Research Projects

The Leonard lab has several focuses that all interact. We are interested in life history variation, particularly within populations, and the environmental determinants of this variation. In particular, we are exploring the determinants behind partial migration of salmonids and other movement paradigms. We are also interested in the effects of environmental change, including climate change, seasonality, and human impacts. For this work, the long winters of the U.P. are an important player as we try to understand how winter biology intersects with fish biology and environmental change. And we are very interested in cool and coldwater aquatic vertebrates, perhaps with a bit of a bias toward native species although we appreciate all the community members.

Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) are a focus for the lab since they are interesting in all these aspects, but we also work with a variety of other species as projects come along, even the occasional terrestrial organism. Our brook trout work has recently begun to focus on younger life stages, including eggs and alevin, as we consider what different winter conditions can mean for population success. In addition to brook trout, other recent target species have been lake sturgeon, mottled sculpin, longnose dace, and even red-backed salamanders and mudpuppies. Dr. Leonard supports some projects looking at estuarine fishes, for those with an interest in marine species, although her primary focus is on the freshwater realm.

Recently we have embarked on a major research program to better understand the ecology of burbot (Lota lota), a unusual native species in the Great Lakes. We have developed a system where we can collect gametes from wild fish, fertilize them, and rear them through early life history stages. This work is particularly interesting because much of the life history variability seen in adult burbot is linked to spawning areas. We also know that much of the selection on burbot happens on their very small (for a freshwater fish), pelagic larvae which drift as plankton. In addition to our young burbot work, we are also starting to work more with adults in the field to better understand winter movements and reproductive timing.

Common approaches in the lab include RFID/PIT telemetry, swimming and non-swimming respirometry, geometric morphometrics, behavioral exposure chambers, and endocrinology, and lots of good old fashioned fishing.