Stephanie Melles

Stephanie Melles serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biology at Toronto Metropolitan University's Faculty of Science, where she teaches courses including Biometry, Data Science for Biology, and Urban Field Biology focusing on water ecosystems. Her research bridges aquatic landscape ecology and urban environmental systems.

Education:

• PhD in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto (2007)
• MSc in Forestry and Conservation Biology, University of British Columbia (2001)
• BSc in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto (1994)

Dr. Melles investigates human impacts on freshwater ecosystems through spatial analysis of habitat fragmentation, salinization, and landscape connectivity. Her work integrates zooplankton dynamics, avian ecology, and biodiversity patterns in urbanizing watersheds, emphasizing practical applications for sustainable water management in metropolitan environments. Current research examines Ontario shoreline pressures and UN Sustainable Development Goals implementation.

Scientific Recognition:

• Dean's Scholarly, Research and Creative Activity Award (Ryerson University, 2019)
• Best-Paper Award, International Association for Mathematical Geosciences (2012)
• NSERC Visiting Fellowship (2009–2010)
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (2004–2006)

As principal investigator of the TMU Urban Water research group, she supervises graduate students in ecological field studies while securing research funding through competitive grants. Her collaborative work includes participation in the Global Lake Ecological Observatory Network since 2014. Current projects address urban water sustainability through spatial modeling and long-term ecological monitoring.