Ecosystem Ecology Lab
We are a diverse group of ecologists with expertise in mathematical modelling, geographic information systems, and field-based research.
Dr. Shawn J. Leroux
Professor
Department of Biology
Memorial University of Newfoundland
45 Arctic Ave
St John’s, NL, CANADA
A1C 5S7
Office: CSF-4344
Office tel.: 709-864-3042
Lab tel.: 709-864-7504
Email: sleroux (at) mun (dot) ca
Photo credit: David Howells
EDUCATION:
PhD Ecology (2010)
Department of Biology, McGill University
MSc Conservation Biology (2006)
Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta
BA Environmental Studies (2003)
Department of Geography, University of Ottawa
I am an ecosystem ecologist with a strong interest in conservation ecology. I study the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. I am particularly interested in how organism, energy, and material fluxes among ecosystems (e.g. aquatic-terrestrial ecotone) and up and down food webs impacts the functioning of meta-ecosystems.
Postdoctoral Fellows
Dr. Kyleisha Foote
EDUCATION:
BSc Geography (2009)
Massey University, NZ
Master Environmental
Management (2014)
Massey University, NZ
PhD Geography, Urban &
Environmental Studies (2024)
Concordia University
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
I am an environmental scientist with broad research interests spanning fish habitat, fluvial geomorphology, sustainable land-use practices, and the social dimensions of environmental change. My work focuses on freshwater fish ecology and ecosystem restoration, approached from a large-scale, landscape perspective. Drawing on interdisciplinary techniques from hydro-geomorphology, ecology, and conservation science, I aim to understand the complex interactions between physical processes, ecological systems, and human activities. I am particularly committed to ethical approaches to conservation that consider animal rights and welfare, and I view science communication as a vital tool for connecting research with public understanding and decision-making. Currently, I am modelling Atlantic salmon spawning habitat to guide targeted restoration efforts in freshwater systems. This work combines ecological data with geomorphological analysis to predict the location and extent of available spawning habitat.
*co-supervised by C. Purchase
Dr. Pierce McNie
EDUCATION:
BSc Ecology/Zoology (2013)
Massey University, NZ
MSc Ecology (2015)
Massey University, NZ
PhD Environmental Sciences
(2024)
Universite du Quebec a Montreal
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
I am an ecosystem and community ecologist interested in how species interactions, human activities, and natural disturbance shape the large scale ecological patterns we see today. Coming from a background of both freshwater and terrestrial ecology, my interests are broad and span multiple ecosystems. My current work combines multispectral drone and satellite imagery, LiDAR imagery, and field data to understand how preventing spruce budworm outbreaks may influence carbon cycling in the boreal forest. I am also using modelling approaches to question whether preventing such disturbances may have other impacts.
PhD Students
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
My research interests focus on wildlife ecology and conservation from local to global scales. I work from whole organisms to communities to understand how species respond to human and natural drivers. My doctoral research aims to answer the overarching question: how does environmental change constrain seabird energetics across space and time? Through coupling fieldwork with timeseries and powerful modelling frameworks (e.g., Niche Mapper, Dynamic Energy Budget Modelling), I hope to expose the seabird species and populations with the greatest energetic limitations to past and future environmental change.
*part-time and co-supervised by Amanda Bates
EDUCATION:
BSc Marine Biology with
Oceanography (2017) University of Southampton
MSc Marine Biology (2020)
Memorial University
Alex Arkilanian
EDUCATION:
BSc Biology (2018),
McGill University
MSc Biology (2021)
McGill University
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
I'm drawn to questions related to complexity and stability especially when they involve the use of advanced computational tools and GIS. The questions I hope to answer in my time at EEL revolve around the largely overlooked role of decomposition in supporting ecosystems through time and space. In some well-studied systems, like the coastal forests where Pacific salmon spawn, we know that the movement of nutrients in the form of carcasses is essential for species persistence across ecosystem boundaries. My work looks to further this discussion across more diverse ecosystems. I hope this research helps us to better appreciate the delicate balance between life’s end and its role in ensuring the survival of others, especially in a world changing so rapidly.
Mikael Ranta
EDUCATION:
BSc Fisheries and Wildlife
Management (2021)
Lake Superior State University
MSc Biology (2023)
University of Nebraska at
Kearney
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
My research interests are centered around the exploration and investigation of bottlenecks that limit freshwater productivity of wild Atlantic salmon in Newfoundland, and the effectiveness of potential ecosystem restoration/enhancement. My research is part of a larger collaborative project aimed at predicting Atlantic salmon spawner capacity, juvenile densities, and food resources at the watershed scale. I will be using in situ stream site data to provide information towards these objectives, with an emphasis towards water chemistry, aquatic macroinvertebrate community composition, and juvenile densities, age, and dietary analysis components. This work will contribute towards furthering knowledge aimed at aiding Atlantic salmon management, particularly in oligotrophic systems.
* co-supervised by C. Purchase
MSc Students
Ava Hart
EDUCATION:
BSc (2024) Environment and
Natural Resources
University of New Brunswick
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
I am interested in using telemetry to understand the movement patterns and habitat use of wildlife to support conservation. My current research applies radio telemetry to track the freshwater upstream migration patterns of Atlantic salmon to a) better understand the role of biological traits such as fork length, fat content, and sex on upstream migration distance, overwinter survival, and outmigration timing; and b) locate critical spawning habitats to support conservation strategies.
* co-supervised by C. Purchase
Leeya Nagpal
EDUCATION:
BSc (2025) Biology
McGill University
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
I’m very interested in ecosystem dynamics as a whole, and especially the role of large mammals. In Newfoundland specifically, the dense moose population makes for a very interesting study system! I hope to use both empirical data and modelling to investigate the role of moose on nutrient cycling in both terrestrial and aquatic systems.
Research technicians
Niels van Miltenburg
*co-supervised by C. Purchase