Assistant Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto
Motivated by basic and applied questions, our research seeks to understand the sources, fate and ecological implications of anthropogenic pollutants in freshwater and marine ecosystems. Modern aquatic ecosystems are infiltrated with diverse mixtures of pollutants that can act together as a multiple stressor to alter biotic systems at all levels of biological organization, including individuals, populations and communities.
Our research program uses tools from ecology, ecotoxicology, environmental chemistry and physiology to investigate (1) the sources, (2) fate and (3) the ecological implications of the mixtures of contaminants to aquatic habitats. Because plastic debris provide a unique opportunity to examine a complex mixture of contaminants, our past and current work focuses on plastic. Plastic debris is associated with the physical stressor of the particle, innate chemicals added during manufacturing, and chemicals that accumulate on microplastics from surrounding water.
We are committed to doing ecological research that is applicable to management. To bridge the gap between academia and management, we collaborate with non-profit organizations and government agencies.
Microplastic pollution is everywhere, but scientists are still learning how it harms wildlife
Jan 28, 2020 08:15 am UTC| Insights & Views Nature
Plastic pollution is a growing global concern. Large pieces of plastic have been found almost everywhere on Earth, from the most visited beaches to remote, uninhabited islands. Because wildlife are regularly exposed to...
Cities and countries aim to slash plastic waste within a decade
Apr 21, 2019 11:28 am UTC| Insights & Views Nature
If all goes well, 2030 will be quite a special year. Global and local community leaders from more than 170 countries have pledged to significantly reduce the amount of single-use plastic products by 2030. Success would...
‘We have thousands of Modis’: the secret behind the BJP’s enduring success in India