Ashlyn Simpson

MSc student with a specialization in epidemiology and biostatistics.

Some people may not know that some chemicals can travel long distances through the atmosphere. When contaminated air cools near polar regions, the chemicals can come out of the air and contaminate land and water. Some Indigenous communities have concerns about how this contamination may be impacting the safety of traditional foods. In collaboration with these communities, our research group collected hair, urine, and blood samples to measure the levels of contaminants in people.

The research I am conducting focuses on two questions:

1) What are the levels of dioxins in people living in an arctic community and how does this compare to the Canadian national average?

2) What may be the role of traditional indigenous foods in exposure to environmental contaminants, such as PFAS and dioxins?

I use a statistical tool called linear regression to see if specific traditional foods, like coho salmon or moose liver, are related to the levels of contaminants in people. The results of this investigation will be shared with the participating communities and may help to inform community-based decision making.

It has been fantastic. The dynamic of Brian’s research group is great. The leadership, internal collaboration, and the regular chats with Kelly Skinner’s group has created a fantastic interdisciplinary learning environment. I have really enjoyed being a part of this team!

A moment that stands out to me was In February of 2022, when I travelled to Old Crow, Yukon. While I was there, I learned about Vuntut Gwitchin history, language, and culture. I was able to speak with community members about their concerns and share new information about contaminant exposure. Some of these conversations have impacted how I see the world daily, especially with respect to climate change.