Dr. Erin Leonard (Principal Investigator)

My research focuses on the ecotoxicology and physiology of animals in the Anthropocene. The Anthropocene marks the commencement of significant human impact on Earth's ecosystems. Aquatic animals (insects, molluscs, and fish) are overwhelmed with environmental stressors such as climate change, increased nutrient levels, pollution, acidification, and invasive species. My research aims to understand how the physiology of these animals are impacted by these stressors and the interplay of mulitple stressors, predict the impacts of short- and long-term environmental change on aquatic communities and create solutions to help them continue to thrive. I use a multidisciplinary approach comprised of core techniques in biology, physiology, toxicology, electrophysiology, calcium imaging, chemistry and biogeochemistry. Some of my research supports the development of regulatory tools to determine safe levels of contaminants in aquatic environments.

The Team

Katia Kent - Thesis student

Studied how Rare Earth Elements (REEs) interfere with a fish’s ability to regulate oxygen. REEs have recently been included on Canada’s Critical Minerals List and are the minerals required for our transition to a low-carbon economy.

Sabrina St-Hilaire - M.Sc. student

Assessing the impact of the 460 tonnes of lead fishing sinkers and jigs which are lost due to recreational fishing every year in Canada. How does lead leaching from recreational fishing gear differ from lead salts? Is there a difference in bioavailability to aquatic animals?

Natalie Nykamp - Thesis student

Assessing the effects of lead on the ventilation and behavioural responses in fathead minnows. How will these responses compare to the blunt in ventilation caused by rare earth elements? Will these anthropogenic pollutants have an effect on a fishes ability to regulate oxygen?

Fiona Weaver - Research Assistant

Fiona completed her B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Science at McMaster University. Her masters research highlighted the pathophysiology and mechanisms of disease within the central nervous system during lysosomal storage disorders, focusing specifically on the loss of motor neurons. Currently she is working as a research technician focusing on evaluating developmental changes in brown adipose tissue, carotid bodies and their abilities to sense and react to stimuli and exploring the intricate communication pathways between varying cell types such as neurons and glial cells.