Speakers
Dr Jeffrey Lane
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Dr Lane combines theory and techniques from ecology, evolutionary biology, quantitative genetics and physiology to better understand adaptation of populations to their natural environments. He primarily works with wild mammal systems that have been studied for multiple decades. His study systems include North American red squirrels, Columbian ground squirrels, and black-tailed prairie dogs.
Dr Hugo Cota-Sanchez
Plant Systematics
Dr Cota-Sanchez's research is centered in understanding the origin, evolution of key innovative features in the Cactaceae, namely epiphytism and vivipary. Both epiphytism and vivipary are remarkable features in angiosperms and in spite of their significance, at present these features have been poorly investigated. These characters seemingly play a significant role in the evolution and radiation of some lineages of the Cactaceae and other plant families.
Dr Tracy Marchant
Animal Physiology
Dr Marchant studies comparative endocrinology, body energy regulation, and the physiology of body growth of vertebrates. In particular, Dr Marchant examines the effects of corticosterone on physiology in birds using feathers as an integrated measure of hormone physiology. Dr Marchant is also interested in the evolution of the vertebrate body system.
Dr Ryan McKellar
Invertebrate Palaeontology
Dr McKellar has adopted a three-pronged approach to the study of amber: examining amber inclusions, the chemical signatures of resins and ambers, and the stable isotopic composition of carbon and hydrogen within amber. Amber deposits in western Canada offer a particularly important glimpse of insect evolution in the Late Cretaceous, when many of the groups that characterize modern ecosystems were rising to a position of prominence alongside flowering plants.
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Check out a recent article featuring Dr McKellar's research here!
Dr Karen Machin
Pharmacology & Veterinary Medicine
Dr Karen Machin is an associate professor of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. She works within the Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences. Dr Machin's primary interests are: developmental anatomy, ecosystem health, respiratory physiology and anesthesia, and analgesia pharmacology.
Dr Ryan McKellar
Dr Ryan McKellar