We in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) are a curious, inspired, and welcoming community of world-class scholars and advocates. We research, teach, and consult on all aspects of earth's organismal diversity, from genomes to ecosystems, and all plant, animal, and microbial species. Individual and collaborative research by members of the EEB department covers the range of the complementary disciplines of ecology and evolutionary biology, employing all technical approaches ranging across field work, lab work, molecular biology, bioinformatics, eco-informatics, computer simulation, statistics, and mathematical theory. Our research often involves study and synthesis across multiple levels of biological organization. Faculty research interests include population/community ecology, ecosystem/landscape ecology, evolutionary ecology, conservation biology, genetics, evolutionary genetics, genomics, molecular evolution, bioinformatics, behaviour, behaviour genetics, theoretical biology, plant biology, animal biology, taxonomy/systematics, developmental biology, anatomy, and physiology.
The main goal of our graduate programs is to train thoughtful, versatile scientists who (i) perform innovative, publication-quality research, (ii) think critically, (iii) have mastered skills specific to their fields, (iv) excel at conveying their ideas and results in both written and spoken formats, and (v) go on to productive careers in their areas of interest and expertise. We are training the next generation of scientists who will face pressing societal issues that must be solved by highly trained ecologists and evolutionary biologists. Graduate students are engaged in all aspects of research and departmental community. Community activities include reading and discussion groups, seminars, and social events. Other activities include workshops on writing papers, giving presentations, R and Python, and finding jobs — both academic and those outside of universities.
The EEB graduate program is home to over 60 faculty members specializing in ecology and evolution. Professors supervising graduate students are located on all three campuses of the University (St. George, Mississauga, Scarborough) as well as at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). The EEB department enjoys strong links with the Data Science Institute, the Centre for Global Change, the School of Cities, the School of the Environment, and the ROM. The Koffler Scientific Reserve , a nearby field station owned by the University, is dedicated to ecological and evolutionary research. The department also has partnerships with government agencies including the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry that helps provide access to infrastructure, including field and lab facilities in Algonquin Provincial Park, funding, and long-term data sets.