RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
People interested in doing graduate studies in animal energetics should contact me to discuss possibilities.
Students with a strong background in animal physiology, ecophysiology or metabolism are particularly welcome to apply.
Information on FINANCIAL AID and SCHOLARSHIPS for GRADUATE STUDENTS
General information about the BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT of the University of Ottawa
Current projects deal with metabolic adaptations for energy management in the following areas:
• Fuel selection during exercise and cold exposure (birds and mammals)
• Endurance swimming in fish
Long-distance migrant birds and salmon are some of the animal models used in our studies. The main techniques available are indirect calorimetry (respirometry), continuous tracer infusions (radio- and stable isotopes), electromyography, and a variety of biochemical / molecular assays to measure metabolites, enzymes and hormones in plasma and tissues. Because fat is a key fuel for thermogenesis and endurance exercise, lipid metabolism is often a focus of our work.
This research has important implications for:
• Advancing fundamental knowledge of vertebrate metabolism
• Protecting wildlife habitats that migrant birds use to refuel
• Improving the performance of human athletes
• Treating obesity
If you are interested in doing research in these areas or on any other aspect of animal energetics, please contact:
JEAN-MICHEL WEBER
Biology, University of Ottawa
30 Marie Curie
Ottawa, Ontario
CANADA K1N 6N5
E-mail : jmweber@uottawa.ca
Phone : 613-562-5800 x 6007