Patrick Gagnon

Dr. Patrick Gagnon is a Professor in the Department of Ocean Sciences at Memorial University of Newfoundland, based at the Ocean Sciences Centre in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada. He leads the Cold Ocean Benthic Ecology Lab (COBEL), conducting interdisciplinary research on shallow marine benthic ecosystems in subarctic and cold temperate regions through integrated ecological, oceanographic, and technological approaches.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) from Laval University
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from Laval University

Research Focus: Dr. Gagnon's work investigates the structure and function of cold-ocean benthic ecosystems through four interconnected research pillars: (1) biotic and abiotic controls of species interactions; (2) positive interactions regulating subtidal communities; (3) biology of introduced species at northern distribution limits; and (4) broad-scale mapping and monitoring of high-latitude benthic communities. His lab integrates ecology, oceanography, phycology, physiology, remote sensing, GIS technology, and modeling to develop novel methodological approaches for studying these ecosystems at ecologically meaningful scales, with particular emphasis on invertebrates and seaweeds.

Laboratory: The Cold Ocean Benthic Ecology Lab (COBEL) operates as a multidisciplinary research hub focused on advancing understanding of cold-temperature marine ecosystems through field studies, technological innovation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, maintaining active research programs in both fundamental ecological processes and applied conservation questions.

Contact: Telephone: (709) 864-7663; Email: pgagnon@mun.ca; Website: COBEL Research Group