Dr. Alyssa Murdoch

I am currently a research scientist with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and adjunct professor at Trent University researching the effects of multiple stressors (climate change, land use change, water quality) on northern fishes. I am particularly interested in conducting scientific research that can be used to help conserve aquatic species and ecosystems. Over the past 15+ years I have worked in research, environmental consulting, and fish habitat management. As a scientist, I have been extremely fortunate to visit some of Canada’s most remote and spectacular places – from Nunavik to the Mackenzie River Delta to Yukon. I also have a keen interest in sharing science with the general public through writing, other media, and educational programs.

Dr. Toby Tsang (Research Biologist, Ministry of Natural Resources)

Hi! I am broadly interested in developing novel statistical methods for biodiversity data, uncovering the mechanisms that enable species coexistence, and forecasting the impacts of human activities on biodiversity. In the Murdoch lab, my research focuses on identifying climate refugia for coldwater fish species in Ontario and providing management recommendations based on these findings. You can learn more about my work on my website, GoogleScholar, and LinkedIn.

Charlotte Guest (2025 - Present) MSc candidate, Trent University

My master’s thesis is co-supervised by Graham Raby at Trent University and is examining how wildfires affect fish communities in boreal lakes in Ontario. Wildfires are known to have lasting impacts on terrestrial communities, but how the damage can affect surrounding lakes has been understudied. My research aims to provide insight into how water quality, plankton populations, and fish populations are impacted by wildfire using a before-after-control-impact model.

I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Guelph majoring in Wildlife Biology and Conservation. I pivoted to a focus on aquatics after multiple field courses and an undergraduate thesis examining the effects of sediment on endangered and robust minnow species. I am passionate about the conservation of all things scaly and sources of variation in fitness between invasive and native species.