I am an interdisciplinary researcher with expertise in both social and natural sciences. Trained as a human-environment geographer, I use mixed methods including ethnographic approaches, GIS, and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry to critically explore how socio-ecological processes affect the health of individuals, communities, and environments. I work with women, ethnic minorities and Indigenous groups on collaborative projects aimed at documenting and addressing structural inequalities. My research is applied to support positive change for the communities with whom I work.
I am a part-time lecturer in the Department of Geography, Planning and Environment at Concordia University, where I teach a graduate course called, Indigenous Peoples and Environmental Assessment. I have previously taught an upper-level undergraduate seminar called Environmental Management as well as an urban studies course called Urban Ecology. I previously lectured in the Department of Geography at McGill University, where I co-taught the Honours capstone course on geographic thought and practice. I hold a PhD in Geography from McGill University.
Projects
Urban agriculture in Kuching, Malaysia
My doctoral research looked at the health impacts and equitability of urban agriculture in Kuching, Malaysia. This project built from urban and feminist political ecologies. I used mixed-methods including interviews, GIS, and X-ray fluorescent spectrometry. I measured concentrations of chronic toxicants as well as their spatial and intersectional dynamics. I looked at access to land, aesthetic politics, and spiritual, emotional connections to gardens. More information can be found at the project website, Kuching Gardens.
Qanuilirpitaa? 2017 Nunavik Inuit Health Survey
I previously worked with the Canada Research Chair on Housing, Community and Health Research Group at McGill University (2017-2019) and the Institut national de santé public du Québec (INSPQ) as a project coordinator and research assistant on the community component of the 2017 Nunavik Inuit Health Survey. I was responsible for developing and measuring indicators of community health and well-being for Nunavimmiut. I travelled on board the CCG research icebreaker Amundsen to carry out data collection in each of the 14 communities of Nunavik between August-October 2017. I completed two additional arctic expeditions in June 2017 and January 2018. The results of this work have recently been published (2021; 2022) and have been used by the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services to identify priorities for a strategic regional health plan.
Marine conservation, intersectionality, and resistance in Indonesia
Through long-term ethnographic inquiry, this research aimed to untangle the intersectional dynamics of marine conservation in the Wakatobi National Park, Indonesia. The results of this research have been published in Gender, Place & Culture. In 2014, I was awarded the PFF Community Leadership Fellowship to develop a women’s cooperative in this community backed by local support.
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