I have a diverse range of interests related to herbivorous insects in agroecosystems, including the phytochemicals that influence insect interactions with host plants, factors influencing...
My research program studies the effects of agricultural management practices (tillage and cropping systems) on the nature and dynamics of soil organic matter (SOM).
I and my lab study animal welfare. We're interested in how to create good living conditions for animals kept in labs, zoos and farms; in how scientists can assess well-being objectively; and in what happens to brain and behaviour when animals are raised and kept lifelong in confining, barren enclosures.
Landscape architecture has a long history at the University of Guelph, and we are able to tap into the diversity of disciplines here in order to make a broad contribution to our students' education and experience.
Immigrant families settling the land, quilting bees, and ploughing matches are examples of some of the social and economic topics of early Ontario that link my work to the larger expertise of this University concerning agriculture and rural communities.
The problems I have worked on in animal science have direct implications for genetic selection, food quality (e.g. cow milk), and animal health. On the other hand, my work in understanding the structure and driving mechanisms of ecological (e.g. plant-pollinator) networks have indirect implications for ecosystem conservation, management, and restoration.
My specialization is Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare of Farm Animals. My research and teaching focus on how various housing and management practices affect the behavioural biology and welfare of farm animals.
