People
Current Staff and Researchers
Beth Savan, Principal Investigator
b.savan@utoronto.ca
Beth Savan has cycled to school, to work, and to have fun most days for the past 45 years. She was the inaugural Sustainability Director at the University of Toronto, where, for eight years, she was responsible for establishing the Sustainability Office and managing its staff, for engaging over three thousand students a year in sustainability activities on campus, and for overseeing energy and resource conservation programs. Under her watch, and with support from the Sustainability Office, BikeChain, a cycling promotion hub and workshop was established and has flourished.
For seven years, Beth directed the Environmental Studies Programme at Innis College, University of Toronto. She has served as Research Director and Undergraduate Coordinator for the Centre for Environment and has a cross-appointment in the Geography Department and in the Masters in Planning Programme. She is an award winning teacher and has developed the Centre for Environment’s new course on Institutional Sustainability.
Beth has been very active as a government advisor, on Environmental Non-Governmental Organization boards and on foundation grants committees. She is a Certified Professional Planner and chaired the Environmental Assessment Review Panel for the Ontario Minister of the Environment and co-chaired the City of Toronto’s Sustainability Round Table. Beth has extensive policy consulting experience with governments as well as private organizations. She recently served on the Board of Directors of the Sustainability Network, Cycle Toronto and the Toronto Atmospheric Fund, where she co-chaired the Grants Committee. She also has broad experience in the popular media, where she has worked in TV, radio and print. In addition to a large number of scholarly publications, Beth has produced several award-winning radio series and has published two popular books, one for adults and one for children.
Beth obtained her Ph.D. in insect ecology from the Imperial College of Science and Technology at the University of London (England), and has received numerous large research grants, most recently to work on energy conservation on campus, on community sustainability locally, on climate change internationally, and on barriers and factors facilitating Community Based Research in Canada. Beth's research and practical work in managing programs to accelerate adoption of sustainable behaviours of students, staff and faculty on campus prepare her to do the same for cycling in Toronto and beyond. Beth cycles in Toronto with her husband and three children.
b.savan@utoronto.ca
Beth Savan has cycled to school, to work, and to have fun most days for the past 45 years. She was the inaugural Sustainability Director at the University of Toronto, where, for eight years, she was responsible for establishing the Sustainability Office and managing its staff, for engaging over three thousand students a year in sustainability activities on campus, and for overseeing energy and resource conservation programs. Under her watch, and with support from the Sustainability Office, BikeChain, a cycling promotion hub and workshop was established and has flourished.
For seven years, Beth directed the Environmental Studies Programme at Innis College, University of Toronto. She has served as Research Director and Undergraduate Coordinator for the Centre for Environment and has a cross-appointment in the Geography Department and in the Masters in Planning Programme. She is an award winning teacher and has developed the Centre for Environment’s new course on Institutional Sustainability.
Beth has been very active as a government advisor, on Environmental Non-Governmental Organization boards and on foundation grants committees. She is a Certified Professional Planner and chaired the Environmental Assessment Review Panel for the Ontario Minister of the Environment and co-chaired the City of Toronto’s Sustainability Round Table. Beth has extensive policy consulting experience with governments as well as private organizations. She recently served on the Board of Directors of the Sustainability Network, Cycle Toronto and the Toronto Atmospheric Fund, where she co-chaired the Grants Committee. She also has broad experience in the popular media, where she has worked in TV, radio and print. In addition to a large number of scholarly publications, Beth has produced several award-winning radio series and has published two popular books, one for adults and one for children.
Beth obtained her Ph.D. in insect ecology from the Imperial College of Science and Technology at the University of London (England), and has received numerous large research grants, most recently to work on energy conservation on campus, on community sustainability locally, on climate change internationally, and on barriers and factors facilitating Community Based Research in Canada. Beth's research and practical work in managing programs to accelerate adoption of sustainable behaviours of students, staff and faculty on campus prepare her to do the same for cycling in Toronto and beyond. Beth cycles in Toronto with her husband and three children.
Michelle Kearns, Research project coordinator
Michelle is an avid person-who-bikes, reader, and researcher. She graduated from U of T's Master of Science in Planning in 2017, where she researched the perception of safety related to active transportation in Scarborough. She also holds a B.A. from Glendon Campus, York U in Environmental and Health Studies. Michelle has experience in environmental policy, spatial analysis, transportation analysis, land use planning, and project management.
At TCT2, she coordinates and contributes to research on the SSHRC Insight and Indicators projects.
Michelle is an avid person-who-bikes, reader, and researcher. She graduated from U of T's Master of Science in Planning in 2017, where she researched the perception of safety related to active transportation in Scarborough. She also holds a B.A. from Glendon Campus, York U in Environmental and Health Studies. Michelle has experience in environmental policy, spatial analysis, transportation analysis, land use planning, and project management.
At TCT2, she coordinates and contributes to research on the SSHRC Insight and Indicators projects.
Trudy Ledsham, Project manager
trudy.ledsham@utoronto.ca
Change starts with individuals but spreads through organization. Organizations like the Cycling Think & Do Tank that blend academic, for-profit, and non-profit partners with common goals are leading social change.
An experienced project manager and publishing executive, Trudy returned to university to pursue an undergraduate degree focused on environmental studies and Canadian environmental history. She recently completed her Masters in History focused on environmental history of the Great Lakes region. She is skilled at nurturing, shaping, researching, marketing and implementing ideas, developing partnerships, and creating and executing effective and enjoyable project frameworks and communication strategies. Trudy is excited by the multi-sector and multi-disciplinary aspect of TCT2 and the potential of cycling as a keystone of sustainable urban living.
trudy.ledsham@utoronto.ca
Change starts with individuals but spreads through organization. Organizations like the Cycling Think & Do Tank that blend academic, for-profit, and non-profit partners with common goals are leading social change.
An experienced project manager and publishing executive, Trudy returned to university to pursue an undergraduate degree focused on environmental studies and Canadian environmental history. She recently completed her Masters in History focused on environmental history of the Great Lakes region. She is skilled at nurturing, shaping, researching, marketing and implementing ideas, developing partnerships, and creating and executing effective and enjoyable project frameworks and communication strategies. Trudy is excited by the multi-sector and multi-disciplinary aspect of TCT2 and the potential of cycling as a keystone of sustainable urban living.
Ryan Anders Whitney, Research and communications coordinator
Ryan is an urban sustainability planner and current PhD student in Planning in the Department of Geography and Planning at the University of Toronto. Ryan has 8 years of experience working on policy development to support the planning of cities that are safe and accessible for pedestrians and cyclists. Ryan is skilled at international project management having worked in countries such as Canada, the United States, Tanzania, Japan, and Mexico. His current research focuses on the uptake of urban sustainability best practices in the context of equitable urban development in Latin America, with a specific focus on Mexico and Colombia. He has a MSc in Geography, Urban, and Environmental Studies.
At TCT2, Ryan is involved with integrating academic research results into practical takeaways for planning practitioners in Canadian municipalities.
Ryan is an urban sustainability planner and current PhD student in Planning in the Department of Geography and Planning at the University of Toronto. Ryan has 8 years of experience working on policy development to support the planning of cities that are safe and accessible for pedestrians and cyclists. Ryan is skilled at international project management having worked in countries such as Canada, the United States, Tanzania, Japan, and Mexico. His current research focuses on the uptake of urban sustainability best practices in the context of equitable urban development in Latin America, with a specific focus on Mexico and Colombia. He has a MSc in Geography, Urban, and Environmental Studies.
At TCT2, Ryan is involved with integrating academic research results into practical takeaways for planning practitioners in Canadian municipalities.
Felicity Campbell, Work/study student
Felicity just started her first year in the Masters of Science in Urban Planning at the University of Toronto. She holds a B.A from the University of Guelph in International Development.
Hoping to complete a collaborative degree in Community Development, she is very interested in how cycling and active transportation can improve community health, engagement, and empowerment. As an active cyclist, she is an advocate for safer streets, better bike infrastructure, and raising public consciousness about the benefits of active transportation. Felicity is inspired by the multidisciplinary nature of TCT2 and very happy to be involved.
Felicity just started her first year in the Masters of Science in Urban Planning at the University of Toronto. She holds a B.A from the University of Guelph in International Development.
Hoping to complete a collaborative degree in Community Development, she is very interested in how cycling and active transportation can improve community health, engagement, and empowerment. As an active cyclist, she is an advocate for safer streets, better bike infrastructure, and raising public consciousness about the benefits of active transportation. Felicity is inspired by the multidisciplinary nature of TCT2 and very happy to be involved.
Lucy Cui, Work/study student
Lucy Cui is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Planning at the University of Toronto and works as a research assistant/analyst for the Toronto Cycling Think and Do Tank. She holds a B.A. from McGill University in Environment & Development.
She has strong interests in active transportation, urban policy and governance, and issues of social and transit equity. She has previous work and research experience in projects related to urban sustainability, affordable housing, community-based placemaking, and participatory research methodologies.
At TCT2 she will be working in a range of capacities, including data/statistical analysis, report writing, map-making, and event coordination. She is enthusiastic about learning how to translate research into practical tools for planning practitioners and policy-makers.
Raised in Vancouver and with roots in Montreal and Edinburgh, she is new to Toronto and exploring her way around the city.
Lucy Cui is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Planning at the University of Toronto and works as a research assistant/analyst for the Toronto Cycling Think and Do Tank. She holds a B.A. from McGill University in Environment & Development.
She has strong interests in active transportation, urban policy and governance, and issues of social and transit equity. She has previous work and research experience in projects related to urban sustainability, affordable housing, community-based placemaking, and participatory research methodologies.
At TCT2 she will be working in a range of capacities, including data/statistical analysis, report writing, map-making, and event coordination. She is enthusiastic about learning how to translate research into practical tools for planning practitioners and policy-makers.
Raised in Vancouver and with roots in Montreal and Edinburgh, she is new to Toronto and exploring her way around the city.
Stuart Dow, Work/study student
Stuart is in his first year of the Masters of Science in Planning program at the University of Toronto. He graduated from Simon Fraser University with a B.A. in Geography, where he focused on urban planning, sustainable community development and creative urban interventions.
Stuart brings his passion for cycling and cycling advocacy to TCT2. He has used cycling as a dominant mode of transport for more than 5 years, and has worked with several cycling advocacy groups in Vancouver, including helping launch their public bike share system. Stuart will be helping TCT2 in a variety of capacities including report writing, data visualization and analysis, and event planning.
Stuart is in his first year of the Masters of Science in Planning program at the University of Toronto. He graduated from Simon Fraser University with a B.A. in Geography, where he focused on urban planning, sustainable community development and creative urban interventions.
Stuart brings his passion for cycling and cycling advocacy to TCT2. He has used cycling as a dominant mode of transport for more than 5 years, and has worked with several cycling advocacy groups in Vancouver, including helping launch their public bike share system. Stuart will be helping TCT2 in a variety of capacities including report writing, data visualization and analysis, and event planning.
Amber Goher, Work/study student
Amber is an undergraduate at the University of Toronto, majoring in Economics with a minor in Statistics and Sociology. She has a profound interest in Economic policy making and its widespread implications on the environment, sustainability and urban planning.
Joining the Toronto Cycling Think and Do Tank allowed her to observe the intersectional economic and social consequences of adopting cycling as a primary mode of transportation and the barriers in society which prevent this. She actively took up cycling in the Summer after joining the team and learning more about its positive impact.
Amber is an undergraduate at the University of Toronto, majoring in Economics with a minor in Statistics and Sociology. She has a profound interest in Economic policy making and its widespread implications on the environment, sustainability and urban planning.
Joining the Toronto Cycling Think and Do Tank allowed her to observe the intersectional economic and social consequences of adopting cycling as a primary mode of transportation and the barriers in society which prevent this. She actively took up cycling in the Summer after joining the team and learning more about its positive impact.
Robert Keel, Work/study student
Robert is a 2nd Masters of Planning student at the University of Toronto interested in the interaction between land use and mobility. He is currently working on a paper that will be examining the commuting patterns of suburban office park workers in the Toronto region. As an avid cycling proponent he is very happy to be involved with an organization like TCT2 that is advancing empirical research on cycling adoption.
Robert's analytical background stems from an undergraduate degree in Economics he did at the University of Victoria; he still occasionally misses the west coast but has grown to love all the things that Toronto has to offer. While not busy being a student Robert enjoys travelling, hiking, and playing squash.
Robert is a 2nd Masters of Planning student at the University of Toronto interested in the interaction between land use and mobility. He is currently working on a paper that will be examining the commuting patterns of suburban office park workers in the Toronto region. As an avid cycling proponent he is very happy to be involved with an organization like TCT2 that is advancing empirical research on cycling adoption.
Robert's analytical background stems from an undergraduate degree in Economics he did at the University of Victoria; he still occasionally misses the west coast but has grown to love all the things that Toronto has to offer. While not busy being a student Robert enjoys travelling, hiking, and playing squash.
Emily Kuzan, Work/study student
Emily is completing the final year of her undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto, specializing in Mathematical Applications in Economics and Finance with a minor in Statistics. She is interested in social change and using her analytic skills for the public good.
This past year, Emily has made cycling her preferred mode of transportation around the city, and she encourages others to do the same. She is thrilled to be working at the Toronto Cycling Think and Do Tank and helping to promote the uptake of cycling in the GTA.
Emily is completing the final year of her undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto, specializing in Mathematical Applications in Economics and Finance with a minor in Statistics. She is interested in social change and using her analytic skills for the public good.
This past year, Emily has made cycling her preferred mode of transportation around the city, and she encourages others to do the same. She is thrilled to be working at the Toronto Cycling Think and Do Tank and helping to promote the uptake of cycling in the GTA.
Jackson Smylie, Work/study student
Jackson is currently in his third year at U of T, completing his B.A. in mathematics and philosophy.
An avid cyclist, he loves the challenge of downtown biking and excitedly awaits the introduction of more bike lanes. He believes that cycling has the power to effect great social, environmental, and therapeutic change. Jackson’s experience in environmental philosophy helps him understand the power of individual behavior change within a large group.
Jackson is currently in his third year at U of T, completing his B.A. in mathematics and philosophy.
An avid cyclist, he loves the challenge of downtown biking and excitedly awaits the introduction of more bike lanes. He believes that cycling has the power to effect great social, environmental, and therapeutic change. Jackson’s experience in environmental philosophy helps him understand the power of individual behavior change within a large group.
Former Staff & Student Researchers
Click here to see our former staff and student researchers.
