L-R): Sophie Kent-Purcell, Dr. Patricia Matsumoto, Dr. Peter Bush, Miranda Frison and Md Moniruzzaman
The Wicked Problems Lab serves as a learning hub for preparing undergraduate and graduate students for their careers
To tackle the complex environmental challenge of understanding and measuring forests effectively, the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables (NSDNRR) teamed up with the Wicked Problems Lab at Saint Mary’s University. This partnership leverages advanced software and datasets to create innovative solutions for this local, national and global problem.
Wicked Problems Lab research analyst Dr. Patricia Matsumoto and Dr. Mathew Novak, Director, lead research focused on identifying old-growth forests, mapping forest changes over time, and forest landscape connectivity.
The research team is using several geospatial datasets to develop an Old Growth Forest Potential Index tool, which can be used to plan field activities and support land management decisions related to development proposals such as wind farms. The research team has also been focused on applying the latest methodologies in remote sensing, geographical information systems (GIS) and machine-learning algorithms to understand forest gain and loss in the province in a historical time-series.
The seven students employed by the Lab for the forestry project have learned how to interpret remote sensing images, create, manipulate and edit large GIS datasets, use the latest geospatial software and write reports and scientific manuscripts.
“Collaborating with the lab and students means we’re using the latest geomatics tools and research methods, which aren’t always accessible to our staff,” said Dr. Peter Bush, Provincial Landscape Forester at NSDNRR.
Through its partnership with NSDNRR, the Wicked Problems Lab exemplifies how academia and government can work together to create innovative, data-driven solutions for environmental sustainability and resource management in Nova Scotia and beyond.
The Office of Innovation and Community Engagement (OICE) at Saint Mary’s University facilitates research partnerships between the University and companies, government departments and community organizations. OICE is the initial point of contact for faculty members and external partners wishing to collaborate. The office assists with finding suitable expertise, contract development and advising on funding opportunities.
This project highlight is from the 2025 OICE Report, which features researchers from Saint Mary's University and their external partners.