Tracy MacDonald currently works as an aquatic toxicologist at Associated Environmental Consultants in Edmonton, AB. She routinely works as part of multidisciplinary teams and has experience collaborating with a variety of stakeholders including regulators, engineers, contractors, First Nations, and the general public. 

Her involvement in organizing events such as World Water Day in Alberta and the See the Light – Health Research at the Canadian Light Source in Saskatchewan demonstrates her commitment to raising awareness and promoting scientific issues in her community.

​

Tracy completed her PhD in Toxicology at the University of Saskatchewan in 2015. Her research focused on understanding the differential accumulation of various chemical forms of mercury in developing zebrafish. She used a variety of traditional histological staining techniques and novel synchrotron imaging techniques. After completing her PhD, she worked at the University of Saskatchewan in the Molecular and Environmental Science Group where she mentored and helped train new graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. 

​

Tracy is looking to strengthen her connections to the toxicology community and feels that joining the SETAC – PNC Board of Directors would enable her to connect with other scientists. This involvement would provide her with valuable opportunities to network, share knowledge, and contribute to the advancement of the field.

My name is Dr. Julie Adams, I am an early career environmental toxicologist specializing in the aquatic toxicology of oil and currently a postdoctoral fellow at the International Institute for Sustainable Development - Experimental Lakes Area. I have a B.Sc. (Honours) and M.Sc. in Biology and in 2022 I received my Ph.D. from the School of Environmental Studies at Queen’s University. My doctoral research investigated the bioavailability and toxicity of oil trapped in river sediments by hyporheic flows to fish.

Some of my research interest areas include toxicity test methodology, environmental risk assessment, environmental impact assessment, and science communication. I am active in the scientific community conducting toxicological research and participating in science communication through publications, invited presentations, conferences, and peer review. I also enjoy undergraduate teaching and student mentorship. During my Ph.D. I taught two undergraduate courses (environmental toxicology and ecotoxicology) as a Teaching Fellow and this past winter term I taught one section of a scientific technical writing undergraduate course as a Sessional Instructor at the University of Calgary. 

I am interested in being more involved in the SETAC PNC and becoming a member of the Board because my interests are aligned with the purpose and objectives of the PNC. Namely, I am looking for opportunities to meet other environmental scientists, promote and support interdisciplinary environmental toxicology and chemistry research, contribute to the development of environmental science teaching and training, and help organize social and networking events for science dissemination. I am confident in my ability to fulfill the Board member duties and I believe my experience, dedication, organizational skills, and enthusiasm make me well suited for this role. I welcome the opportunity to be elected as a member of the Board of Directors to benefit the SETAC PNC and support all PNC members.

I am a new assistant professor (Jan 2022) at the University of Winnipeg in the Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences. My teaching and research focus on human-environment interactions, with a particular focus on ecotoxicology and wildlife stress.

In my research I am interested in understanding how pollutants accumulate in wildlife and what impacts they have on individuals and populations. I combine molecular tools with in vitro, in vivo, and in silico experimental approaches.

I have been a member of various SETAC chapters and regular SETAC conference attendee around the world. As a newcomer to Winnipeg and this chapter of SETAC, I hope by joining the board that I get to meet and engage with local colleagues and students and contribute to a vibrant community of ecotoxicologists.

SETAC via its members and activities has continued to play an integral role in my career progression to date which has remained focused on the evaluation of risks to environment and human health for industry, regulators and government through various roles. As the premier “venue” for advancement of knowledge enables informed policy development across sectors, SETAC’s value proposition remains evergreen by transcending discipline areas and stakeholder groups to address current and emerging issues. 

As a Research Scientist at InnoTech (an applied research organization and crown corporation) I’m charged with maintaining a “live” understanding of current and emerging research priorities related to environmental impacts (i.e. exposure, induced effects) and the development of tools to characterize these impacts. Being able to do so in a scientifically defensible, robust and timely manner relies upon comprehensive projects that are made possible only via powerful collaborations facilitated via SETAC globally, and most recently through members of SETAC PNC. 

The present capacity in both knowledge and infrastructure that exists within the PNC region is reflected in the world-class research produced by world-renown researchers represented in this geographical area. It is this capacity that has me excited about the prospect of working with the current leaders on the SETAC board, and enthusiastic about supporting the broader PNC membership to overcome geographic separation via: 1) Considering and exploring emerging research needs collectively; 2) Facilitating the establishment of program collaborations among researchers in the PNC region that integrate fate/transport and toxicological response studies; and 3) The ratification and sharing of learnings and tools via workshops and/or trainings that support the professional development of established professionals, new graduates, and trainees alike to deal with emerging issues.

Onward!