My main research interests are in Precambrian paleobiology, especially the early evolution of animals and their ecosystems.

Our studies of the evolution and ecology of the Ediacara biota (Earth's first complex animals, 575-543 Ma) have resulted in numerous scientific papers and has been widely reported in the popular media. Recent highlights of our Ediacaran studies include the discovery of the oldest large and complex fossils known anywhere and our documentation of the earliest animal communities.

Studies of Proterozoic reefs (2500-543 Ma) in NW Canada have shown that these stromatolite reefs represent a template for the Phanerozoic evolution of modern reef ecosystems. My interests and projects range from Newfoundland to Namibia, with most of my research and my students' projects in Newfoundland and in northern Canada.

Read more about this research and view my
recent publications related to
Early Evolution of Animals and
Proterozoic-Cambrian Carbonates and Reefs.

Most projects are interdisciplinary, and involve research on the borders of paleontology, sedimentology and geochemistry. Research is being carried out in two major areas, and thesis and postdoctoral projects are available in both.