Andrea Kirkwood

Andrea Kirkwood is Associate Professor in Biological Science at Ontario Tech University's Faculty of Science. Her research program examines aquatic ecosystems with emphasis on algae, invasive species, water quality, and urban stormwater management. Actively involved in environmental stewardship and previously served on Canada-US International Joint Commission's Great Lakes Science Advisory Board.

Education:
PhD Environmental Microbiology (University of Toronto), MSc Aquatic Ecology (McMaster University), BES Environment and Resource Studies & Biology (University of Waterloo)

Research Interests:
Focuses on algal ecology, aquatic food webs, invasive species impacts, and urban aquatic ecosystems. Investigates ecological functions of stormwater ponds, microbial dynamics in freshwater systems, and wastewater-based epidemiology for public health monitoring.

Publications:
Research spans aquatic ecology, invasive species management, and environmental microbiology. Recent work emphasizes wastewater surveillance applications for COVID-19 and influenza monitoring, stormwater ecosystem services, and Great Lakes conservation. Studies integrate field ecology with molecular techniques across multiple scales.

Professional Service:
Federally appointed to International Joint Commission's Great Lakes Science Advisory Board (2016-2019). Contributes to environmental stewardship initiatives and community-based conservation programs.