Rooted & Restless

Generously supported by BMO.

The Global Centre for Climate Action welcomes Dr. Amanda White, Canada Research Chair in Sustainability, Ecological Justice, and Climate Action in Creative Practices from Emily Carr University of Art and Design (ECUAD) alongside Dr. Ian Clarke, Associate Professor from the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at OCAD University, and Dr. Vanessa Harden, Director of BioLink Designs to explore the future of transdisciplinary research, the possibilities of indeterminate growth, and new approaches to ecological engagement. The presentations will be followed by a seed ball making workshop. No experience required to attend the workshop – just a willingness to get your hands dirty!

Workshop Registration Link: https://luma.com/mjqlzulc

Introducing:
Dr. Amanda White,
Canada Research Chair in Sustainability, Ecological Justice, and Climate Action in Creative Practices, Emily Carr University

Amanda White (she/her) is Canada Research Chair in Sustainability, Ecological Justice, and Climate action in Creative Practices at Emily Carr University, on unceded Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh territories. She is an artist, researcher, and currently leads the Living Environmental Arts and Futures (LEAF) Kitchen & Lab at ECU, a new space supporting environmentally engaged creative research and practices including a focus on plants studies, food justice and living systems. She co-edited the book Ecologies in Practice: Environmentally Engaged Arts in Canada (Wilfrid Laurier University Press, 2024) and recently published a graphic novel for middle grade readers about food security.

With:
Dr. Ian Clarke,
Co-Director, BADLab, and Associate Professor, OCAD University

Ian Clarke is an Associate Professor of sustainability and biology at OCAD University. He holds a Ph.D. (Biochemistry) from Queen’s University and an AOCAD (printmaking). He trained as a Biologist at the Design Table (BaDT) at the Biomimicry Institute. Prior to moving to OCAD, he was a cancer stem-cell researcher at the Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto). He has co-authored numerous scientific articles in journals such as Nature, and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (USA). His publications have received over 23,000 citations in peer reviewed journals. His current research focuses climate change adaptation through sustainable biomaterials, as well as urban agriculture and food systems.
Dr. Vanessa Harden,
Director, BioLink Designs

Vanessa Harden is an artist, designer, and researcher working at the intersection of urban ecology, climate resilience, and public space. She holds a Doctor of Design from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, where her research explored how mycorrhizal fungal networks can reconnect fragmented urban forests. She is the founder of Wild Flag Studios, Subversive Gardener, and BioLink Designs, initiatives that bridge public art, ecological research, and regenerative urban design. Her work has been exhibited internationally, including at the Venice Biennale and London’s V&A Museum. Through research, design, and community engagement, she explores how cities can become more ecologically connected, resilient, and biodiverse.