He is best known for his integrative work on fish physiology, behaviour, ecology, and human-dimensions to understand and solve complex environmental problems.

Cooke started his postsecondary education at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada (1993-1999) where he attained a Bachelor of Environmental Studies and a master's in biology.

[4][5] Following his Ph.D., Dr. Cooke accepted a post-doctoral position (with support from NSERC and the Killam Trust) with the Centre for Applied Conservation Research at the University of British Columbia (2002-2005) where he studied the migration biology of sockeye salmon with Dr. Scott Hinch and Dr. Tony Farrell.

[6] His Carleton research lab consists of approximately 30 members,[7] including undergraduate and graduate students and post docs, and he teaches specialized courses in aquatic biology and ecology.

[3] He has launched the careers of several prominent biologists, including Forbes 30 Under 30 Winner in Science Dr. Austin Gallagher, who was a postdoctoral fellow in his lab at the time.

In 2015 Cooke was elected into the Royal Society of Canada's College of New Scholars, Artists, and Scientists and served as the Secretary and member of the RSC's Council (2017-2019).

Often, Cooke uses novel technology, like EMG transmitters[28] and telemetry techniques to understand the behavior of and physiology of free-living animals.

[29] Cooke uses interdisciplinary approaches (ranging from behaviour to genomics[30]) to study complex conservation and management problems.

[31] For example, his research has revealed that unsuccessful upriver adult migrants tend to be characterized by advanced reproductive development, disease, and stress, relative to those salmon that reach spawning grounds and reproduce.

[32][33] This type of information has been used to influence fisheries policy in Canada [34] including the refinement of a management adjustment models [35] for harvest levels of salmon.

[40] Cooke’s research has illuminated problems in recreational fishing and possible development of effective countermeasures to conserve fisheries and his work has helped to refine management strategies in Canada[41] and the USA.