniversary in 2029-2030.
Media Contact:
Rosemary Thompson
Senior Vice-President, External
Royal Canadian Geographical Society
[email protected] | (613) 240-6739
