Keith Tierney, BSc, MSc, MBA, PhD
Pronouns: he, him, his
Contact
Professor, Faculty of Science - Biological Sciences
- ktierney@ualberta.ca
- Phone
- (780) 492-5339
- Address
-
Z632 Bio Science - D.M. Ross Zoology Tower
11355 - Saskatchewan DriveEdmonton ABT6G 2E9
Overview
Area of Study / Keywords
Behaviour toxicology health ageing exercise microbiome invasive species global climate change novel diets plant protein diets oil pollution model vertebrates zebrafish
Research
My research explores chemical-vertebrate interactions. In this, we explore how sensory information is gathered and used to inform behaviour, and how animals live through different environmental and health conditions. Three specific areas of focus include:
(1) Sensory physiology. The sense of smell (olfaction) is often necessary in mating, moving and feeding. Without it, life will be less interesting, to say the least. My program aims to elucidate the mechanisms that enable olfaction, and determine how this pathway directs behaviour. In this work, we study a variety of fishes, including popular model, zebrafish.
(2) Exercise physiology. The majority of animals must move through their lives and environments. My research explores how animals, such as salmonids, must cope with changes in climate as well as diet. In this work we aim to link behaviour and data from challenging exercise to changes in animal health. Goals include understanding how changes in water temperatures and flow in the Arctic will affect northern fishes. We also aim to understand how ‘new’ food sources, such as animal-free foods, affect exercise and ageing. In this we are also currently exploring the role of diet, gut microbiome and exercise in animal health.
(3) Toxicology. Human activities are contaminating everything from our ambient environments to our food. Our research focuses on how low levels of contaminants may change the behaviour of animals in subtle ways, such as in their temperament. We are currently endeavoring to predict how such changes will affect ecosystems. My lab has or has had diverse regional, national and international funding, and collaborators from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment Canada, petrochemical companies, and food manufacturers.
Keith Tierney featured in International Innovation
Teaching
Zoology 241 (Animal Physiology), Biology 341 (Ecotoxicology), School of Public Health 522 (Principles of Toxicology)