2025 Fellows
Joseph Culp
Dr. Joseph Culp is a Scientist in Residence and Adjunct Professor at Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) Waterloo, Ontario, and an Emeritus Research Scientist with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). He received a B.Sc. from the University of Oklahoma and completed M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees at the University of Calgary where he applied the River Continuum Concept to the Saskatchewan River system and examined the impacts of forest clearcutting on benthic communities of Carnation Creek, British Columbia. As a professor at U Calgary, he investigated the role of benthic fish in affecting the behavior, distribution and abundance of stream insects. Moving to ECCC in 1990, he was located at the National Hydrology Research Centre and the University of New Brunswick until retirement in 2020. While at ECCC he investigated multiple stressor impacts on aquatic systems, focusing on the combined effects of nutrients, sediments and chemical stressors on taxonomic and trait composition of stream benthos. This work involved leading large, interdisciplinary studies on the impacts of agriculture, mining, and industrial effluents on riverine food webs. He has published over 200 scientific papers and book chapters. Currently, his research examines how permafrost thaw slumps modify the structure and function of riverine benthos. Awards received include the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012), Hynes Lecture Award of the Canadian Rivers Institute (2025), and ECCC Citations of Excellence. A core activity is his considerable outreach involvement such as co-leading the Arctic Council’s Freshwater Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program. A Society member since 1978, he has served in several leadership roles, namely president (2001), executive chair (1997), associate editor for Freshwater Science (formerly JNABS; 1992-1996), and annual meeting program co-chair (Calgary 1993).
Selections from Joseph’s Fellows nomination and letters of support:
“Joe has collaborated with many SFS members and mentored outstanding students. His excellent contributions demonstrate both keen insights and dedication to high professional standards. Consequently, Joe’s impacts on freshwater science and environmental policies are exceptional and globally recognized. His focus on climate change has been especially important in representing the effects of warming on northern lakes and rivers.”
“Throughout his career, Joe has always been simultaneously associated with universities, government agencies, and policy-generating institutions. Joe was an innovative early adopter in using comprehensive basic research to inform and to improve environmental policies, especially as related to effects of multiple stressors on freshwater ecosystems. His combination of interests has greatly enhanced his ability to mentor excellent, interdisciplinary students and postdoctoral colleagues. The exceptionally wide range and depth of Joe’s research and his many other professional contributions demonstrate his [excellence and impact ].”
“Throughout his career, Dr. Culp has maintained a strong commitment to ensuring that his research contributes to improved decisionmaking and actions. His research efforts have led to changes in governmental legislation and directions, stewardship initiatives, and private sector monitoring … His commitment to providing a strong science foundation for the future can be seen not only in the dozens of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows he has mentored but also in his contribution to the North American Benthological Society / Society for Freshwater Science as Associate Editor, Executive Chair and President. His outstanding contributions to freshwater combined with his translation of new science into policy and technological solutions makes him a meritorious candidate.”
“Joseph has spent his entire career committed to advancing scientific innovations and creating and implementing opportunities that translate research excellence into positive societal and community impacts. This has involved increasing connectivity between academia, government, industry and non-governmental organizations in tackling current and emerging freshwater issues … Given Dr. Culp’s outstanding lifetime career achievements and contribution to freshwater science, I highly recommend him.”