Research and Teaching Interests
There are two primary components to the research we do in my lab at the University of Manitoba, both with a focus on the physiology of ancient fishes. In our Lake Sturgeon work we are examining the impact of early rearing environment on phenotype and developing tools to better describe success and/or failures of current strategies toward conservation of the species. In our elasmobranch work we are examining the role of the intestine in nitrogen balance and are determining the function of key hormones involved in the regulation of energy balance and nutrient uptake across the intestine. Our interest in the endocrine control of gut function and nutrient uptake integrates the elasmobranch and sturgeon work as both groups of fishes posses a spiral intestine, the functional relevance of this structure in these ancient vertebrates is currently unknown. I teach endocrinology at the 2nd (in Human Physiology BIOL 2410) and 4th year (Comparative Endocrinology BIOL 4480) and currently coordinate the core course for all MSc students in the department. I am always interested in talking to students regarding opportunities as summer undergraduate or graduate students in the lab. For more info please visit my lab website.