About my work
My research interest lies in studying the effects of natural and anthropogenic changes of flow and climate on fish and fish habitat. In my research, I enjoy working in large multi-disciplinary research teams. Most of my lab’s research relates to conservation physiology, fish behavior and bioenergetics, and aquatic ecology to provide science advice for Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Species at Risk, Fish and Fish Habitat Protection, and Aquatic Invasive Species programs. We are combining controlled laboratory experiments on freshwater fishes that facilitate hypothesis testing with field experiments to validate developed models.
Due to the Government of Canada’s interest in the protection of Lake Winnipeg, the focus of my research program has shifted in recent years from small stream systems to the Lake Winnipeg basin. In collaboration with several provincial, federal, and state agencies, as well as universities, we are currently conducting a large-scale telemetry project to analyze fish movement and habitat use, a long-term pelagic fish survey, a bathymetry and substrate survey, and a near-shore monitoring program. In these projects, we are particularly interested in studying species at risk and understanding the impacts of non-native species on the ecosystem.
Why IAGLR?
Due to my recent research focus on Lake Winnipeg, I joined IAGLR to become an active member of the community and learn about advances in Great Lakes research. The new research focus has also led to my involvement in the Journal of Great Lakes Research as guest editor for a special issue on “Lake Winnipeg – the emerging view after 15 years of whole-lake, whole-ecosystem science.” I was hoping to attend IAGLR 2020 in person to meet and network with scientists, managers, and stakeholders concerned with large lakes and am looking forward to meeting members at future events.