Jake Lawlor has a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from the University of Texas and a master’s degree in biology from Western Washington University. Early on, he developed a passion for studying the effects of environmental changes on marine life. 

Along the way, he acquired skills in programming, statistics and data science, while refining his interest in the influence of climate on species distribution. This interest guides him today in his doctoral work in biology at McGill University, carried out in the Sunday lab, which focuses on the biogeography of global change. 
Jake Lawlor is one of the two recipients of the 2025-2026 Réal-Decoste Scholarship, and we wanted to know more about his research. 

What is the subject of your research project and what is its context?
 

Around the world, climate change is forcing species to shift their ranges in order to find environments that are conducive to their survival. This phenomenon transforms our ways of interacting with them, managing them and protecting them.
Marine species are shifting their ranges faster than terrestrial species, on average. These displacements are already having tangible repercussions on fishing communities and the food security and livelihoods of coastal populations.
These changes raise new challenges for conservation and resource management, as protected areas are fixed, while the species they aim to protect are becoming increasingly mobile.
My research investigates how range shifts interact with the design of conservation networks, in the aim of identifying gaps in the protection of mobile species and proposing better ways to protect them.

What is the goal of your research project?

In ecology, change has become the norm. I want to provide some answers to guide the expansion of conservation efforts in a world where species are shifting their ranges.

My main objective is to understand how management strategies can adapt to better protect species that are on the move and to develop practical resources for conservation professionals.

The highly collaborative spirit in my lab allows me to be in direct contact with people who are involved in conservation. I work daily with many talented scientists from academia, government agencies, and conservation groups. Based on continuous conversations with them, we can orient our research to meet their true needs. It’s useful for their work in the field, and it’s rewarding for us, since we feel like our work can really guide their daily actions.
 
What led you to develop this project? 

My master’s research focused on experimental larval ecology: I raised marine invertebrate larvae in conditions simulating the “ocean of the future,” in order to observe their development and survival. The results of this work helped guide conservation strategies for native oysters in the State of Washington. It reinforced my interest in adapting conservation measures to respond to the climate risks that species face.
 

These days, globally, and also in Canada, conservation networks are expanding. Many countries have recently joined the 30x30 initiative, which aims to protect 30% of land and oceans by 2030.

It’s essential to understand which areas could provide the greatest benefits to the world’s species, now and in the future, and how the management of protected areas could be adapted to cope with changing conditions.
I based this project on these questions. 
On a more personal note, outside of my PhD work, my interests naturally follow my field of research. During my studies, I became a sea kayak tour guide. Spending time in nature, particularly in the San Juan Islands in the State of Washington, allowed me to observe the wildlife of the Pacific up close. I conducted my research in the winter and spent the whole summer at sea observing them.
Today, my research focuses on two main questions: to what extent are marine species currently protected, and will they be in the future? And how do shifting ranges change ecological communities within protected areas?

Jake, who is engaged in his field beyond the academic aspect, emphasizes the importance of the Canadian context: “Canada plays a leading role in conservation, which makes this work particularly motivating and meaningful. It’s very inspiring to contribute in my own way to this collective drive to protect biodiversity. I’m very grateful to Ouranos and the Fonds de recherche du Québec for their support, which is enabling me to turn these questions into research with a tangible impact.”

Master’s and doctoral students can now submit their applications for the 2026-2027 Réal-Decoste Scholarship. The scholarship is worth $40,000 annually, renewable for up to three years for a total of $120,000.