RESEARCH OBJECIVES
1) Molecular characterization of dissolved organic Matter
Our group is currently working on using high resolution mass spectrometry techniques to identify relationships between dissolved organic carbon composition and the implications for carbon transport and cycling. These projects broadly span across different environments like northern permafrost and subarctic regions, the boreal forests of northern Ontario, and agricultural regions in southern Ontario. With industry and government partners, our lab is investigating how the molecular properties of carbon change because of anthropogenic activity and the implications for carbon cycling and greenhouse gas production. Many of these research projects involve a combination of analytical, technical, and field work related opportunities.
2) microbial metabolomics
Using a both targeted and untargeted approaches, our lab characterizes metabolites produced by aquatic microorganisms in response to stress. These metabolites can contribute and change the surrounding carbon pool, and influence metal speciation and transport. These research projects investigate the processes involved with microbial metal tolerance and resistance to help refine bioremediation strategies.
3) Metal biogeochemistry
Our research group uses state of the art analytical techniques to link how carbon composition influences the transport of metals like cadmium, lead, and mercury across the environment. We are currently devising new ways to understand molecule specific metal interactions, and the implications for metal transport after anthropogenic activities.