Twiss joined Clarkson from Toronto Metropolitan University in 2002. He was named department chair in 2020. Professor Twiss received his BSc from Trent University, an MSc degree from the University of Toronto, and his PhD from Université du Québec – INRS-ETE (Eau), and he performed a postdoctoral fellowship at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). His current research focuses on winter limnology and the development of novel approaches to year-round remote sensing of water quality. He has published fieldwork on every Laurentian Great Lake and the Saint Lawrence River. He has brought in over $2M in external funding and has published over 85 peer-reviewed manuscripts. His professional service includes participation on Great Lakes science advisory boards (US EPA, International Joint Commission) and leadership as President of the International Association for Great Lakes Research, where his professional expertise and that of colleagues have helped ensure the protection of these crucial waters.

Professor Twiss states “My time at Clarkson University, a technologically strong university, has provided me with many teaching, experiential learning, research and administrative experiences that I am looking forward to sharing with Algoma as it continues its steady rise as a university. As Clarkson begins to acknowledge its position in the North Country of New York on the traditional territory of the Kaniekehaka (Mohawk), a connection to Algoma University and its Special Mission will be welcomed. The Special Mission of Algoma is to provide programs in liberal arts and sciences and professional programs, primarily at the undergraduate level, with a particular focus on the needs of northern Ontario; and to cultivate cross-cultural learning between Indigenous communities and other communities, in keeping with the history of Algoma University and its geographic site. I am honored to begin that connection.”

Darryl Scriven, Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences says, “Michael was a firm advocate for the Department of Biology as Chair and A&S wishes him all the best and much success in his new role as Dean of the Faculty of Science at Algoma.”