People

Dr. Josef Daniel Ackerman (PI)

My interest in the physical ecology was influenced by my undergraduate program at the University of Toronto and by the Marine Ecology Course at the MBL (Woods Hole).  I undertook my Master’s research under the late Akira Okubo at SUNY Stony Brook, where I examined the flow around eelgrass (Zostera marina) plants and flowers, before moving to Cornell University where I studied the biomechanics of submarine pollination in eelgrass for my dissertation under Karl Niklas.

I spent five years in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Toronto, as a postdoctoral scientist and research associate, where I set up a lab to examine the biomechanics of recruitment and adhesive. Later while also affiliated with the Royal Ontario Museum, I examined suspension feeding and benthic-pelagic coupling in zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and D. bugensis).

During my nine years as a founding faculty and Canada Research Chair in Physical Ecology and Aquatic Science at UNBC, I was involved in the studies related to suspension feeding and growth of blue mussels (Mytilus trossulus and M. californianus), the hydraulic habitats of stream periphyton and riparian management, abiotic pollination, pheromone dispersion, kelp holdfast mechanics, and particle capture in aquatic and wetland plants.

My primary interests at the University of Guelph are in the physical ecology of:

1. trophic interactions including photosynthesis and suspension feeding,
2. reproduction including abiotic pollination and broadcast spawning, and
3. aquatic sciences including sediment/substrate-water interactions.

Google Scholar Research Gate

My lab is actively involved in species and ecosystem recovery in southwestern Ontario involving endangered unionid mussels, and hypoxia issues in the Great Lakes and their watersheds.  I have three beautiful kids at home that keep me very busy in the middle of the night especially on weekends…

Christopher Farrow (PhD student)

I completed my Honours Bachelor of Science majoring in Marine and Freshwater Biology and my MSc (phytoplankton community structure) at the University of Guelph. I am now pursuing my PhD in the Integrative Biology department, also at Guelph. I am investigating the role of bottom roughness on the dispersal of biological propagules (gametes, larvae, juveniles) in aquatic systems using a combination of laboratory, field and modeling approaches. My other interests include the husbandry of my reef aquarium, travel, and fitness.

Luc Goulet (MSc student)

I completed my Honours Bachelors of Science in Wildlife Biology and Conservation at the University of Guelph, and previously graduated Niagara College with a Diploma in the Environmental Technician program. I found my passion for freshwater research in college and decided to pursue this field throughout my undergraduate studies. This led to my application to Dr. Ackerman’s lab for Masters level graduate studies in freshwater physical ecology. My focus is on the physical processes affecting the planktonic community in lakes. Specifically, I hope to investigate the interactions between zooplankton consumers and phytoplankton producers, and how these are influenced under different physical conditions. Phytoplankton contribute significantly to primary production in lakes, and zooplankton help move this energy further up trophic levels, so this system can provide broader insight into the lakes ecology. Also, certain zooplankton are now being considered for tertiary water treatment applications and for these systems to work efficiently we must understand the physical properties affecting the abilities of the zooplankton. Besides freshwater research I have many hobbies and interests including herpetology, basketball and volleyball, playing video games, and live music.

Kirsten Luck (MSc Student)

I completed my Honours Bachelor of Science in Marine and Freshwater Biology at the University of Guelph. I am now working toward my MSc in Integrative Biology at the University of Guelph. I am investigating the effects that multiple environmental stressors, namely flow, total suspended solids, and temperature, have on the feeding of adult freshwater mussels. I will evaluate how these stressors interact with each other. Furthermore, I also hope to distinguish how these feeding performances vary between species that are common, at risk, and endangered. The goal is to understand the environmental stressors’ effects and apply this understanding toward better conservation practices. In my free time I like to read, paint and play piano.

Al Lu  (MSc Student)

I completed my Honours Bachelor of Science in Marine and Freshwater Biology at the University of Guelph. I am working towards a MSc in Integrative Biology Department at the University of Guelph.

Emile Sabeti-Mehr (MSc Student)

I received my Honours Bachelor of Science with a double major in Biology and Paleontology from the University of Toronto.  My thesis is focusing on how hydrodynamic forces have affected the shell shapes of freshwater mussels. This will include investigating mussels in their natural habitat (i.e. rivers), mussel models examined in the Ackerman Lab, and using theoretical computation fluid dynamic modeling. I also enjoy gaming, hockey, and playing piano.

Stephanie Smodis (MSc student)

I completed my Honours Bachelor of Science at Queen’s University, majoring in Biology. Throughout my undergraduate degree and previous work experience, I gained a passion for aquatic biology. I am now pursuing my MSc in Integrative Biology at the University of Guelph. I am interested in examining the parasitic larval stage in freshwater mussel reproduction, known as glochidia. To complete their life cycle, glochidia must successfully attach onto a fish host. My research will be focused on the temporal distribution patterns of glochidia in the water column, and whether glochidia abundance correlates to potential fish host presence. My other interests include spending time outdoors, cooking, fitness, and competing on Royal City’s quidditch team.

Current Undergraduate Students

• Emily Schram – Research Assistant
• Rebecca Glaser – Research assistant

Alumni Of the lab

1. ALUMNI: POSTDOCTORAL SCIENTISTS
   • Dr. Aidin Jabbari (2017-2019) Postdoctoral Scientist — Physical Ecology of Hypoxia in Lake Erie.
     • Currently: Lake Ecological Modeler, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) New Zealnad
   • Dr. Mike Nishizaki (2013 – 2015) Postdoctoral Scientist —  Physical Ecology of Mussels and Lakes.
     • Currently: Assistant Professor, Carelton College.
   • Dr. Collette Mesher (2012 – 2014) Postdoctoral Scientist —  Recovery of unionid mussels.
     • Currently: Owner/Operator, Rebel Honey, Guelph.
   • Dr. Damien Bouffard (2011 – 2012) Postdoctoral Scientist — Dynamics of hypoxia in Lake Erie.
     • Currently:  Group Leader, Surface Waters Research & Management, Eawag, Switzerland
   • Dr. Kazutaka Yanase (2008 – 2009) Postdoctoral Fellow — Unsteady Boundary Layers and Fish Locomotion.
     • Currently: Postdoctoral Fellow, Tampere University of Technology
   • Dr. Robert Schindler (2007 – 2009)  Postdoctoral Scientist — Scalar Dispersion in Aquatic Systems.
     • Currently: Research Fellow,Coastal, Ocean And Sediment Transport (COAST) laboratory, Plymouth University, UK
   • Dr. Patricia Gillis (2006 – 2008) Postdoctoral Scientist — Environmental Contaminants of Freshwater Mussels.
     • Currently: Research Scientist, Environment Canada (NWRI)
   • Dr. Gregory Nishihara (2004 – 2007) Postdoctoral Scientist — Physical Ecology of Aquatic Plants.
     • Currently: Associate Professor, Nagaski University
2. ALUMNI: GRADUATE STUDENTS
   • Al Lu – Effect of riparian vegetation buffers on unionid mussel habitats. 
     • Currently: travelling
   • Luc Goulet (MSc 2022)– The effects of hydrodynamics on the feeding of a freshwater grazer (Daphnia magna): The influence of particle size and shape.
     • Currently: Species at Risk Consulting
   • Stephanie Smodis (MSc 2022) – Temporal dynamics of freshwater mussel larvae.    
     • Currently: Research Assistant, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
   • Emile Sabeti-Mehr (MSc 2022) – One shell to rule them all? Evaluating hydrodynamic trade-offs due to positioning in freshwater mussels.
     • Currently: Quality Assurance, Laurentis Energy Partners
   • Kirsten Luck (MSc 2020) –The effects of multiple stressors on the ecophysiology of Lampsilis siliquoidea: Effects and interactions among water temperature, velocity and suspended solid concentration.
     • Currently: Biologist, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
   • Julian Lum (MSc 2020) -Bed shear stress as a predictor of juvenile unionid habitat
     • Currently: Systems Analyst, Mackenzie Health
   • Victor Fung (MSc 2019) — Effects of porewater flow on interstitial algal composition and juvenile unionid mussel feeding
     • Currently: Biologist, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada.
   • Shaylah Tuttle-Raycraft (PhD 2018) — The effect of suspended sediment on the suspension feeding and distribution of freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae)
     • Currently: Lab Coordinator and Course Instructor, Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph
   • Kyle Sewak (MSc 2017) — The effects of collector elasticity on particle capture efficiency.
     • Currently: Scheduling Engineer, FEDEX Canada
   • Katherine Tran (MSc 2017) –Selective Feeding of Freshwater Mussels: Implications for Resource Partitioning.
     • Currently: Research Assistant, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
   • Lisa Harris (MSc 2016) — The effect of water velocity on carbon isotope fractionation of aquatic macrophytes.
   • Dori Gao (MSc 2015) — The effects of collector motion on particle capture: Lab studies and wind pollination in the field.
     • Currently: Laboratory Instructor/Coordinator, Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph.
   • Rakesh Mistry (MSc 2015) — Suspension Feeding of Juvenile and Adult Freshwater Mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae) Under Flowing Conditions.
     • Currently: Pharmaceutical/Medical Management
   • Julian Krick (MS(Eng)- 2013 TU Berlin) — Particle capture on a 2D cylinder subject to flow-induced oscillation in a cross flow: Biological implications.
     • Currently: Researcher, Researcher and Lab Manager, University of Waterloo
   • Sarah Glover (MSc 2013) The role of shear stress in the hydraulic habitats of juvenile unionid mussels.
     • Currently: Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Waterloo
   • David Timerman (MSc 2013 Corcordia University) Mechanisms of pollen release in anemophilous plants.
     • Currently: PhD Student, University of Toronto
   • Maude Tremblay MSc (2012; co-supervisor, Todd Morris, DFO). An effect of the invasive round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) on the recruitment of unionid mussel species at risk (Bivalvia: Unionidae).
     • Currently: Fisheries Protection Biologist, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
   • Julie vanden Byllaardt MSc (2011) The Role of Hydrodynamic Habitat in the Feeding Ecology of Freshwater Mussels (Bivalvia: Unionida).
     • Currently: Researcher, Hamilton Harbour Remedial Action Plan – ‎Conservation Halton
   • Noel Quinn PhD (2009) — External Fertilization and Dispersal of Dreissenid Mussels.
     • Currently: Professor, Sheridan Institute of Technology
   • Astrid Schwalb PhD (2009) — Dispersal of Unionid Mussels.
     • Currently: Assistant Professor, Texas State University San Marcos
   • Bjarni Kristjansson PhD (2008) — Fine scale morphological diversity of fishes in relation to ecological characters.
     • Currently: Professor, Holar University, Iceland
   • Chad Riopel MSc (2008) — Evolutionary Ecology of Anti-Predator Defences in Sea Cucumbers.
   • Kelly McNicols MSc (2007) – Host FIsh Identification of Endangered Freshwater Mussels.
     • Currently: Biologist, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
   • Julianne Trelenberg, MSc (2004 – UNBC) — Macrophyte-Flow Interactions in Aquatic Plants.
     • Currently: Environmental Educator, Scout Island Nature Centre
   • Michael Nishizaki, MSc (2002 – UNBC) — Adult Sheltering in Sea Urchins. (NSERC PGS winner):
     • Currently: Assistant Professor, Carelton College.
   • Trent Hoover, MSc (2001 – UNBC) — Fluid Dynamic and Mayflies (Epeorus) in Torrential Streams. (Nominated for the Best TA):
     • Currently: Faculty, University of Lethbridge
   • Jacquie Lee, MSc (2000 – UNBC) — Freshwater molluscs of Northern British Columbia (Best Student Paper: World Malacological Congress 1998)
3. ALUMNI: UNDERGRADUATES
   • Natalie Perrin (2020 – 2021) – Research Assistant – Physical ecology
   • Keoni Chung (2017 – 2019) — Research Assistant — Zebra mussel spawning
   • Luc Goulet (2017 – 2019) — Research Assistant — Recovery of Freshwater Mussels
   • Adam deLeeuw (2017-2018) — Research Assistant — Recovery of Freshwater Mussels
   • Joseph Nowlan (2016-2017) — Research Assistant — Recovery of Freshwater Mussels
   • Jodi Ball (2014-2016) — Research Assistant —  Recovery of Freshwater Mussels
   • James Akselsen (2015 – 2016) — Research Assistant —  Zooplankton Feeding
   • Arieanna Balbar  (2015) — Research Assistant —  Recovery of Freshwater Mussels
   • Raytha  De Assis Murillo  (2015) — Intern —  Recovery of Freshwater Mussels
   • Sisi Gao (2015) — Intern —  Recovery of Freshwater Mussels
   • Evelyn MacRobert — BSc Thesis student —  Zooplankton Swimming
   • Sarah Dobney (2013 – 2014)– Research Assistant —  Recovery of Freshwater Mussels
   • Victoria Smurthwaite (2014-2015)  — Research Assistant —  Recovery of Freshwater Mussels
   • Jacqueline May (2011 – 2013) — Research Assistant —  Recovery of Freshwater Mussels
   • Marcine Severn (2010 – 2012) — Research Assistant — Wind Pollination
   • Anthony Merante (2009-2011) — Research Assistant — Recovery of Freshwater Mussels
   • Amanda Conway (2009-2011) — Research Assistant — Recovery of Freshwater Mussels
   • Katherine Wright (2009-2011) — Research Assistant — Recovery of Freshwater Mussels
   • Marena Brinkhurst (2009-2010) — Research Assistant — Campus Sustainability
   • Peter Blouw (2008-2009) — Research Assistant — Physical Ecology
   • Patrick Ragaz (2004 – 2008) — BSc Research Assistant — Macrophyte-flow interactions.
   • Eileen Hoftzer (2004 – 2007) BSc Research Assistant — Various Projects.
   • Jen McConnachie MSc (1999 – 2000 – UNBC) — Research Technician (NSERC PSG winner)
   • Shelley Hoover – Rosenthal, BSc (1999 – UNBC) — Research Assistant (NSERC PGS winner)
   • Simon Goring (2003 – 2004 – UNBC) — Research Assistant
   • Honey Giroday (2001- 2002 – UNBC) — Research Assistant
   • Brieanna Allen (2002 – UNBC) — Research Assistant
   • Julia Bolton (2000 – 2002 – UNBC) — Research Assistant and MSc Student
   • Leanne Wilson, BSc (1997-1999 – UNBC) — Research Technician, Smithers, BC.
   • Mike Nishizaki BSc (1995-1998 – UNBC) — Research Assistant