Matthew Morris, PhD

Dr. Morris is a biologist interested in the ecology and evolution of fishes. His work utilizes DNA barcoding to explore such varied topics as invasive fishes in Alberta or the mislabeling of seafoods. He has a deep interest in the interaction between science and faith, and most recently co-published a paper with Professor of Old Testament Dr. Beth Stovell on the science and theology of naming living creatures. He has authored 16 field guides on provincial and state fishes and has been published in such journals as Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Journal of Fish Biology, Evolution, and Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith. Dr. Morris is an active member of the Canadian Scientific and Christian Affiliation. He and his wife, Danielle, are the proud parents of three children.

Current Research

Taxonomic Theology – Taxonomy is the science of naming and classifying living things. Adam’s naming of the animals in Genesis 2 is the starting point of a broad theology of naming throughout Scripture, which has resonances with, and lessons for, the scientific practice of naming today. Similarly, the practice of taxonomy brings a new lens to the theology of naming. In this study Dr. Morris and Dr. Stovell argue that the naming of living things is a human calling that is creative, relational, and protective to the creatures so-named.

Mislabeling of seafood – What you bought is not always what you got, especially in the wild world of seafoods. Using DNA barcoding, Ambrose genetics students, in collaboration with Mount Royal University and the University of Calgary, have discovered that roughly 1 in 5 seafood samples in Calgary are mislabeled, with economic, health, and conservation consequences.