Michael Rennie

Dr. Michael Rennie serves as Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Freshwater Ecology and Fisheries at Lakehead University, where he also holds positions as Graduate Coordinator for Biology and Director of the Aquatic Toxicology Research Centre. His work centers on understanding human impacts on aquatic ecosystems through metabolic and community ecology perspectives.

His academic foundation includes a BSc in Ecology from the University of Calgary, followed by an MSc in Zoology and PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Toronto.

Research focuses on two interconnected themes: (1) how multiple stressors—including climate change, commercial/recreational fishing, and invasive species—alter aquatic community structure and energy flow, and (2) how organism behavior and life histories shape population dynamics and ecosystem organization. Methodologically, his lab integrates field observations, controlled experiments, and bioenergetic modeling to quantify ecosystem responses to environmental change.

His contributions have been recognized through prestigious appointments:

• Canada Research Chair in Freshwater Ecology and Fisheries

As Graduate Coordinator, he oversees Biology graduate programs while leading the Aquatic Toxicology Research Centre investigating contaminant impacts. His team's fieldwork in northern ecosystems examines restoration potential through species like Mysis diluviana (tiny shrimp), with recent findings featured in Canadian Field-Naturalist Journal and environmental restoration studies.