Lethbridge Polytechnic, in recognition of significant contributions made by the Alberta Professional Outfitters Society (APOS), has officially named its wildlife teaching lab the Alberta Professional Outfitters Society Wildlife Conservation Lab. Over the last two years, APOS has generously donated nearly $350,000 to the polytechnic in the shared pursuit of enhancing Canadian wildlife conservation. The on-campus instructional lab is located on the first floor of the Cousins Science Centre and is used primarily by Environmental Sciences students for research and training experiences.
Funding from APOS has contributed to the development and expansion of the polytechnic's Wildlife Analytics Lab (WAL), located on the second floor of the Cousins Science Centre. Polytechnic employees and student researchers analyze cementum from wildlife teeth, primarily to estimate age, contributing directly to wildlife research and conservation.
"The Wildlife Analytics Lab, fueled by APOS's generosity, has become a hub for groundbreaking research, integrating innovative techniques such as machine learning with established techniques like cementum analysis to provide critical insights into wildlife health and population dynamics," says Dr. Everett Hanna, instructor, Environmental Sciences. "This work not only equips our students with cutting-edge skills, but it also contributes directly to conservation efforts across Alberta and beyond. Together, these labs are a shining example of our united commitment to conserving Alberta's wild ecosystems for future generations."
"APOS is very proud of the work the Wildlife Analytics Lab has already done to date to support wildlife conservation within Alberta and beyond our borders," says Corey Jarvis, president of APOS. "We were pleased to support the recent efforts for increasing the efficiency of the Lab using our Wildlife Management Fund and are honoured to have a place on campus bearing our name."
Using advanced technology to analyze cementum, a mineralized tissue surrounding the roots of teeth, can provide useful information on wildlife trends, animal population dynamics and potential pathways for dealing with urgent challenges like Chronic Wasting Disease. Researchers can then apply these resources toward developing practical solutions that translate into real-world conservation efforts. This research not only advances conservation science but it also provides hunters and outfitters with valuable insights into the animals they harvest, fostering sustainable wildlife management practices that benefit both the environment and those who rely on it.
"Thanks to the dedication of the Alberta Professional Outfitters Society, we are proud to reaffirm our commitment to conservation and sustainability practices promoted within our Environmental Sciences programs," says Dr. Brad Donaldson, president and CEO of Lethbridge Polytechnic. "Through our collaborations and innovative research initiatives, we are not only equipping our students with career-ready skills but also making Lethbridge Polytechnic a key conservation player in Canada."
Conservation of the natural world is a key component of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Environmental Sciences programs, as students are taught and encouraged to find ways to protect the environment and contribute to sustainability efforts. If you are energized by nature and love being outdoors, visit the polytechnic's Environmental Sciences programs page at lethpolytech.ca/nature.
