Megan Harvey

My research interests span the intersection of organismal physiology, environmental dynamics, and ecosystem function. I aim to understand how environmental factors, including temperature fluctuations, influence metabolic responses across ectothermic organisms and life-history stages. Through experimental methods, as well as laboratory analysis, I aim to see how these acute and acclimated temperatures changes can affect the reproduction, development, and growth through in vivo respiratory experiments at the larvae, juvenile, and adult stages, allowing us to look at metabolic strategies that could influence the rates of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production, which can, in turn, help quantify the contribution of different fish populations to overall carbon fluxes.

In addition, I am interested in fishery-targeted species, as I have previously worked with varying levels of fishing intensity and its implications on development at different life-history stages in fish at both individual and community level. As well, I am interested in histologic, isotopic, and enzymatic analysis to understand eco-physiological processes in marine and freshwater species.

Ph. D. (2023 - Ongoing) Universität Hamburg (Germany)

Preliminary title: “Climate change effects of fish species diversity and metabolism in the Elbe Estuary.”

Supervisor: Jun.-Prof.Dr. Flemming Dahlke

My research currently focuses on how temperature-induced metabolic responses differ between fish species and life-history stages, with implications for climate-driven dynamics of carbon cycling. Through the development and implementation of in vitro methods for metabolic rate measurements (enzyme, isotope, and histological analysis), coupled with comprehensive field samplings and in vivo experimental studies (from spawning to adult life stages), and focusing on key species such as the European smelt (Osmerus eperlanus), this research aims to determine how these metabolic variations ultimately shape the flux of carbon through different trophic levels within the Elbe River.

By addressing the variability in metabolic temperature responses across different fish species and life stages, our study aims to fill crucial gaps in empirical data, aligning with recent findings highlighting the species-specific and life stage-specific nature of temperature effects on metabolic rates. With the Elbe River anticipated to experience substantial temperature changes, analyzing the response of temperature change on metabolism between species and at different developmental stages allows for future modeling and upscaling. Furthermore, we can indicate any threshold temperatures and the implications of these thresholds for population dynamics and ecosystem resilience, both of which have direct implications on the overall biomass of the species and thus carbon cycling.

My current project is conducted under the Research Training Group 2530 “Biota-mediated effects on Carbon cycling in Estuaries”:

Research Fellow (2022-2023), University of Palermo
Assisted in on-board research, as well as in lab dissection of various commercial species and associated analysis for isotopes, proteins, and growth (otolith ageing).

Associated project: Integrated network for the monitoring and production of regional models for management of marine resources and ecosystems in the Gulfs of Castellammare, Patti, and Catania – Rete 3 Golfi.

Wildlife Technician (2018-2019), Parks Canada
Assisted with wildlife safety protocols throughout the parks, as well as determination of predatory nesting and migration sites.

Laboratory and Teaching Assistant (2016-2018), University of Guelph 
Supervised lab sessions lead class-based tutorials for statistical analysis in the third year B. Sc. Course “Lab Studies in Animal Physiology”.

M. Sc. Marine Science (2019 – 2022) Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca (Italy)

Thesis: “The effects of different degrees of fishing pressure on life-history traits in Mullus barbatus: a case study across the Sicilian continental shelf (Central Mediterranean Sea)”.

Supervisor: Dr. Maria Cristina Mangano; External Tutor: Prof.Dr. Gianluca Sarà

B. Sc. Marine and Freshwater Biology, Minor in Ecology (2012-2016) University of Guelph (Canada)

Final Project A: Analyzing community composition when exposed to high and low tides in three varying abiotic habitats (rocky shore, mixed sediments, and sandy beach) in Passamaquoddy Bay.

Final Project B: Effects of temperature and salinity changes on Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis individuals residing in varying abiotic habitats exposed to different levels of tidal regime.

Final Project C: Determination of light and water thresholds of invasive plant species from seedling to adult for aid in conservation management.

Supervisors: Prof.Dr. James Ballantyne, Junc-Prof.Dr. Beren Robinson, Prof.Dr. Kevin McCann, Prof.Dr Karl Cottenie