Research Areas

Activity 1: Experimental Testing of Natural Attenuation using Large Scale Genomics
Led by Dr. Dustin Isleifson and Dr. Nagissa Mahmoudi

The objective of Activity 1 is to conduct focused incubations at the Ocean and Sea Ice Mesocosm (OSIM) facility of the Churchill Marine Observatory to observe geophysical, petrochemical, and microbial genomic responses to oil spills, informing Activity 2 on appropriate genomic biomarkers for monitoring work. Sub-activities include:

  1. Evaluating the efficacy of natural attenuation

  2. Identifying genetic biomarkers

  3. Tracking physical conditions

Activity 2: Genomics-Informed Community-Based Monitoring
Led by Dr. Eric Collins and Dr. Nicole Wilson

The objective of Activity 2 is to co-develop a sustainable genomics-informed community-based monitoring program that combines social and natural sciences with Inuit Quajimajatuqangit (IQ), while building a baseline understanding of seasonal cycling in Arctic microbial communities and serving as a sentinel in the case of an actual spill. Sub-activities include:

  1. Co-development of a community based monitoring program (CBM)

  2. On-site knowledge co-creation using portable DNA sequencing devices

  3. Mobilizing spatial and temporal predictions of oil biodegradation potential in SIKU

Activity 3: The Socio-economic, Governance, and Policy Implications of Monitored Natural Attenuation
Led by Dr. John Sinclair and Dr. Paul Larson

The objective of Activity 3 is to promote policy uptake of research findings by translating the results of activities 1 and 2 using a regionally specific model (the Oil Spill Decision Support System; OSDSS), analysis of the policy and governance dimensions of oil spills in the Arctic, and to provide implementable policy recommendations based on genomics-informed monitored natural attenuation. Activities 2 and 3 are working to coordinate data collection in northern communities to synthesize results and avoid the “research fatigue” that can plague small communities. Sub-activities include:

  1. Oil Spill Decision Support System (OSDSS)

  2. Policy and governance implications, from local through international levels