My lab's research falls within the fields of evolutionary physiology and ecological physiology. We use a combination of field and laboratory studies to understand how energetic trade-offs influence Darwinian fitness in animals. Because such trade-offs exist at all life stages, we have studied the energetics of adults, growing young and even individual spermatozoa. Rather than being taxa -specific, our research is driven by the August Krogh principle, "for every research question there is an organism upon which it can be most conveniently studied." As such, recent research in the lab has been on varied taxa including birds, mammals and fish.

CURRENT RESEARCH IN THE LAB:

Maternal effects as a modulator of nestling phenotype The environment that an animal experiences as an embryo or juvenile may greatly influence its phenotype as an adult.  Using Japanese quail we have been manipulating the early rearing environment and exploring the long-term consequences on immunity, corticosterone levels and metabolic rate of individuals once they become adults.  Using tree swallows we are studying the adaptive consequences of maternal antibody transfer on nestling immunity and metabolism. Physiological responses to environmental stressors This research is largely collaborative with research scientists from Environment Canada (EC) and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR).   (i) Environmental variation (with E. Nol, Trent; D. Burke & J. Nocera, OMNR) We have been studying the impact of forest harvesting and mining on stress hormone levels in diurnal and nocturnal birds. (ii) Emerging diseases (with G. Gilchrist, EC & M. Forbes, Carleton Univ.) We have been testing whether simple indices of immunity can be used to predict survival of common eider ducks during a recent outbreak of avian cholera. (iii) Thermal stress (with C. Wilson, OMNR) Using lake trout and brook trout from varied geographic locations and thermal tolerances we are studying variation in metabolic, hormonal and behavioural responses to thermal stress.

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