RESEARCH INTERESTS
My research focuses on the intersection between health and earth and environmental sciences (aka, GeoHealth; see Figure on the right). I focus on investigating the sources, transport, and fate of chemicals in aquatic ecosystems that pose risks to human and ecological health. I am interested in applications for geochemical tools in both environmental science and biomedical research.
CURRENT PROJECTS
1. Global flows of methylmercury and fatty acids from fisheries harvests.
Collaborators: Colin Thackray (Harvard University), Elsie Sunderland (Harvard University), Vicky Lam (University of British Columbia), William Cheung (University of British Columbia).
This work links previously modeled Hg deposition into the ocean and seawater reservoirs of Hg species to MeHg flows associated with harvests of commercially important fish stocks. In addition, we simulate essential fatty acid flows from fish in the global oceans to humans for evaluating risks and benefits of seafood consumption.
2. Deciphering changes in foraging habitats of beluga using lead isotopes.
Collaborators: Lisa Loseto (Canada Fisheries and Oceans), Dominique Weis (University of British Columbia), Craig Kastelle (NOAA), Thomas Helser (NOAA).
We are developing geochemical tools (e.g., lead isotopes) to assess if the diet and habitat use patterns of Beaufort Sea beluga have changed in past decade, potentially as an responses to rapid climate change in the Arctic.
Figure credit: Inside Climate News
