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I received my undergraduate degree in biochemistry at the University of Calgary in 1989. I received an M.Sc. in Environmental Science and Engineering from University of Alberta in 1993. My master’s thesis focussed on the microcystin cyanobacterial toxins; developed a bioassay for quantitative analysis of the toxin and evaluation of water treatment removal processes. I received my Ph.D. in Public Health Science from the University of Alberta in 1998. My dissertation focussed on developing a theoretical perspective for ethics and public health practice, with particular focus on risk communication and risk assessment. The thesis was a hermeneutic analysis of the ancient Greeks, in particular Socrates, and public health practice in Canada over the century. I evaluated the words and deeds with respect to tobacco, alcohol, fruit and vegetables, chlorinated pesticides and mercury. In January of 1998, I was employed in the Environmental Health Department at the Calgary Health Region as “risk assessment specialist”. In the fall of 2002, I became the Manager of Environmental Health Risk Assessment and Management. At the CHR, I have been involved in sour gas issues, contaminated site remediation, drinking water evaluation, and air pollution issues. I have been the Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) representative in the Canada Wide Standards for benzene, particulate matter and ozone, and mercury, CPHA representative on the Environment Canada’s advisory committee for Environmental Performance Agreements, and the 5 year review of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. I was also involved with the CASA electric sector working group, and PM/ozone management team. I am chair of the People’s Health Commission, evaluating the impact of a century of coke and steel production on the residential community surrounding the Sydney Tar Ponds. The work has focused on evaluating the presence of contaminants in the communities surrounding the Sydney tar ponds, and administration of a community health survey. |