Research Areas

Activity 1: Experimental Testing of Natural Attenuation using Large Scale Genomics

Activity 1 is led by Dr. Dustin Isleifson and Dr. Nagissa Mahmoudi. Its objective 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

Activity 2 is led by Dr. Eric Collins and Dr. Nicole Wilson. Its objective 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

Activity 3 is led by Dr. Dustin Isleifson and Dr. Paul Larson. Its objective 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