Research Synopsis
My research focuses on the ecology and evolution of fishes. Specific research fields include life-history evolution, population dynamics, fisheries science, behavioural ecology, and ecological speciation. Research methodologies currently include mathematical modelling, laboratory manipulation experiments, data meta-analyses, and transcriptomics. Primary study species are Atlantic cod, Atlantic salmon, and brook trout. From an applied perspective, the research has bearing on complexities related to: sustainable fisheries; species recovery; interactions between farmed and wild fishes; human-induced evolution; and biodiversity.
Academic Synopsis
- 2016-21: Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Chair in Fish, Fisheries and Oceans, Dalhousie University
- 2012-17: Killam Professor, Faculty of Science, Dalhousie University
- 2010-21: Professor II: Inst. Marine Research, Norway; University of Oslo; University of Agder, Norway
- 2004: Professor, Dept Biology, Dalhousie University (initial appointment as Assistant Professor in 1995)
- 2002-12: Canada Research Chair in Marine Conservation and Biodiversity, Dalhousie University
- 1991-94: Postdoctoral Fellow: Edinburgh University (91-92); Fisheries & Oceans Canada, St. John's (93-94)
Recent Honours / Professional Synopsis
- Foreign Fellow, Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters/Det Norske Videnskaps-Akademi (2018)
- A.G. Huntsman Medal for Research Excellence in Marine Sciences (2017)
- Fellow, Academy of Science, Royal Society of Canada (2015)
- Current Editorial Boards: Fish and Fisheries, Evolutionary Applications, Evolutionary Ecology Research, Environmental Reviews
- Past Editorial Boards, including: Proceedings of the Royal Society B, Functional Ecology, Canadian Journal of Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences, FACETS, Transactions of the American Fisheries Society
- Science Advisory Committee, Council of Canadian Academies (2018-2021)
- Marine Advisory Board to the Vice-Chancellor, University of Gothenburg, Sweden (2016-2018)
- Evolution & Ecology Evaluation Panel, NSERC Canada (2003-2006, 2017-2020)
- Natural Sciences Expert Panel, Swedish Research Council (2014)
- President (2012-2013) and Co-Founder, Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution
- Chair, Royal Society of Canada Expert Panel on Sustaining Canadian Marine Biodiversity (2009-13)
- Chair (2006-10), Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC; www.cosewic.gc.ca/)
- Chief Science Advisor, Sustainable Seafood Policies, Loblaw Companies Ltd (2009-present)
