Diana Hamilton

Dr. Diana Hamilton is a Professor and Department Head at Mount Allison University, with an adjunct position at the University of New Brunswick. She holds a B.Sc. from McGill University, an M.Sc. from the University of Western Ontario, and a Ph.D. from the University of Guelph. Her research focuses on shorebird ecology, intertidal ecosystems, and the interactions between birds, invertebrates, and primary producers in mudflat environments. She leads the Hamilton Lab, which investigates stopover ecology, foraging behavior, and the impacts of environmental stressors on migratory shorebirds.

Key areas of research include the effects of severe weather on shorebirds, microplastic contamination risks, and the role of biofilm as a food source. Her lab employs cutting-edge techniques such as stable isotope analysis, molecular diet reconstruction, and wildlife tracking systems like Motus. Current projects span the Bay of Fundy, Atlantic Canada, and Brazil, with collaborations on migratory connectivity and conservation strategies.

Dr. Hamilton has secured grants from NSERC, the New Brunswick Wildlife Trust Fund, and Environment and Climate Change Canada. Her work has led to over 70 peer-reviewed publications, addressing topics from mudflat community dynamics to shorebird migration patterns. She advises graduate and undergraduate students, fostering their contributions to ecological research and conservation efforts.

Her lab’s recent studies include examining the effects of Hurricane Fiona on shorebirds, analyzing microplastic levels in shorebird habitats, and investigating breeding origins through stable isotope signatures. Collaborations extend to institutions like the Center for Conservation Biology and Aquasis (Brazil), emphasizing global ecological challenges.

Labs/Teams: Hamilton Lab (Mount Allison University), Motus Wildlife Tracking System, and international partnerships in Brazil and the U.S. These groups prioritize field-based ecology, tracking technologies, and applied conservation research.