Research Laboratories

Forest Ecology/Silviculture/Ecophysiology Laboratory
Facilities are three separate labs (silviculture, ecophysiology and ecology) which are separated on the basis of functions. Equipment includes infrared gas analyser and photosynthetic measuring devise, controlled environmental chambers, walk in cooler/freezer, large drying ovens, TDR equipment, neutron probes, electronic scales, programmable waterbaths, large drying ovens, porometry equipment, data loggers and meteorological equipment, computers, scanners for leaf area measurements and tree ring measurements, leaf area meter, and Scholander plant stress meters. The ecophysiology lab has an array of glassware for use in carbohydrate and other analyses.

Forest Genetics Laboratory

The Forest Genetics Laboratory is well equipped for a host of genetic analysis applications. We have four Perkin Elmer gene amplification machines for high throughput PCR work, and a LI-COR 2-Dye DNA Sequencing and Genetic Analysis system for automated genome sequencing, genotyping, and linkage analysis. Our research foci advance the understanding of genetic structure and speciation, and on how natural selection and intensive management practices could affect forest genetic diversity. We also actively involve in the application of biotechnology to tree improvement by establishing linkages between QTL and candidate genes with disease, productivity, form and wood quality traits.

Forest Hydrology Laboratory

Students and faculty researchers in the forest hydrology lab are part of the Centre for Enhanced Forest Management and are committed to sound, scientifically based management of Alberta's forest resources. The web site highlights some of the current research and personnel in the lab.Visit the Forest Hydrology Lab Website for further information.

Natural Resources Analytical Laboratory
The Natural Resources Analytical Laboratory (NRAL) performs analyses on selected chemical constituents of soil, plant and water in support of research and extension activities.

NRAL clients include staff and students from the University of Alberta and other Universities, and provincial and federal government agencies. In addition to its analytical services, the lab plays an educational role by providing training to students and research staff in the operation of a number of analytical instruments. >>more

Reclamation and Hydrology Laboratory
The Reclamation and Hydrology is located on the second floor of the Human Ecology Building on the U of Alberta Campus. The lab provides space for sample processing, instrument calibration and set up, data input and analysis on four free-standing computer terminals, 12 and 110 volt power supplies, drying oven facilities, dissection scope setup, and blackboards for use in lab/lecture. The extensive bench space, locking cabinets, and limited wet lab facilities make this a very useful work space. The lab receives extensive use by graduate students and post doctoral fellows dealing with biological, wildlife, hydrologic, and physical process measurements.

Soil Biogeochemistry Laboratory
The Biogeochemistry Laboratory is located on the third floor of the Earth Science Building. We conduct fundamental and applied research on biogeochemical processes regulating the distribution and fluxes of carbon and nitrogen in soil ecosystems. Equipment includes Mac and PC computers, drying ovens, fume hoods, refrigerators, a microbalance, a soluble carbon analyzer, and deionized water system. Through recent grants from NSERC and CFI we are in the process of purchasing additional preparation and analytical equipment, including a LabConco freeze-dry system, a Ultra-low temperature freezer, a Microcentrifuge (Eppendorf), and a MIDI identification system (Agilent 6890 GC).

Spatial Applications of Social Ecology Laboratory
The Spatial Applications of Social Ecology Laboratory (SASE) is a research facility housed at the University of Alberta, in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences, designed to support interdisciplinary research on the social dimensions of environmental management. >> more

Spatial Information Systems Lab
The Spatial Information Systems Laboratory, established in 1992, offers a distinctive interdisciplinary research and learning facility in geographical information systems (GIS), image analysis, ecosystem modeling and pattern recognition. Facilities are available to faculty members, researchers, and graduate students 24 hours a day, seven days a week through secure onsite access and offsite through network access. Visit the SIS Lab website for more information.

The Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry Laboratory
The Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry and C/N Elemental Analysis Laboratory is located in room 3-50 in the Earth Sciences Building. This lab is part of the Natural Resources Analytical Lab (NRAL) group and performs Elemental Carbon, Nitrogen, and Sulfur Analysis, TC, TOC and TN alone or interfaced to the Mass-Spectrometer for Enriched, Natural or depleted d¹³Cand d¹⁵N isotopes. >>more

Tree Physiology Laboratory
The tree physiology lab is equipped for field and laboratory measurements of  trees and tree seedlings. There are several Scholander pressure chambers, high pressure flow meters, steady-state porometer, portable infra-red gas analyzer, ultracentrifuge, freeze-drier, freezers (including an ultra-low temperature freezer), ovens, electronic balances, cell presure probe, gas chromatograph, high-pressure liquid chromatograph, and microscopes. The lab is also set up for work with cell membranes and biochemical analysis of lipids and proteins.

Wildlife Heritage Interpretation Laboratory
This is an undergraduate laboratory facility used primarily for wildlife identification purposes specifically for the Wildlife Biodiversity and Ecology (ENCS 201) and the Advanced Field Identification (REN R 201) course. It houses the Cy Hampson Memorial Wildlife Collection of bird and mammal mounts in custom designed and built cabinetry as well as the department's teaching collection of mounts, skins, skulls and preserved specimens for wildlife identification. This is not a general access lab.

Invertebrate Ecology Laboratory
The Invertebrate Ecology Lab, located on the University of Alberta campus, is home to the Spence lab. The lab is equipped for processing and identifying field collected invertebrate samples, rearing arthropod cultures, digital imaging of specimens and computer assisted statistical analysis. >>more