Staff Directory

Maribeth Murray
Executive Director
403-220-7516

Dr. Murray is a transdisciplinary scholar with expertise in both the social and natural sciences. Trained as an environmental archaeologist, she transitioned to focus on contemporary climate change and the impacts on people and the environment in the Arctic. Today her research activities are focused in three areas: the integration of historic and modern data sets to better understand how the Arctic functions as a system; mobilizing genomics and genomics tools for Arctic biodiversity conservation and wildlife management; and research and strategic planning for the ongoing development and implementation of an internationally supported Arctic Observing System.

In 2016 Maribeth initiated the development of the Canadian Consortium for Arctic Data Interoperability (CCADI), a national coalition of universities, Indigenous organizations, federal departments, not-for profit and private-sector partners. The CCADI is engaged in the design and establishment of an Arctic Research Data Infrastructure for Canada to improve access to data, data interoperability and data analytics in support of decision-making across scales and organizations, and for research.

Maribeth is a member of the Board of Directors of Polar Knowledge Canada, a member of the Canadian Mountain Network Board of Directors, a past member of the Board of Directors of the Arctic Research Consortium of the United States, and a past faculty member of the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Brent Else
Associate Director, AINA

Supports the executive director with tasks related to AINA's strategic plan.

Establish partnerships and write grant applications to develop AINA's leadership capacity.

Connect UCalgary researchers with AINA initiatives.

Supports initiatives related to AINA's Observer status at Arctic Council.

Associate Professor, Geography

PhD, Environment and Geography – University of Manitoba (2012)

Shannon Christoffersen
Manager, Data and Information Services
403-220-4033

Shannon leads the Institute’s initiatives in knowledge mobilization and exchange including its databases, digital projects, and initiatives related to the Institute-led Canadian Consortium for Arctic Data Interoperability (CCADI). She also manages the Institute’s internal special collections and acts as the Institute’s liaison for AINA Collections held at University of Calgary Libraries.

Shannon is an institutional team lead and coordinator for the Canadian Consortium for Arctic Data Interoperability, the Institute’s representative on the International Arctic Science Committee/Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks Arctic Data Committee, a member of the ADC-IARPC-SCADM Vocabularies and Semantics Working Group, a member of the Polar Libraries Colloquy Steering Committee (currently serving as Past Chair and Web Developer), and she sits on the Advisory Board of the Polar Data Journal.

MLIS – University of Alberta (2005)
BA in Anthropology – University of Calgary (1999)
BA in English – University of Calgary (1999)

Patty Wells
Editor, ARCTIC Journal
403-220-4049

Processing manuscript submissions and peer-review, managing production, and publishing quarterly journal issues.

Patty's research has focused on the social life of the first Arctic peoples who lived on the island of Newfoundland through her study of animal exploitation for food and raw materials in the manufacture of tools.

PhD in Archaeology – Memorial University of Newfoundland (2012)

Patricia Wells Publications

Maria Beketskaia
Operations Manager

As the Operations Manager, I am accountable for orchestrating the smooth and effective operation of AINA, by managing the Institute’s finances, human resources, and day-to-day administrative services.

Prior to joining AINA, I was a Research Associate for 7 years in the Departments of Surgery, Radiology, and Clinical Neurosciences at the Cumming School of Medicine (University of Calgary).

During my free time, I enjoy exploring the mountains with my husband, daughter, and elderly Pomeranian (Zelda!).

Cert. in Project Management – University of Calgary (2019)
MSc in Molecular Microbiology – University of Calgary (2014)
BSc in Cellular, Molecular, and Microbial Biology – University of Calgary (2011)

Michael Allchin
Postdoctoral Associate, Mountain Environment Observation and Monitoring

This role is funded jointly by AINA, the Canadian Mountain Network, and Yukon Government.

My initial task is to build an inventory of observational equipment and activities in the mountains of western Canada, starting with the Yukon, expanding subsequently to NWT, BC and AB.

This inventory will help to reveal areas of key interest (relating, for example, to rapid climate change or major ecological transitions) in which information is currently sparse, thereby supporting discussion of options for augmenting observational activities, and improving coordination and collaboration between participants.

At this stage, a particular focus will be placed on exploring opportunities for advancing participation by Indigenous people in the observation and monitoring of mountain landscapes, and for incorporating Traditional Knowledge with conventional scientific data.

The outcomes of this analysis will inform the development and implementation of a comprehensive mountain observation and monitoring strategy for Canada.

PhD – University of Northern BC (2020)
MSc – University of Southampton (2013)
BSc (Hons) – University of Bristol (1986)

Shivangi Mishra
Postdoctoral Associate, Arctic Genomics
403-397-9473

Dr. Mishra’s research focus is the role of genomics in fostering and supporting Arctic Biodiversity. The goal of her project is to mobilize genomics research outcomes on Arctic wildlife to diverse end users for the widest possible benefit and in the interest of environmental management and the sustainable use of living resources.

During her Doctoral thesis, Dr. Mishra has worked on the conservation of globally endangered Egyptian Vultures in Uttar Pradesh, India. She has presented this research at both national and international conferences and received numerous prestigious awards, including the William C. Andersen Award (2018), the James Koplin Award (2019), and the Wings to Fly Award (2020) by Raptor Research Foundation, USA. She has also studied butterflies in Uttar Pradesh and secured funding from the U.P. State Biodiversity Board for this project. Dr. Mishra’s research work has led to over 25 research papers and two book publications.

During her free time she loves to travel and explore new places.

PhD in Zoology – University of Lucknow (2022)
MSc in Zoology – University of Lucknow (2013)
BSc in Zoology, Botany, Chemistry – University of Lucknow (2011)

Kara Matthews
Senior Information Analyst
403-220-4055

Kara works with the Data and Information Services team at the Arctic Institute, and has a special interest in geospatial data visualization, research data and information management, and science outreach, particularly via simple web application development.

Kara has a background in Earth and data sciences. Prior to joining the Institute, she was a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Oxford and the University of Sydney, building quantitative plate reconstruction models and using marine geophysics data to map and interpret tectonic structures on the seafloor.

PhD in Geophysics – University of Sydney (2014)

Jacob Huffman
Information Analyst

My primary role is to keep the Institute's bibliographic database up to date with the latest arctic research from our clients and us. I have a B.A. in art history from the University of Calgary and originally came to the Institute as a volunteer with the ambition of cataloging the institutes' extensive collection of Inuit handicraft, arctic art, and ephemera. Outside of my work with AINA, I have worked on major public art projects and have worked in contemporary art in varying professional roles, including curatorial and preparatory.

Alexandra Tremblay
Information Analyst

Alexandra joined AINA in September of 2022, taking on the position of Information Analyst with Data and Information Services.

During Alexandra’s post-secondary studies, she worked as a historian, archivist, and special collections specialist at The Military Museums in Calgary. She is also a full-time artist, has her own painting practice, and is the owner of a traditional beading business. A bilingual Calgarian (English/French), Alexandra holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Alberta University of the Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Calgary, with a focus on Canadian and Indigenous military history. In 2020-21, she completed a Master’s in Art Law from the University of York in England. Her LLM dissertation focused on the restitution and repatriation of cultural heritage and property of Canada’s First Peoples, including a comparative study of the Canadian and British legal frameworks and museum legislations. Alexandra is thrilled to be a part of AINA’s diverse and passionate team.

Outside of work and academia, Alexandra is always learning, reading, and creating. She enjoys the wonders of the Rocky Mountains of Treaty 7 territory and does so through hiking, rock climbing, snowshoeing, skating, and snowboarding.

Munish Madan
Software Engineer

Munish leads software engineering and application development for the “The Canadian Consortium for Arctic Data Interoperability” (CCADI) based at the Arctic Institute of North America. CCADI consists of various geospatial, visualization and scientific applications that comprise an integrated Canadian arctic data management system which facilitates data interoperability and exchange between researchers. In his role Munish helps to design, develop, maintain and manage CCADI systems that have been created by member institutions across North America and Europe.

Emily Marston
Project Coordinator, Arctic Genomics

Emily is Project Coordinator for the Arctic Genomics project, led by Maribeth Murray (AINA) and Peter Pulsifer (University of Carleton). The Arctic Genomics research team is working to co-develop a suite of genomics knowledge-mobilization tools that will support environmental decision making.

Emily is also an undergraduate student at Royal Roads University, pursuing a degree in Environmental Management. She graduated from Olds College in 2018 with a diploma in Environmental Stewardship and Rural Planning.

Kluane Lake Research Station
+1-867-841-4561

Mailing Address:
AINA, Kluane Lake Research Station
Mile 1054 Alaska Highway 
Yukon Y0B 1H0 
Canada

Kristina Penn
Field Station Operations Manager, KLRS

Kristina Penn has an MSc in glacier hydrology from the University of Calgary and is currently a PhD Candidate at the University of Calgary studying the hydrological balance of Łù’àn Män (Kluane Lake) watershed to learn about the sources and flow pathways of water in the region. This research is fundamental as the Łù’àn Män received a large portion of inflow from glacier ice melt, but as the climate changes, it is important to understand the other sources of water in the region. Her research topic was guided by questions asked by the First Nation communities in the area about water security. Kristina is a researcher host for the OceanWise – Ocean Pathways program, which allows youth interested in hydrology to participate in her PhD work.

At KLRS Kristina enjoys working with researchers and supporting their work. She values science communication and sharing activities at KLRS with the community. She initiated the partnership with Parks Canada and the Yukon Arts Centre for the Kluane National Park Artist Residency, which allows Canadian and Indigenous artists to stay at KLRS during their residency and interact with scientists as well as nature in the Kluane National Park.

Tracey Neale
Red Seal Chef, KLRS

Tracey Neal is a Red Seal Chef with over 25 years of experience. He has worked at large remote camps, serving food to over 600 clients. He enjoys foraging for local vegetables and herbs in the area and cooking meals from scratch.

Tracey is an avid fisherman who enjoys engaging with visitors to learn about their interests and research.

Zana Everett
Research and Operations Assistant, KLRS

Zana Everett is an MSc candidate at Trent University as a Bioenvironmental Monitoring and Assessment Thesis-based MSc. She is completing her second year of fieldwork in the Kluane Valley studying foraging behaviour of snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus). Snowshoe hares are a keystone species in the boreal forest and an important species to understand as their ecological success significantly impacts the rest of the food web.

Zana supports guests at KLRS and looks after the facilities. And, she is the face behind the KLRS social media accounts!