معرفی
Dr. Diane Orihel is an Associate Professor at Queen’s University, affiliated with the School of Environmental Studies and Department of Biology. Her research focuses on understanding pollution impacts on aquatic ecosystems to inform environmental policy. She specializes in ecotoxicology, studying microplastics, oil spills, and biodiversity conservation. Dr. Orihel holds a B.Sc. (Honours) in Ecology from the University of British Columbia, an M.Sc. in Natural Resource Management from the University of Manitoba, and a Ph.D. in Ecology from the University of Alberta.
Her teaching interests include Ecology, Limnology, and Science Communication. She emphasizes critical thinking and collaborative learning in her courses. Research initiatives involve large-scale field experiments addressing contemporary issues like mercury contamination, algal blooms, and unconventional oil impacts. The QE3 Research Group, led by Dr. Orihel, conducts interdisciplinary studies at the Experimental Lakes Area in Ontario.
Recent work explores microplastic distribution in boreal lakes, oil spill dynamics, and the ecological effects of naphthenic acids. Her team’s findings highlight minimal impacts of microplastics at environmentally relevant concentrations but significant effects of oil spills on aquatic communities. Student opportunities are available in fish ecotoxicology and lake biodiversity (eDNA).
Labs are located in Rooms 3206/3220 of the Biosciences Complex. Research outputs emphasize policy-relevant solutions, blending rigorous science with community engagement. Collaborations integrate Indigenous and Western knowledge systems to address wildlife health challenges in Canada’s North.
