Meet the Speaker - Dr. Michael Twiss

As the ice begins to settle on the Upper St. Lawrence River, our community naturally turns its attention to the health of the waters we call home. We are thrilled to announce Dr. Michael Twiss from Algoma University, a world-renowned limnologist and leading freshwater researcher. will be featured at the upcoming Winter Environmental Conference on January 31st, 2026.

Dr. Twiss isn’t just a scientist; he is an explorer of the forgotten season. While most research on the River and Great Lakes happens in the warm summer months, Dr. Twiss has spent decades championing Winter Limnology – the study of our freshwater ecosystems during their most challenging and least understood months.

A Deep Connection to Our Waters

Dr. Twiss comes to us with a storied career spanning both sides of the border. Most recently, he served as the inaugural Dean of Science at Algoma University in Sault Ste. Marie. Before that, many in our region may remember him from his 20-year tenure at Clarkson University in Potsdam, where he chaired the Department of Biology and helped lead the Center of Excellence in Healthy Water Solutions.

His expertise is unparalleled. With over 100 peer-reviewed manuscripts, Dr. Twiss has conducted fieldwork on every single Laurentian Great Lake and the St. Lawrence River. From studying marine chemistry as an NSERC fellow at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution to leading international working groups for the International Joint Commission (IJC), his work ensures that policy is rooted in rigorous science.

Why Winter Science Matters Now

For a long time, winter was considered a “dormant” period for the river. However, as Dr. Twiss’s research shows, winter is a critical time for nutrient cycling and biological preparation for the spring. With climate change leading to rapid loss of ice cover and warming water temperatures, the “missing pieces” of winter data have never been more important. Dr. Twiss is a vocal advocate for using new technologies—like ice-capable autonomous underwater vehicles—to bridge these data gaps and help us understand how a changing winter affects everything from fish populations to algae blooms in the summer.

Beyond the data, Dr. Twiss brings a profound respect for the cultural and human dimensions of the river. He adheres to the Kaswentha (Two-Row Wampum) as a guiding principle, fostering respectful, co-equal relationships with Indigenous communities. This holistic approach reminds us that protecting the river is not just a scientific endeavor, but a shared responsibility between all who live along its banks.

When: January 31st, 2026, 9:30 am - 3:45 pm
Where: 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel
Register early to receive your advanced ticket discount!