Mark Forbes

Mark Forbes is the Chancellor's Professor in the Department of Biology at Carleton University, Faculty of Science. He holds a M.Sc. from Western University and a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto. His research focuses on evolutionary ecology, particularly parasite-host interactions, environmental stress impacts, and intra-specific variation in ecology and behavior. Key areas include studying stress and parasitism effects on populations, insect-parasite dynamics, and Arctic wildlife conservation.

His research employs multidisciplinary approaches, integrating field studies, experimental biology, and meta-analyses. Notable projects include investigating contaminant effects on amphibians, mercury bioaccumulation in Arctic ecosystems, and disease dynamics in seabird populations. Forbes leads a lab based in the CTTC Building, emphasizing collaborative work with students and international partners on topics ranging from ecotoxicology to parasite aggregation theories.

Publications highlight contributions to understanding host-parasite coevolution, environmental stressors' ecological impacts, and Arctic biodiversity conservation. His work frequently addresses applied questions with conservation implications, such as managing invasive species and mitigating chemical contaminant risks in sensitive ecosystems.

Forbes' academic contributions are further reflected in edited book chapters and over 100 peer-reviewed articles. His lab's infrastructure supports advanced molecular and field-based research, with active projects on Arctic seabirds, amphibian health, and dragonfly ecology.