Focus on Fellows: Brandon Laforest

Tell me a little more about your journey from academia into non-profit work. What drove that decision? What are the differences between working in a more academic context versus a non-profit?

BL: Academia felt like an escalator - just staying on and moving to the next step. I did my undergrad in wildlife biology, then a master’s in animal nutrition and metabolism, and went straight into a PhD program with Dr. Greg Thiemann at York University. Dr. Thiemann was an incredible supervisor, but as I progressed, I became more interested in the applied nature of conservation and less interested in conducting research myself. I wanted to apply research findings to policy change, and my time with NGOs like WCS Canada made me feel at home in the non-profit sector.

When the opportunity at WWF-Canada arose, I applied thinking I wouldn’t get the job or leave Toronto, certainly not to move to Nunavut. But I got it, and it felt like a life-changing fork in the road. I decided to leave my PhD to focus full-time on conservation work, which has been a much better fit for me.

The fellowship and scholarships I received during my academic journey, like the Weston Fellowship, were invaluable for preparing me as a conservation practitioner.

How do NGOs like WCS Canada and WWF Canada help bridge the gap between academia and applied policy change?

BL: In academia, the focus is often on the study itself - its design and publication - and then moving on to the next phase. It’s natural, but regulatory processes on-the-ground need evidence to inform decision-making, and it’s often too much to ask academics, who already have a lot on their plates, to also step into these processes and provide testimony.

That’s where NGOs can play a crucial role - bridging the gap between the current state of research and on-the-ground decisions. Similarly, organizations like WWF-Canada and WCS Canada work directly with Indigenous people to connect their knowledge and priorities to regulatory processes, which are often very formal and colonial.

Civil society organizations ensure the best information is brought forward to decision-makers. There’s a dynamic role for NGOs in focusing on real-world conservation situations, connecting the best available information to those making decisions about land use or industrial development.

What changes have you observed in Arctic conservation over the last decade?

BL: In the last 10 years, there’s been a significant shift toward better recognition of Indigenous knowledge in decision-making, especially in the North. Even when I was a student, certain polar bear behaviors described by land users were met with skepticism from academics. Now, these behaviors are widely accepted as part of polar bear biology.

We’ve also moved from “climate change is coming” to “climate change is here.” Weather events and abnormalities are now so frequent that it’s hard to determine what’s normal anymore. The impacts on Arctic wildlife are widespread.

While this can lead to hopelessness, I believe organizations like WWF-Canada and WCS Canada have an essential role in communicating that there’s still time to act. By implementing science-backed solutions, we can mitigate these impacts and show that not all hope is lost.

What are your thoughts on how people can overcome decision paralysis and the feeling of hopelessness you describe about problems that big?

BL: I think it comes down to the fact that everyone’s looking to contribute. People want to act but often don’t know how to beyond simple measures like turning off lights.

I get inspiration from having lived in Nunavut and worked closely with Inuit for over 10 years. These communities are at the forefront of climate change, experiencing warming at four times the global average. Despite having minimal impact on climate change, they bear its brunt.

The 'environmentalism’ embedded in these communities inspires me - preserving traditions and thinking seven generations ahead. Their perspective reminds us that the actions we take today may not show immediate results, but they will lead to long-term change if we act now.

What does your day-to-day look like now?

BL: I’m the Lead Specialist for Arctic Conservation at WWF Canada. I work with Inuit partners in Nunavut on Indigenous-led protected area projects and regulatory processes to establish land and sea-based protections.

I oversee the Arctic Species Conservation Fund, which supports 10-20 research projects annually, ranging from wildlife studies to community-driven priorities. I also contribute to WWF Canada’s policy work, decolonization efforts, and international COP discussions.

I now lead a small team, which gives me the chance to mentor younger conservation professionals. Supporting their development is an aspect of my job that I really like.

Then let’s talk about career development. Many early-career scientists and conservationists are really interested in career development advice. What are your words of wisdom for people looking to find themselves in the conservation world? Could you tell us more about Cheryl’s role as a mentor for you?

BL: Put yourself out there. It’s about how you present yourself, showing genuine interest, and being the kind of person people want to work with. Raise your hand for tasks, volunteer to observe, and show that you’re eager to contribute.

As for Cheryl, I met her through the Weston Fellowship. She was assigned as the case manager for all recipients, and I was incredibly lucky to have her as a mentor. Cheryl cared about people as individuals, not just colleagues. She was deeply invested in my career development and always made time for thoughtful, one-on-one conversations.

One of the most memorable moments was a dinner in Toronto before I moved to Nunavut. I was debating whether to take the job at WWF-Canada, and Cheryl offered guidance that was both professional and personal. She encouraged me to think about my values and the long-term impact of my decisions.

Her mentorship shaped so much of my career, and she taught me the importance of paying it forward. I now make time for young conservationists who reach out to me because I know how invaluable that support can be.

Justina Ray has also been an incredible mentor. She’s a powerhouse in the conservation field, and her leadership has been inspiring. She blends authority with expertise, and I’ve learned so much from working with her.

For anyone seeking a mentor, my advice is simple: don’t be afraid to ask. Many professionals in this field are willing to help if you take the initiative. Programs like the Weston Fellowship are fantastic for providing not just financial support but also access to life-changing mentorship and connections.