Larissa Thelin

Wildlife Biologist and Science Communicator

Science Communication

I am passionate about teaching the science of the natural world, be that in a classroom, or to the public. In the classroom, I hope to inspire students to find their passion and realize their potential within the environmental fields. My goal with the public is to bridge the gap between them and the scientific community, particularly about the ways that climate change is affecting our world and how they have the power to help us change that. I am also dedicated to continually learning best methods in teaching and general science communication.

Teacher Training

2022: Graduate Teaching and Learning Program (GTLP) Level 3: Pedagogy and Course Design, University of Alberta (UAlberta)

2021: GTLP Level 1: Foundations & Level 2: Practicum, UAlberta

Teaching Experience

2025: Teaching Assistant: Crash Course in Effective Climate Change Communication, National Network for Ocean and Climate Change Interpretation (NNOCCI)

2021: Graduate Teaching Assistant: BIOL 108 (Introduction to Biological Diversity) & BIOL 366 (Northern Ecology), UAlberta

Science Communication Training

2024: Crash Course in Effective Climate Change Communication, NNOCCI

2019: Science Communication Fellowship Program, Telus World of Science Edmonton

2014 – 2017: Awareness of Climate Change through Education and Research, Vancouver Island University

Science Communication Experience

Presentations

I have a lot of experience presenting to the public. Since 2021 I have worked with Polar Bears International as a Field Ambassador in their two interpretive centres (in Churchill, MB and in Svalbard, Norway). In this role I teach guests about the Arctic ecosystem, polar bear biology, and how climate change is affecting both. I have also worked as a Conservation Tour Guide with the Osoyoos Desert Centre during the summers of 2022 and 2023. I led hour-long guided walks through an endangered desert landscape, teaching guests about adaptation, local flora and fauna, and how climate change is impacting the area. I have done many other presentations for local environmental groups, elementary school classrooms, university classrooms, and more. Feel free to email me for a copy of my detailed CV!

Email me!
Writing

Writing is one of my biggest passions. I love being able to create a story about science or nature that weaves imagery and emotions throughout – it’s such a different way of writing than we typically use in science. I started my own blog in 2022 where I wrote about climate change and nature. Eventually, I started pitching my ideas elsewhere. Now, I’m so fortunate to write for the Arctic Research Foundation and to have previously written for Polar Bears International.

Read my published pieces here:

View my personal blog here
Media

I have experience creating content for social media, doing interviews, and recording podcasts. I love diving into my creativity and finding new ways to connect people with science and nature. From 2022 to 2024 I started my own TikTok channel, creating videos meant to teach about the natural world and inspire others to get outside. Over this short time I amassed over 2.5K followers and 22K likes, with my most popular video gaining almost 60K views. I took a break to focus on other creative endeavours, but one day I’ll start posting videos again! I’ve also helped to create content for Polar Bears International, Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary (where I completed an internship in 2022), and Earth Rangers, who helped to fund my MSc.

See below for a list of my media experience:

View my TikTok page here
Features

Aside from content I’ve created myself, I’ve been featured in the following blog posts for Polar Bears International and Earth Rangers.