Rose Lacombe, M.Sc.

Research Biologist

Rose Lacombe joined IWWR in 2025. She has a strong background in avian ecology and science communication, with experience in both research and government settings. Rose’s work focuses on priority landscapes, where she helps design and deliver applied research that informs habitat conservation planning and wetland management. She also assists in developing geospatial tools and models that guide evidence-based decision-making. Rose brings valuable experience in coordinating multi-partner projects and fostering partnerships across teams. Fully bilingual in English and French, Rose is committed to making science accessible and actionable for a wide range of audiences, and she finds fulfillment in the tangible impacts of IWWR’s work on the landscape.

Education:

M.Sc., Renewable Resources, McGill University
B.Sc., Environmental Biology (Wildlife Biology Specialization), McGill University

Publications:

Petalas, C., R.M. Lacombe, K.H. Elliott, and R.A. Lavoie. 2025. Coastal foraging increases mercury concentrations in a breeding seabird: Insights from isotopes, biologging, and prey. Science of the Total Environment 965:178660.

Brisson-Curadeau, É., R. Lacombe, M. Gousy-Leblanc, V. Poirier, L. Jackson, C. Petalas, E. Miranda, A. Eby, J. Baak, D.-J. Léandri-Breton, E. Choy, J. Legros, E. Tranze-Drabinia, and K.H. Elliott. 2025. A meta-analysis of the impact of drones on birds. Frontiers of Ecology and Environment 23:e2809.

Lacombe, R.M., P. Martigny, D. Pelletier, B.D. Barst, M. Guillemette, M. Amyot, K.H. Elliott, and R.A. Lavoie. 2024. Exploring the spatial variation of mercury in the Gulf of St. Lawrence using northern gannets as fish samplers. Science of the Total Environment 927:172152.

Lacombe, R.M., T.C. Atwood, E. Peacock, A. Remili, R. Dietz, C. Sonne, and M.A. McKinney. 2024. Long-term storage at 20°C compromise fatty acid composition of polar bear adipose biopsies. Marine Ecology Progress 728:75-80.

Lacombe, R.M., B.D. Barst, D. Pelletier, M. Guillemette, M. Amyot, R.A. Lovie, and K.H. Elliott. 2024. Compound-specific stable nitrogen isotope analysis of amino acids shows that bulk methods provide higher estimates of mercury biomagnification in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Environmental Pollution 340:122769.

Baak, J.E., R.M. Lacombe, E.S. Choy, K.H. Elliott, and J.E. Elliott. 2022. Interactions between climate change and contaminants. Pages 157-180 in CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, USA.