Dr. Toolika Rastogi is the Senior Manager of Policy and Research at Humane Canada™. In addition to leading its research program, Toolika represents Humane Canada™ at the Animal Welfare Committee of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, as the animal welfare representative on the Executive Committee of the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC), and as the sole animal welfare member organization at the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC).
Toolika started out as a scientist with a great wonder about life and the natural world, which led her to pursue studies in genetics. This understanding created a passion for the Earth, its complex processes, and the need to protect it, which ultimately resulted in a transition to public policy and animal advocacy. Prior to joining Humane Canada™, Toolika worked in the areas of biodiversity conservation and environmental safety, both internationally with the OECD, and in Canada with Environment Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
Toolika holds a PhD in Molecular and Medical Genetics, a postdoctoral certificate in Conservation Genetics and a Master’s in Ecological Economics and Sustainable Development Policy. She has published her primary research in peer-reviewed journals, and has authored Humane Canada™’s publications.