Christopher Eckert

Christopher Eckert is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Queen’s University, affiliated with the Faculty of Arts and Science. His research focuses on evolutionary ecology, particularly how species adapt to environmental challenges and why adaptation sometimes fails. He uses plants as model organisms to investigate species' range limits, reproductive strategies, and conservation implications. Eckert’s work combines field surveys, genomic analysis, and controlled experiments to understand ecological and evolutionary processes.

Education: B.Sc. Zoology (Western University), M.Sc. Behavioural Ecology (Carleton University), Ph.D. Evolutionary Botany (University of Toronto). He has conducted fieldwork globally, including studies in the Canadian Rockies and Pacific coastal dunes. His lab trains students in ecology, evolution, and quantitative skills, emphasizing field biology and data analysis in R.

Research Interests: Species range limits, adaptive evolution, plant reproductive systems, clonality, biological invasions, and conservation biology. His lab emphasizes collaboration and inclusivity, fostering training at all academic levels. Notable projects include investigations into elevational range limits in montane plants and the persistence of populations beyond natural ranges.

Publications (selected): Over 100 peer-reviewed articles, including studies on range limits, mating systems, and conservation genetics. His work bridges ecology and evolution, addressing critical questions about species’ adaptability in changing environments.