Tungasugiit. I am an Inuk from Nunavut. My mother’s side are Inuit from the North Baffin region, stretching from Pond Inlet, Somerset Island, and to present day Taloyoak. I am also German, through my great grandfather on my mother’s side, who was a whaler and married my great grandmother. My father’s side are Inuit from Inukjuaq, Nunavik. I am Enooyaq for my late aunt, and I grew up in Iqaluit and Pond Inlet.
I am currently a PhD Student at University of Manitoba studying beluga whale health in the Eastern Beaufort Sea and Western Hudson Bay.
EDUCATION
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University of Guelph.
Minor in GIS and Environmental Analysis
Honours thesis on Arctic Char genetics in Pond Inlet, Nunavut
Field course: Bamfield Marine Science Center
Semester Abroad: Umea, Sweden at Sveriges Lantbuksuniversitet
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University of Prince Edward Island
Atlantic Veterinary College.
Research-based thesis on ringed seal health and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in Iqaluit and Pond Inlet, Nunavut.
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University of Manitoba
Centre for Earth Observation Science.
Research-based thesis on beluga health and Inuit and Inuvialuit Knowledge.
Field course: The University Centre in Svalbard, Arctic Environmental Toxicology
Volunteer Experience
Great White Shark Tourism
In 2015, I was lucky enough to travel to Gansbaii, South Africa to volunteer with Marine Dynamics for four weeks. Their partnerships with local conversation trusts and marine biologists contribute to the responsible tourism in their whale watching and shark diving expeditions.
Rescue Diver
After spending decades on the sea ice and sea surface hunting and traveling, diving was the next natural step. I am lucky to have family and friends in Iqaluit who support this hobby through gear and boating hours. SSI qualified Rescue diver.
Turtle Rehabilitation
In 2016, I spent three weeks in Nusa Penida, Indonesia volunteering at a sea turtle sanctuary. With the local lack of veterinary care, they relied on volunteers to care for turtle, brought in by local fishermen, to maintain the facilities and care for recovering turtles.