Congratulations Dr. Brendon Samuels!!

Move over Dr. David Suzuki, we have another tireless biologist and environmental activist who just earned his PhD in London, Ontario in June! 😊 Meet newly graduated PhD graduate, Dr. Brendon Samuels, who successfully defended his PhD thesis at Western University this past Spring.

In a Facebook post by Bird Friendly London on March 11, 2025, David Rodenheiser noted, “Brendon is a well-known ‘force-of-nature’ (and a ‘force-for-nature’!) locally and nationally, through his advocacy and groundbreaking research regarding Bird-Window Collisions.”

And we on ONE’s Board of Directors cannot agree more with this statement and sentiment. Joining the ONE Board in early 2025, Brendon has been a welcome “force of nature” bringing to the forefront and leading the need for more tree canopy coverage especially in old northeast London which only has 30% of the recommended coverage and is looking at concrete heat islands as there is much too much concreate in our part of London. All of these issues tie into mental health and wellness too.  With Brendon’s capable leadership, energy and support, we know we will be able to make positive, needed change happen in all six neighbourhoods which make up ONE London.

A resident of Carling Heights neighbourhood, Brendon is championing a large tree planting initiative which will take place on Saturday, September 27th from 10am to 11:30am at Huron Heights Park on McNay Street. In collaboration with Reforest London and City of London, and with financial support from Nature Canada and Nature London, ONE is excited to execute the first pilot initiative for the “Tree Canopy for All” project. Volunteer tree planters will be needed so consider getting out your dirt boots and gardening gloves to come help us plan approximately 50-80 trees in the park! More on this event will be announced closer to the event date!

Through his time as a PhD candidate at Western University over the past five year, Brendon has emerged as an environmental activist known for organizing cleanups, cataloguing biodiversity on campus and fighting for the university to implement bird-friendly window policies. He currently serves as Chair of the City’s Environmental Sustainability Committee and is an active member of countless environment-related non-profit organizations or charities in London and area.  One of Brendon’s many strengths, compassion, comes through in all he does both in advocacy and civic engagement.

At the Urban League of London’s Annual General Meeting held on June 26, 2025 at the Aeolian Hall, Dr. Brendon Samuels was awarded the much-deserved Green Umbrella Award for his ongoing and tireless work and advocacy with his PhD project, creating bird-friendly community spaces and bird safety policies.

Dr. Brendon Samuels, you are a local hero that deserves all the accolades you receive. You are a game changer!   All of us on the ONE Board applaud you for your leadership, love of community, and passion for the environment and wildlife. Thank you for being a great human being and environmental steward. There is so much we can learn from you!