Sessional Faculty

Mary has served 30+ years in senior roles as a partnership builder and conservation strategist. She is ever grateful for the opportunity to have worked for many years as an ally supporting Indigenous-led conservation. A proven partnership builder, strategist and advisor with a broad base of experience, she has helped many Indigenous and Crown governments, NGOs, researchers, progressive companies and others navigate complex waters. She now serves as the leadership coach for the Master in Conservation Leadership program and previously as the Kinross Chair in Environmental Governance at the University of Guelph. Mary loves doing anything that gets her outdoors. 

Dr. Lauren Sneyd serves as a lecturer and course developer in the areas of food studies, sustainability innovation, global development and research methods at the University of Guelph. Lauren is a team member and Research Scientist on a Global Affairs Canada funded project supporting gender responsive, nature-based solutions to climate change with the Forest Foundation Philippines.  She was previously a visiting Assistant Professor (CL) with the Development Studies Program and the Coady International Institute at St. Francis Xavier University, and a SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellow at the Balsillie School of International Affairs. Lauren completed her doctorate in Geography and International Development Studies at the University of Guelph on food riots, wild foods and the food system in Cameroon. She earned a thesis-based Master of Arts degree in Anthropology at Dalhousie University focusing on ethical coffee retailing and international trade. She also earned a second coursework-based Master of Arts degree in Development Studies at the University of Auckland on sustainable development and gold mining. Her BA (Hons.) was in Anthropology with a subsidiary in Development Studies.