Rebecca Rooney

Dr. Rebecca Rooney is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Science at the University of Waterloo, specializing in wetland ecology and environmental toxicology. She contributes to graduate studies as Interim Associate Chair and leads the Rooney Lab, which focuses on wetland conservation, invasive species impacts, and contaminant dynamics in aquatic ecosystems.

• University of Waterloo
• Ecology and Evolution Research Group

Her research spans several critical areas:

• Wetland hydrology and groundwater interactions
• Ecological impacts of microplastics and stormwater contaminants
• Invasive species management (particularly Phragmites australis)
• Climate change effects on wetland biodiversity
• Environmental monitoring techniques

The 15 most recent publications reveal consistent research themes in urban stormwater contamination, wetland connectivity, and microplastic pollution. These works employ field experiments, isotope tracing, and multi-metric monitoring frameworks to address ecological risks and inform conservation strategies.

She actively investigates pesticide bioconcentration in biofilms, wetland reclamation in oil sands regions, and the ecological consequences of hydrological changes. Her lab integrates field-based methodologies with policy considerations to advance wetland science.