Laura McKinnon

Laura McKinnon is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at York University's Faculty of Science. Her research focuses on the ecology and evolution of migratory birds, particularly examining interactions between migration strategies and life history traits in Arctic-nesting species. She combines ecosystem approaches with physiological investigations to study the impacts of climate change on offspring growth and survival in these birds.

• Eligible to supervise graduate students
• Research spans animal behavior, community ecology, and climate change
• Key themes: predator-prey dynamics, trophic constraints, and Arctic ecosystem resilience

Her recent publications highlight studies on predation risks at high latitudes, phenological mismatches in food availability, and predator-mediated interactions between lemmings and shorebirds. These works emphasize the ecological trade-offs in Arctic avian species under environmental pressures.

Her research program integrates broad ecological principles with specific applications to Arctic-nesting birds, contributing to understanding climate change effects on migratory patterns and reproductive success. The work combines field observations, experimental designs, and physiological analyses to assess adaptive strategies in extreme environments.