Research Keywords
- Aquatic Biology
- Ecotoxicology
- Endocrinology
- Environmental Physiology
- Molecular Biology
- Zoology
Research Summary
My research broadly seeks to understand the relationships and interactions between animals and their environments. I do so largely within aquatic settings (e.g., freshwater to seawater; lentic to lotic systems) using a variety of both model and native fish species as subjects of study.
Drawing from almost two decades of research experience in a number of technical scientific disciplines (e.g., stress biology, comparative endocrinology, molecular biology, transcriptomics, biochemistry, ecophysiology, and environmental chemistry), my laboratory at Brandon University, the Madison Eco-Physiology, -Endocrinology, -Toxicogenomics (MADECOPET) lab, employs a variety of integrative techniques to address broad context environmental questions centered on furthering our understanding of biota-environmental interactions.
My current research focuses on understanding the effects of rapidly changing climatic conditions on local aquatic ecosystems and the species of the Central Assiniboine Watershed (CAW), the city of Brandon, MB and the surrounding region of WestMan. This includes emphasis on local indicator species of aquatic health (e.g., Hiodons).
For more information about my research laboratory visit www.madisonlab.ca
Courses Taught
- 15:271 Animal Diversity
- 15:355 Ecotoxicology
- 15:363 Animal Physiology (& lab)
- 15:455 Field Studies in Biology (Summer term)
- 15:456 Environmental Animal Physiology
- 15:462 Environmental Animal Endocrinology
Teaching Summary
I enjoy teaching for the challenge, the learning process, and the connections made with students.
If you think you understand a subject, try teaching it. To be effective, you will need to strike the balance of knowledge, detail, and interest in order to engage students. It is a difficult skill to do well, and the challenges are always changing. For me, the most challenging aspect of teaching are also the most rewarding: finding new ways of engaging with the material, presenting topical examples in class, having discussions around important and difficult topics, and learning from students with different life experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. Teaching is learning, and I love to learn.
Another central reason I teach is to make connections; to connect students with science and to connect concepts with comprehension. Information is everywhere. Critical thinking and understanding are at the core of science and teaching, and connecting students with how to use these tools is essential for future success. I am privileged to be a faculty member at BU with the important assignment of training future researchers in a number of Environmental and Biological disciplines in my classrooms and laboratories.
Service Activities
- Graduate Student Faculty and GSF Committee - I strongly believe in recruiting and supporting excellence in research at BU, this begins with the experts who are involved in academic research and their abilities to mentor junior researchers, and scientists in training, as well as those students looking to gain the skills and knowledge to get to the next level of their research careers.
- BU Research Committee - At a predominantly Undergraduate institution, UG research at BU is critical to the growth and development of our institution. Our students continue to perform well above expectations on the national and international research stage. My part is to help those students get the funding they need to be able to get their work to the next level.
- BU Biosafety Committee - Safety First! It is an important part of any research laboratory. Keeping employees, students, and faculty safe in the labs should always be a priority. I am happy to help lend my expertise to help keep the BU community safe and informed.