Melissa McHale

Associate Professor, University of British Columbia

Dr. Melissa McHale is an Associate Professor of Urban Ecology and Sustainability in the Department of Forest Resources Management at the University of British Columbia. She leads an internationally recognized research program that bridges urban theory with applied science to inform decision-making in cities. With a background in exploring the social and biophysical drivers of urban ecosystem structure and function, global urbanization processes, green infrastructure, and ecosystem service tradeoffs, Dr. McHale brings a systems-based approach to urban forestry research, emphasizing the connections between landscape patterns, human health, and well-being. Her current work focuses on nature-based solutions (NBS) for mitigating urban heat, assessing the role of tree canopy in semi-arid environments, and understanding the complex interactions between urban forests, water use, and thermal comfort. Dr. McHale’s research has revealed critical insights into the human-relevant thermal benefits of urban forests and the nuanced role of canopy cover in residential landscapes and transportation corridors.

Dr. McHale is also deeply committed to fostering partnerships between cities, universities, and industry. Through recent collaborations in Canada’s Okanagan region, she has demonstrated how these partnerships not only address cutting-edge research questions but also enable the practical application of innovative tools. These efforts help cities advance their practices at reduced costs, showcasing how co-produced knowledge can drive meaningful change during times of financial constraint. Dr. McHale has served as a science advisor to several organizations, including the Science and Research Committee for Denver’s Sustainability Advisory Council and the United States Forest Service’s Denver Urban Field Station, and her work continues to empower communities across North America to confront shared sustainability challenges.