Jackie Dawson

Biography

Jackie Dawson is the Canada Research Chair in Environment, Society and Policy. Her research on the human dimensions of environmental change focuses strongly on, climate change impacts, vulnerability, adaptation, economic development, innovation, governance, and policy. She works closely with coastal communities affected by changing environmental and social conditions around the globe: Arctic Canada, New Zealand, Svalbard, Norway, Greenland, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. After completing a BSC at Lakehead University, an MA at the University of Otago, New Zealand, a PhD at the University of Waterloo, and a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Guelph, Dr. Dawson joined the Department of Geography here at the University of Ottawa in July 2011.

Research

Working with the Environment, Society and Policy Group (ESPG), her research focuses on three main areas: Arctic Shipping, Arctic Economic Development and Coastal Communities and Climate Change.

Type of Student Support She Seeks

She accepts students with an interest in examining environmental issues at the nexus of natural and social science. They must comfortable working in a team environment but also comfortable working independently.

Research Question Examples a Student She Supervises Could Work On

1. What is the impact of climate change on Arctic communities?
2. How is changing sea ice conditions in Arctic Canada influencing shipping patterns in the region?
3. What are the impacts of increased shipping in Arctic Canada on issues of safety, security, sovereignty, and environmental and cultural sustainability?
4. What are the impacts of resource development in the Arctic?
5. How can we best govern the use of the Arctic marine environment?