Michael Power

Michael Power is a Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Waterloo. His research focuses on salmonid and northern fish ecology, particularly Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus), and he is renowned for advancing oxygen isotope otolith microchemistry techniques. He is currently accepting graduate students.

• Education
  • Ph.D. (1990), Faculty of Engineering, University of Waterloo
  • M.A. (1980), Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Queen's University
  • B.A. (1979), Faculty of Arts, University of Waterloo

His research addresses threats to aquatic ecosystems, integrating contamination, conservation, and climate change impacts. Key areas include stable isotope analysis (SIA), otolith microchemistry, and trophic differentiation in freshwater and marine environments.

His recent publications highlight applications of SIA to track trophic shifts in Arctic ecosystems, thermal habitat use in salmonids, and mercury contamination trends. He has contributed to Arctic Council initiatives and serves as Associate Editor for journals including Hydrobiologia and Arctic Science.

• Scientific Awards
  • Award of Excellence in Graduate Supervision (2011)
  • Standing Member, CAFF Freshwater Ecosystems Working Group (Arctic Council, 2012–present)

At the University of Waterloo, he teaches courses in Quantitative Fisheries Biology, Population Biology, Arctic Ecology, and Fisheries Biology, with recent offerings spanning 2021–2025.