Episode #11 with Dr. David Atkinson from Ryerson University

Dr. Atkinson joined Ryerson University Faculty of Arts Department of Geography and Environmental Studies in 2008. He has served as the Undergraduate Program Director for the Environment and Urban Sustainability program between 2018 and 2020. In January 2020 Dr. Atkinson become the Chair of the Geography and Environmental Studies Department. With over 20 years of Arctic research experience Dr Atkinson leads the Polar Regions Spatial and Environmental Analysis Lab (PolarSEAL). Dr. Atkinson’s lab explores how spatial analytical tools (e.g. spatial modeling, GIS, and remote sensing) can integrate terrestrial biophysical variables with ecohydrological principles to examine how a changing Arctic climate impacts Inuit community source water. Dr. Atkinson’s approach to Arctic research is a paradigm shift in that it: i) combines community driven research with the experience and expertise of a university based research program; and ii) builds local research capacity through a unique mentorship approach to training by pairing graduate students with Inuit youth to be local Northern Researchers. Dr. Atkinson is currently a Co-Pi on a CIRNAC – Climate Change Health Adaptation funded project: Nunavut Climate, Water & Health Monitoring in the Kivalliq and Kitikmeot: Advancing Local Capacity for Research and Adaptation.

Assisting in the monitoring of local stream near the Community of Pond Inlet, NU July 2017.