Emily is a masters candidate in the Environmental and Life Sciences program at Trent University. Emily is working with the Moose Cree First Nation to assess the risks of mercury in traditionally consumed fish species, as well as assessing land development disturbances and their impacts on cultural practices in the territory.

Jess Pauze is a Masters Candidate in the Environmental and Life Sciences (ENLS) program. She is researching fish contamination in Garden River First Nation (GRFN) Territory, looking at heavy metals, PFAS, and microplastics, with the goal of developing a community-led fish consumption guide that supports GRFN values and practices. 

Jade is an MSc candidate in the ENLS program at Trent University. She recently graduated from the Environmental and Resource Sciences program at Trent University, earning her BSc Honour’s degree. Her master’s research with TRACE Lab is focused on characterizing the impacts of resource extraction activities such as mining, forestry, and hydroelectricity on the water quality of lakes in Michipicoten First Nation Territory in Northern Ontario. Her research interests include benthic macroinvertebrates, water quality, and freshwater ecosystems. She is also passionate about environmental due diligence, freshwater ecosystem conservation, and empowering and collaborating with First Nations to make confident environmental decisions 

Ashley is a Masters Candidate in the Environmental and Life Sciences (ENLS) program at Trent University. She is currently writing a thesis on community perceived risk of environmental contaminants in Peterborough with a focus on residential gardening habits. This research will be accompanied by a GIS of known environmental contaminants in Peterborough.  

Auma is a PhD student in Environmental and Life Sciences at Trent University, under the mentorship of Prof. Mary-Claire Buell. Before commencing her PhD studies, she worked as a Research Assistant at Egerton University under the mentorship of Prof. Nzula Kitaka. Her PhD research is focused on investigating contaminants in tissues of Dreissenid mussels in the Canadian part of Lake Huron. 

Nathalie Kuria is pursuing a Master’s in Environmental & Life Sciences at Trent University, following the completion of her Honours Bachelor of Science degree in biology and diploma in Ecosystem Management. With over a decade in Nogojiwanong/Peterborough, Nathalie has worked in diverse roles, from Terrestrial Monitoring Technician to Environmental Educator, following a passion for ecosystem assessment and community engagement. Her current research interests explore environmental toxicology and the intersection of diverse knowledge systems to develop sustainable ecological practices and promote environmental advocacy.