Climate and Community at the Heart of Water Security Research

For Danielle Spence, a recent PhD graduate from the University of Saskatchewan’s School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS), research on water security is more than analyzing numbers and running models. It is about listening to climate stories and working with communities to protect both people and ecosystems.

Her doctoral work focused on two key regions facing water challenges: Buffalo Pound Lake in Saskatchewan and Elk/Beaver Lake in British Columbia, both affected by harmful algal blooms disrupting water use and community life.

Blending Natural and Social Sciences

Spence began her research with fieldwork and long-term data analysis but quickly recognized the importance of community perspectives. Through collaboration with government agencies, water utilities, and local residents, she built a holistic understanding of how climate change and water quality affect daily life.

“As a scientist, I studied the data. But as a human, I needed to hear from the people impacted,” said Spence.

Her unique strength lay in combining scientific modeling with community engagement, reflecting the interdisciplinary approach of SENS.

Buffalo Pound Lake: Decades of Data for Climate Solutions

At Buffalo Pound Lake, Spence analyzed nearly four decades of environmental data using generalized additive models. Her study looked at how climate cycles, water flow management, and nutrient levels influence phytoplankton growth, the tiny organisms that trigger toxic algal blooms.

This analysis provided new insights into how climate extremes—droughts and floods—interact with human management practices to shape water quality outcomes.

Elk/Beaver Lake: Community Voices in Water Restoration

In British Columbia, Spence worked with the local community to understand how people value waterbodies and their willingness to invest in restoration efforts. Recreational restrictions caused by toxic algae outbreaks had become increasingly common, making public engagement essential for long-term solutions.

Her findings highlighted that people care deeply about restoring lakes not just for drinking water, but also for recreation, biodiversity, and cultural value.

Why Harmful Algal Blooms Matter

Algal blooms can cause:

• Fish deaths

• Unsafe drinking water advisories

• Bans on swimming and recreation

• Economic and social disruptions for communities

By studying why blooms occur more frequently and the role of climate variability, Spence’s work provides practical recommendations for water management policies across Canada.

Science That Connects Policy and People

Spence’s research bridges the gap between technical models and human experience, making her findings valuable not only for policy-makers but also for families and communities.

She stressed that water solutions must consider ecosystem health, community needs, and climate realities, ensuring policies are both scientifically sound and socially relevant.

A Passion for Teaching and Inspiring Future Scientists

Beyond her research, Spence earned recognition as an award-winning instructor. She served as a teaching assistant and mentor throughout her PhD, helping undergraduate and graduate students understand complex environmental concepts.

Her teaching approach focused on confidence-building and collaboration, with students praising her for making science accessible and sparking their interest in sustainability careers.

“Danielle’s empathetic teaching style empowered students to see themselves as partners in solving environmental challenges,” noted one student.

She and her supervisor, Dr. Helen Baulch (PhD), also received the 2025 Provost’s College Award for Outstanding Teaching.

Research Impact and Policy Roadmap

Spence’s findings offer a roadmap for governments, watershed managers, and local communities:

• In Saskatchewan, policies should address nutrient runoff during floods and improve flow regulation.

• In British Columbia, understanding community willingness to pay for restoration can support economically efficient and socially relevant water solutions.

Her work shows how integrating climate science with community knowledge creates stronger, more resilient solutions for the future.

Celebrated at USask Convocation

In September 2025, Spence successfully defended her PhD in Environment and Sustainability before a full room of colleagues, faculty, community partners, and family.

Her supervisor, Dr. Baulch, described her as “a tremendous academic whose ability to integrate social and natural sciences answered critical questions about water quality and climate change.”

Science with Empathy: A Lasting Legacy

Spence’s journey proves that science done with communities is stronger than science done in isolation. Her work demonstrates that long-term data, climate modeling, and human stories together can create sustainable solutions for Canada’s water future.

By blending climate science, community connection, and education, Danielle Spence has set an inspiring example for future researchers tackling the global challenge of water security