Lisa Robertson

About Me

I’m an insect physiologist that is passionate about teaching and learning. In my classes I strive to create an inclusive learning community where students are colleagues and are engaged in the learning process. Current research interests are centred around student engagement and success strategies.

Academic Journey to York

Year: 1999-2003
Degree: Honours Bachelor of Science
Majors: Forensic Science and Biology
Minor: Anthropology
Institution: University of Toronto, Mississauga
Thesis: An examination into the relationship between alcohol abuse and sudden death.

Year: 2003-2005
Degree: MSc, Zoology
Institution: University of Toronto
Thesis: The distribution of proctolin-like immunoreactivity and physiological effects of proctolin within the locust, Locusta migratoria

Year: 2007-2012
Degree: PhD, Cell and Systems Biology
Institution: University of Toronto
Thesis: The pleiotropic roles of FGLamide allatostatins in the African migratory locust, Locusta migratoria.

Year: 2012-2013
Postdoctoral Fellowship
Institution: York University (with Dr. Andrew Donini)
Research: Neural and endocrine control of ion transport by anal papillae of larval mosquitoes and chironomids.

Academic Employment Journey to York

I held a few academic positions that were integral to my journey to York.

Year: 2013-2017
Position: Assistant Professor (Contract-limited)
Institution: Department of Biomedical Science, University of Guelph

Year: 2017-2022
Position: Instructor & Course Coordinator
Institution: Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph

Awards

Distinguished Professor Award for Excellence in Teaching (for the Ontario Veterinary College),
Faculty Association, University of Guelph
Year: 2017

Undergraduate Teaching Award (non-veterinary)
Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph
Year: 2015

Selected Publications

Bingham, B.E., Rea, V., Robertson, L., Smith, M.A., Jacobs, S. 2022. Frequency, topic, and preferences: Tracking student engagement with several modalities of student–instructor contact in a first-year course. FEBS Open Bio. Volume 12. Pages 12-23. doi: 10.1002/2211-5463.13315

Robertson, L., Porter, E., Smith, M.A., Jacobs, S. 2021. Evidence-Based Course Modification to Support Learner-Centered and Student-Driven Teaching in A Pandemic: Leveraging Digital and Physical Space for Accessible, Equitable, and Motivating Experiential Learning and Scientific Inquiry in A First-Year Biology Course. International Journal of Higher Education. Volume 10. doi: 10.5430/ijhe.v10n7p96

Robertson, L., Chasiotis, H., Galperin, V*., Donini, A. 2014. Allatostatin A-like immunoreactivity in the nervous system and gut of the larval midge, Chironomus riparius (Meigen): Modulation of hindgut motility, rectal K+ transport and implications for exposure to salinity. Journal of Experimental Biology 217(21): 3815-3822. doi: 10.1242/jeb.108985

Robertson, L., Donini, A., Lange, A.B. 2014. K+ absorption by locust gut and inhibition of ileal K+ and water transport by FGLamide allatostatins. Journal of Experimental Biology 217(18): 3377-3385. doi: 10.1242/jeb.101774

Robertson, L., Rodrigues, E. P*., Lange, A.B. 2012. The neural and peptidergic control of gut contraction in Locusta migratoria: The effect of an FGLa/AST. Journal of Experimental Biology 215(19): 3394- 3402. doi: 10.1242/jeb.073189

Robertson, L., and Lange, A.B. 2010. Neural substrate and allatostatin-like innervation of the gut of Locusta migratoria. Journal of Insect Physiology 56: 893-901. doi: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2010.05.003.

Sub-Discipline(s)

Teaching and Learning, Physiology, Insect Physiology

Research Areas

UN Goals