Early career researcher development is an integral part of the CRRC. We have an active group of ECRs engaged in ongoing research, training, and knowledge mobilization activities. The current ECR leadership team is composed of the following key members:
ECR Leadership Team
Ryan Planche
PhD. Candidate
Ryan is a first year PhD Geography student at Wilfrid Laurier University. His research in this program focuses on Indigenous environmental stewardship by investigating the social, biocultural and political economies connected to the development of Indigenous protected and conserved areas. Ryan supports knowledge mobilization among ECR members, CRRC researchers, and the wider community, helping promote interdisciplinary exchange of research outcomes and insights.
Gifty Attiah
PhD Candidate in Geography
Gifty is a second year PhD student at Wilfrid Laurier University. Her research is focused on using remote sensing and spatially distributed modelling to monitor ice phenology and temperature changes on lakes in the Northwest Territories. Gifty supports the CRRC speaker series, which features the insights of diverse researchers, thought leaders, policy makers, civil society leaders and industry representatives.
Justin Barnes
PhD in Global Governance
Justin is a first year PhD in Global Governance student at Wilfrid Laurier University and the Balsillie School of International Affairs. Justin’s research has focused on climate change adaptation, environmental security, and sustainable development in Indigenous communities on the Arctic Ocean. Justin is the ECR team representative on the GNWT-WLU Research Partnership Committee.
Jeremy Leathers
MSc student
Jeremy is a third year MSc student who is studying the relationship between legacy mining pollution and peatland porewater biogeochemistry in the Yellowknife area. As the social media and communications coordinator for the CRRC ECR group he promotes CRRC events such as the speaker series and networking events, and keeps CRRC members informed about graduate studies opportunities, job postings, and professional development events
Emily Ogden
Master’s student
Emily is a Master’s student at Wilfrid Laurier University. Her work focuses on the interactions between changing permafrost conditions and vegetation in the Northwest Territories. When not working on her thesis Emily enjoys hiking, canoeing, and sushi.
