Acacia Frempong-Manso
Systems Ecologist
Key skills: Freshwater ecology, social-ecological systems, ecological and statistical modeling, cumulative effects assessment, GIS, evidence synthesis, science communication, community and indigenous engagement.
Acacia is a systems ecologist with a background in freshwater ecology and applied conservation, working at the intersection of ecological research, systems thinking, and environmental decision-making. Her work focuses on understanding how human activities interact with ecosystems across spatial and temporal scales, and on applying interdisciplinary approaches to address complex environmental challenges.
Her experience spans academic research, government, non-profit, and indigenous organizations where she has contributed to projects involving ecosystem monitoring, cumulative effects assessment, climate adaptation, and conservation planning. Acacia brings a strong analytical foundation, drawing on tools such as ecological and statistical modelling, spatial analysis, and evidence synthesis to support integrated, system-based insights.
Acacia holds a B.Sc. in Life Sciences from McMaster University, where she researched aquatic ecosystem recovery and biodiversity resilience following a eutrophication disturbance. She completed an M.Sc. in Biology at Carleton University, examining waterfront property owner perceptions of riparian aesthetics and shoreline management, using large-scale environmental datasets and spatial analysis to inform stewardship and policy strategies. She earned her Ph.D. in Biology from Carleton University, where her research focused on statistical and spatial analysis, field studies, and applied conservation to evaluate the potential for modified shoreline erosion structures to deliver cumulative biodiversity benefits, while also identifying practical considerations for broader adaptation. Acacia has also completed a graduate certificate in curatorial studies at Carleton University, an interdisciplinary program that focused on museology, curation, and professional practice in cultural institutions.
Outside of work, Acacia enjoys spending time in nature, staying active through sports such as rugby and basketball, and reading.