Some examples of projects and activities.
Nuclear Waste Management Organization Advisory Council
Stella is a member of the NWMO Advisory Council which is an independent and arms-length body comprised of individuals knowledgeable in the management of used nuclear fuel, and in working with people and communities on difficult public policy issues. The role of the council is to ensure that the views of the public and communities of interest are considered and reflected in a thoughtful, balanced way and to assist the NWMO in ensuring that its processes are of good quality, and are open, transparent, thorough and sound. The NWMO is expecting to announce the final site selection for a used fuel repository in 2023 following a selection process that began with 22 communities which stepped forward. As this milestone approaches, there will be significantly greater scrutiny and pressure on the NWMO, governments and the two remaining potential siting areas.
Oil Sands Monitoring Program
From 2018 – 2019, Stella planned and provided scientific facilitation for seven Integration Workshops for Terrestrial Biological Monitoring, Groundwater, Surface Water and Aquatic Biology, Atmospheric Deposition. Geospatial Science, Predictive Modelling and Mercury Themes. 
The workshops were designed to ensure that all future monitoring addresses the OSMP goals and objectives such that there can be a direct connection between monitoring results and decision-making by federal and provincial governments and Indigenous communities.
After Stella completed the Workshop Summary Report and a Recommendations Report which focussed on increasing integration, her duties changed to the Lead for the Terrestrial Biological Monitoring (TBM) team and head of the Technical Advisory Committee for TBM. Under her leadership from 2019-March of 2020, a fully integrated workplan was developed which incorporated a new study design based on spatial and temporal stratification.
Alberta Energy Regulator
Stella provided subject matter expert services to a Joint Review Panel regarding a proposed metallurgical coal mine. 
Stella assisted in the review of aquatic toxicology, aquatic biology, human health and wildlife health information provided in the Environmental Assessment and contributed to the production of Information Requests as well as questions directed at the proponent and to government agencies during the Hearing.
Andrew Lees Trust
Stella prepared a review of monitoring data regarding the release of naturally occurring radioactive materials from an Ilmenite mine in Madagascar, with emphasis on incremental radiation doses received by the general public living in the vicinity of the mine. She is continuing to provide support to the Trust regarding the effects of the mine on a volunteer basis.
When only zero risk is acceptable – why science is not enough. Swanson, S, G. Gilron and J. Dias. 2017. Journal of Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management.
What type of lake do we want? Stakeholder engagement in planning for beneficial end uses of pit lakes. Swanson, S. 2011. In Mine Pit Lakes: Closure and Management, C.D. McCullough (Ed.). 29-42. Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth.
