Catherine Hepp,

Faculty
Email
catherine.hepp@lethpolytech.ca
Academic Centre
Business, Arts and Sciences
Programs
Environmental Assessment and Restoration
Summary
Catherine’s background consists of soil science, land use systems and change, ecosystem services, and plant taxonomy. Her research has largely focused on the socioeconomic and ecological consequences of land use change at agriculture-forest frontiers (SE Asia). Although ecological impacts are at the core, social science methods are incorporated to capture a holistic understanding through an interdisciplinary approach.

Professional Experience

Teaching Experience

Teaching experience while completing her PhD, from in-class lectures to field-work based courses. Started teaching at the Lethbridge Polytechnic as a sessional instructor in 2025.

Teach both agricultural and environmental science courses; to date: Soil Fertility, Soil Physics, Conservation Biology, Environmental Quality, Environmental Senior Projects.

Research

PhD: “From Land to Riches: The shifting role of land as upland livelihoods commercialize in Lao PDR”

2019 Mitacs Grant: “Mapping Soil Carbon in Alberta”

2021: RIHN Researcher, Kyoto Japan: “FairFrontiers” project

Education

Academic Credentials

BSc in Botany, University of Calgary

BSc in Global Resource Systems, University of British Columbia

MSc in Agricultural Development, University of Copenhagen

PhD in Soil Quality & Fertility, University of Copenhagen

Publications

Hepp et al. 2025. Perceived ecosystem service bundles across forested landscapes in transition: A case study in Southern Cameroon. Ambio. DOI: 10.1007/s13280-025-02228-3

Dhiaulhaq et al. 2024. Environmental justice and human well-being bundles in protected areas: An assessment in Campo Ma’an landscape, Cameroon. Forest Policy & Economics. DOI: 10.1016/j.forpol.2023.103137

Bruun & Hepp. 2023. Carbon footprint of shifting cultivation landscapes: current knowledge, assumptions and data gaps. Carbon Footprints 2:11. DOI:10.20517/cf.2023.06

Hepp et al. 2019. Transitioning towards commercial upland agriculture: A comparative study in Northern Lao PDR. NJAS 88: 57-65. DOI: 10.1016/j.njas.2018.11.001

Hepp et al. 2018. Short-term fallow in extensive upland shifting cultivation systems in Northern Lao PDR: its role in soil fertility restorations. Land Degradation & Development 29: 2911-2919. DOI: 10.1001/ldr.3032

Bruun et al. 2017. Intensification of upland agriculture in Thailand: Development or Degradations? Land Degradation & Development 28: 83-94. DOI:10.1002/ldr.2596