2026-2028 IBioS Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Blue Carbon Canada, UBC
Research Themes
Coastal Ecology | Ecosystem Valuation | Climate Decision-Making
Geographical Area(s) of Research
All Blue Carbon Ecosystems along the coast of Canada (Kelp, Marshes, Seagrasses, Seabed)
Top Three Research Questions on Biodiversity Solutions and Sustainable Coexistence of People and Nature
1. Where can marine protected areas and restoration deliver the greatest combined benefits for biodiversity, climate mitigation, and people?
2. What tradeoffs determine whether nature-based climate solutions are both cost-effective and equitable?
3. How can ecological and economic data improve biodiversity and climate decision-making at scale?
Bio
Kylor Kerns is a marine ecologist working at the intersection of coastal ecology, blue carbon, and climate decision-making. As a postdoctoral researcher with Blue Carbon Canada at the University of British Columbia, Kylor synthesizes data on the carbon drawdown capacity of Canada’s blue carbon ecosystems to support national-scale spatial prioritization for nature-based solutions. Her work informs the identification of priority areas for protection and restoration and explores cost-effective strategies that maximize carbon storage, ecosystem services, and economic value across management scenarios.
She earned her PhD from the University of Virginia, where her research focused on how climate change shapes coastal ecosystems. Her current research interests center on data synthesis, spatial analysis, and policy-relevant science to advance scalable and equitable blue carbon–based climate solutions.