Tyler graduated with a MSc in the Department of Environment & Geography at the University of Manitoba. His research focused on evaluating the impacts of spills of diluted bitumen (dilbit) on freshwater invertebrate communities as part of the BOREAL project. In collaboration with Environment & Climate Change Canada, uOttawa, and Queen's University, they simulated several dilbit spills into lake-based mesocosms at the IISD-Experimental Lakes Area during the summer of 2018, characterizing the fate, behaviour, and toxicological impacts of dilbit in freshwater. His component monitored the zooplankton, benthic invertebrate, and emerging insect communities and how dilbit may affect community composition and abundance. He also assessed toxicogenomic responses of these invertebrates to dilbit exposure in collaboration with the University of Saskatchewan. The goal of the research was to provide whole ecosystem-based knowledge that aimed to assist in policy development that regulates future decisions on energy and oil transportation in Canada and the protection of our freshwater ecosystems. 

​

Currently, Tyler is working towards his PhD at the University of Guelph, investigating the barriers to recovery in intertidal clam populations exposed to oil spills. His work is in collaboration with the Haíɫzaqv First Nation, and he is assisting in informing restoration efforts of culturally, ecologically, and economically important clam beds impacted by a diesel spill.