Barbara Zielinski

Barbara Zielinski is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Windsor, Canada, and affiliated with the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Studies. Her research focuses on chemosensory systems in fish, particularly sea lampreys (Petromyzon marinus), and their ecological impacts in the Great Lakes. She investigates olfactory and gustatory mechanisms driving behavior, invasive species management, and environmental toxicology.

Her work integrates neurobiology, physiology, and ecology to understand sensory-driven behaviors such as pheromone communication, locomotion responses to chemical cues, and adaptation to environmental pollutants. Key contributions include mapping neural pathways linking olfactory inputs to motor outputs, characterizing pharyngeal taste bud function, and developing tools for invasive species control.

Dr. Zielinski’s research emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, collaborating with institutions like the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and training students through programs like FishCAST. Her studies address critical issues in aquatic conservation, fisheries management, and the ecological consequences of invasive species.