Professor
(b.1982 – d.2025)
Credentials
PhD, Biology
BSc Honours, Zoology
Research Keywords
Pollinator Conservation; Endangered Species; Community Science; Environmental Policy; Bumblebees.
It is with deep sorrow that we are sharing the sad news about the passing of Dr. Sheila Colla. A Professor at the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change at York University, Dr. Colla was a pioneering conservation scientist and educator whose work bridged the gaps between pollinator health, urban ecosystems, and social justice. As one of the first scientists to quantitatively document the decline of a wild bee species, she played a pivotal role in the successful campaign to have the rusty-patched bumblebee listed as endangered in both Canada and the U.S. Her scientific expertise has been crucial in shaping pollinator advocacy, inspiring several campaigns that engage both citizens and policymakers alike. Dr. Colla co-founded BumbleBeeWatch.org, a citizen science initiative that has collected over 172,000 photo records of bumblebees across North America. Her efforts have not only transformed public understanding but have also earned her numerous accolades, including the Ontario Nature Education Award, the York University President’s Research Impact Award, the Entomological Society of Canada’s C. Gordon Hewitt Award, the American Library Association’s Outstanding Reference Source Award, and most recently the NSERC Prize for Science Promotion and the King Charles III Coronation Medal. Dr. Colla was the York Research Chair Tier II in Interdisciplinary Conservation Science 2020-2025. Dr. Colla was also a trusted voice in science communication, speaking on platforms such as CBC, Reuters, CNN, The Washington Post, and CTV National to reach millions of people. Her written work—including opinion pieces, articles, and books like The Bumblebees of North America: An Identification Guide and A Garden for the Rusty-Patched Bumblebee—has made pollinator conservation more relatable and actionable for Canadians, offering practical ways for people to support native pollinators right from their backyards. Throughout her career, Dr. Colla exemplified leadership in both science and advocacy, especially as a woman of colour in STEM. A role model for aspiring scientists and active contributor to initiatives that promote diversity and equity in the field, Dr. Colla was dedicated to her outreach efforts, mentoring young ecologists and citizen scientists, and inspiring others to take part in the conservation movement.
http://savethebumblebees.ca | http://findingflowers.ca/ | http://yorku.ca/bees | Google Scholar
Research Interests
I am a Conservation Scientist working to conserve wildlife including native pollinators. I am part of York University’s Bee Research Organization BeeC, which aims to address pollinator health and sustainable agriculture from an interdisciplinary perspective.
My lab’s research uses ecological studies and community science programs to better understand species declines and design conservation management plans. Studies include assessing habitat requirements, relationships to flowering plants, and studies to better understand stressors (i.e. climate change, pathogen spillover, habitat loss and invasive species).
My lab’s research also delves into the human dimensions of conservation including biocultural knowledge systems and evidence-based environmental decision-making. I am cross-appointed in the graduate program to supervise students from Biology as well. I work closely with ENGOs and government agencies to conserve wildlife and inform land management. I helped create the Toronto Pollinator Strategy, BumbleBeeWatch and is the North American Coordinator for the IUCN Red List Bumblebee Specialist Group. I previously co-authored the Award-winning book “The Bumblebees of North America: An Identification Guide) (Princeton University Press 2014).
Research Projects
Research Output
Recognition & Awards
- York University Research Leader Award
- FES Dean’s Community Engagement Award
- York University Research Leader Book Award
Courses
| Course Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ENVS 2400 | Foundations of Environmental Management: Policy, Resources and Conservation |
| ENVS 4445 | Ontario Environmental Policy |
| ENVS 4446 | Protected Areas Management |
| ENVS 6119 | Environmental Resource Management |