Dr. Ryan Norris

Associate Professor

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Biography

I am an ecologist interested in the behavior, conservation, and evolution of migratory animals. My lab addresses a variety of topics including the effects of climate change and habitat loss on the annual cycles of seabirds and songbirds, the role of migration networks and seasonal interactions in predicting changes in population size, and the development of optimal conservation plans for migratory species. My research integrates behavioral and demographic field research with landscape ecology, theoretical and empirical modeling, and biogeochemistry. We conduct field research in locations such as Algonquin Park, the BC Pacific coast, Costa Rica, the Bay of Fundy, and the University of Guelph campus. The goal of my research is to understand migration and the factors that influence individual success and population abundance across various life-history stages.

Research Interests

Courses

BIOL*4410 - Field Ecology Algonquin Park (Summer 2025) BIOL*3010 - Lab and Fieldwork in Ecology (Fall 2025)

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).