Eco-evolutionary dynamics in aquatic environments

My research team studies the relationships between the ecological and evolutionary forces that maintain the biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems. More specifically, we study the consequences of anthropogenic stress on the ecology and evolution of aquatic populations and communities. We look at how adaptive reactions influence ecological interactions in communities and ecosystem operation. Improving knowledge of the reciprocal influence between ecology and evolution is critical for adequately preserving aquatic resources and understanding the factors that influence biodiversity loss.

My research program is unique in Canada because it is the only eco-evolutionary program studying interior aquatic ecosystems in the country. The CFI’s infrastructure is used for studying key environmental issues that will increasingly threaten the integrity of 21ST century aquatic ecosystems, such as changes in water chemistry due to climate change, mining of metals, acidification, and altered food webs from exotic invasion and disrupted trophic interactions.