Paul Sibley

Paul Sibley is a Professor in the School of Environmental Sciences at the University of Guelph. His research focuses on disturbance ecology of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, with expertise in aquatic and sediment toxicology, ecological risk assessment, and benthic invertebrate community ecology. He holds a BSc(Hons) and MSc from the University of Guelph, and a PhD from the University of Waterloo.

His work addresses pesticide impacts on freshwater ecosystems, neonicotinoid toxicity to aquatic invertebrates, and the ecological consequences of forest harvesting and invasive species like the emerald ash borer. He leads projects such as the CREATE Great Lakes Training Program and collaborates on studies involving gold mining impacts and biosolids in agroecosystems.

Key research trends include advancing understanding of pesticide mixtures' effects on aquatic communities and developing standardized toxicity testing methods for invertebrates like mayflies and freshwater mussels. His work bridges field observations with laboratory studies, emphasizing ecosystem-level consequences of human activities.

• Awards: 2015 SETAC Kenaga Award, 2015 OAC Distinguished Researcher Award, 2011 OAC Distinguished Teacher Award

Advising and grants involve training students on projects like the ecological risks of neonicotinoids and the impacts of invasive species on riparian zones. His lab (ECBA 2103) and fieldwork in boreal forests and Great Lakes watersheds support applied ecological research.

Labs/Teams: Active in the CREATE Great Lakes Training Program, leading interdisciplinary teams studying freshwater ecosystems. Collaborates with institutions like Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.