Bio

Photos of My Garden   I am originally from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and obtained my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Plant Ecology from the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. I also met my wife, Julia, in Saskatoon and both our children, Jessica and Melissa, were born there. I obtained my Doctorate in Plant Biology at the University of Illinois and spent two years as a Research Associate at Harvard University before coming to Acadia University in 1987.

I have taught a variety of courses in general biology, botany and ecology since coming to Acadia. With its small class sizes and emphasis on experiential learning and student research, Acadia provides many opportunities for the two-way exchange of information between students and teachers. This is the aspect of teaching that I enjoy most.

My research interests are focussed on the interface between plant physiology and ecology. I believe that our understanding of the interactions between plants and their environment is greatly enhanced by knowledge of the physiological bases for those interactions. I have used this approach to address a number of issues including: the impact of rising atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations on plant populations and communities, understanding life history variation among plants, and delineating the factors limiting the distribution and abundance of the rare elements of the Atlantic Coastal Plain flora.

When not working or spending time with my family, I am usually in the yard gardening. My favourite garden plants are rhododendrons and azaleas.