My research interests include marine mammal health in the Arctic, pathology, and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
Research
Nattiq - Ringed Seal
For my Master of Science project, I worked out of Iqaluit, Nunavut. With the goal of assessing ringed seal health, I used both Western methods and Inuit observations of seal health to start to gain a wholistic view of nattiq health. Examining harvested seals, we measured contaminant loads (Hg, Se, Cd, Fe), antibodies, and body metrics. I also conducted qualitative interviews with local Inuit harvesters to understand how hunters examine nattiq health , food preparation, and any changes in nattiq abundance over time.
Thesis available here.
Qilalugaq - Beluga
My current PhD project examines beluga health, with a comparative approach of two of Canada’s largest qilalugaq populations - East Beaufort Sea (EBS) and Western Hudson Bay (WHB). Our pre-research consultations indicated that contaminant monitoring (namely Hg) is a priority for Arviat, in the WHB. In addition to contaminant monitoring, we will examine other metrices (serological, genetic) to identify factors that may be used as health indicators. Partnering with local communities in both regions, we aim to understand qilalugaq health holistically and meaningfully based on local contexts.
GIS
With a minor in GIS and Environmental Analysis, Enooyaq has been involved in a number of GIS projects through Parks Canada and University of Guelph. Such projects include Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) of National Parks, animal tracking with geotags, and LiDAR. The largest project partnered with the city of Louisville, KY, to determine the solar potential of two areas in the city. Learn more about the project here.
Experience
Iqaluk
Arctic Char
From 2014-2016, working with the Mittimatalik HTO (Pond Inlet), we collected arctic char samples from eight lakes around Eclipse Sound. Using fin clips, we examined genetic population structures across lakes, and conducted local interviews with local harvesters.
Davis Strait, Paamiut Trawler
Sea Voyages
My first ocean voyage was in 2016, aboard the DFO trawler Paamiut. Starting in Aasiaat, Greenland, this annual program monitors Greenland Halibat stocks all along Davis Strait, sailing for four weeks.
Milne Inlet, Nunavut
Narwhal
Through a contract with a local mining company, I joined LGL Consulting company in their narwhal observational studies in Milne Inlet. There, I was a field assistant in recording behaviour and movement of narwhal in response to ship traffic.
Affiliations
Canadian Climate Institute
CICC’s mandate is to provide a strong foundation for decision making on climate change impacts through an integrative, rigorous, and inclusive approach to research. I sit on the Adaptation Panel as a northern member.
Arctic Science Journal - Guest Editor
Working with Inuit and Indigenous Russians across Inuit Nunaat, we are working with Arctic Science Journal (Canadian Science Publishing) to compile articles that demonstrate Indigenous Approaches to Arctic Environmental Sciences. See here.
University of Prince Edward Island - Assistant Professor
In the Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies. See more here.
ArcticNet Student Association
ArcticNet continues to be Canada’s largest network that connects researchers and northerners in the Annual Scientific Meeting. This conference also continues to value Inuit and Indigenous perspectives on how researchers and northerners can work together to understand changes in the environment. Previously held several positions between 2017-2022, including the President of the ASA.
International Arctic Science Committee - Fellow
The International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) is a non-governmental, international scientific organization. A previous 2020-2023 fellow, in the Marine Working Group.