Dr. Karl Cottenie

Associate Professor

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Biography

Karl Cottenie is an Associate Professor in the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of Guelph. He has a strong focus on the influence of dispersal and spatial patterns in metacommunity ecology across various organisms, including zooplankton, bacteria, and fish. His academic journey began with a Master's degree in Biology, followed by a Master's in Statistics, and a Ph.D. in Ecology, all from Leuven, Belgium. His Ph.D. research delved into the zooplankton community structure in interconnected ponds, where he used observational and experimental data to explore the interplay of local environmental factors and dispersal rates. With over 15 years of experience as a scientist, Cottenie has led his own research projects and collaborations that investigate metacommunity dynamics over time, impacts of environmental changes, and the application of molecular techniques to study macroinvertebrate dynamics. He has published extensively in top-tier journals and has contributed significantly to meta-analyses in the field, including critiques of past research methodologies. His current research interests include community ecology, biostatistics, and the interplay of ecological and evolutionary processes in metacommunity dynamics.

Research Interests

Requirements for University of Guelph

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:21
Reading
Required:21
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:21
Total
Required:89
Prerequisites
Honours baccalaureate degree in a relevant field or DVM degree Identify a potential faculty advisor
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Two academic reference assessments
  • Statement of interest
  • English language proficiency test results (if applicable)
Specialization Notes

Department of Clinical Studies. Offers MSc by thesis (2 years) and MSc by coursework (1 year).