Annika Wilcox – Research Biologist, Eastern Loggerhead Shrike Recovery Program

Annika joined the WPC Loggerhead Shrike team as a Research Biologist in 2025.  She has ample experience in environmental outreach, wildlife rehabilitation, and the ecological monitoring of birds, at-risk amphibians, reptiles, and insects.  Annika holds a Master’s degree in Integrative Biology from the University of Guelph, where she researched the limiting factors of restored agricultural wetlands as a breeding habitat for birds, with an emphasis on Species at Risk.

Mariel Terebiznik – 34th Canada’s New Noah

Mariel has always had a deep relationship with nature and conservation, having grown up spending most of her time outdoors in parks. Pursuing this passion, Mariel studied in ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Toronto, where she received both her Bachelors and Master of Science degrees. There, Mariel focused on being in the field as much as possible, travelling to Ecuador to work with lizards and spending an inordinate amount of time in Algonquin Provincial Park contributing to long-term monitoring projects. Mariel also co-founded and co-directs a grassroots organization called Field Research in Ecology and Evolution Diversified (FREED).

Klara Jones – Mottled Duskywing Field Lead for the Norfolk Reintroduction Project

Klara joined the Mottled Duskywing Recovery Project in 2023 as a Field Assistant, aiding in the reintroduction and monitoring at Pinery Provincial Park. Klara has now stepped into the role of Field Lead for the Norfolk reintroduction site to continue her conservation efforts, as she will document releases of captive-reared Mottled Duskywing and lead population sampling surveys in rare tallgrass habitats.

Sasha Fairbairn – Carden Shrike Biologist

Sasha is a self-described bird nerd with an interest in all things nature-related. She holds a degree in Conservation Biology from the University of Alberta and has experience working in environmental conservation across three provinces and four countries.

Spencer Postma – Bumble Bee Regional Field Biologist – Sudbury

Having grown up in a rural part of the Frontenac region and having spent much of his free time in nature, Spencer has developed a passion for Ontario’s wildlife and wilderness. This passion inspired him to get a degree in zoology and a graduate certificate in Environmental Management and Assessment. Experiences such as tree planting in Northern Ontario and animal educator and caretaking roles have further enhanced his love and appreciation for nature and animals. Spencer’s goal is to work to preserve Canada’s at-risk species so that future generations can continue to admire Canada’s wild spaces.

Maleeka Thaker – Napanee Shrike Biologist

Maleeka joined WPC in 2025 as the Napanee Biologist for the Loggerhead Shrike Recovery Project. After completing a postgraduate degree addressing bird-window collisions, she has continued to work in avian conservation and environmental restoration. She is extremely interested in bird banding and believes in fostering community through environmental care. Having been raised in a town once home to Eastern Loggerhead Shrikes, she is excited to be involved in this species’ restoration.

Taylor Hopper – Reptile Recovery Field Technician

Taylor is a wildlife biologist who joined the WPC Ojibway Prairie Reptile Recovery Program in 2025. He has been a lover of nature and the outdoors his whole life and studied Wildlife Biology and Conservation at The University of Guelph. He has worked with various Species at Risk including Little Brown Bats in Manitoba and Saskatchewan and Spotted and Blanding’s Turtles and Massasauga Rattlesnakes throughout Ontario.

Anja Groeneweg – Bumble Bee Conservation Technician