Human Dimensions of Climate Change: A Student Research Workshop
The event features the first workshop of the climA Group - a research group dedicated to student research and mentorship (graduate and undergraduate) on topics related to human dimensions of climate change.
climA group is open to graduate and undergraduate students who are conducting or seeking to conduct research on climate change from a diversity of perspectives and focuses on providing peer and expert support for building skillsets and networking, as well as help with applications for graduate schools and scholarships in the field of climate change.
The first annual workshop will include student presentations on ongoing research and a skill building helpdesk that will provide students with an opportunity to discuss their ideas with experienced students and professors and get advice on how to kickstart their research.
The workshop is open to everyone. Admission is free.
Registration
To register for this event, please click here.
Denise Atkinson is the Founder and CEO of Tea Horse & Tipi Horse Connects, recognized for her unwavering commitment to advancing the inclusion, growth, and representation of Indigenous women and Peoples in business. A proud member of the Red Rock Indian Band, an Ojibwe First Nation in Northwestern Ontario, Denise was raised in a traditional, land-based Anishinaabeg household, where she spent her early years in the company of her maternal grandparents and extended family. With over 20 years of experience in the federal public service, Denise has emerged as a respected business leader and community role model. Her wealth of experience has equipped her with invaluable insights and skills, enabling her to champion Indigenous representation in business. Denise is also actively engaged with several organizations dedicated to promoting and advocating for diversity in the supply chain, with a particular emphasis on women and Indigenous participation. She is an active member of the Canadian Aboriginal & Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC), the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB), WEConnect International, Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) Canada, and the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED).
Dan Adams, Vice-President, BMO, Indigenous Banking, Ontario - Dan grew up in Red Rock and White River. With 25 years in the financial industry, Dan is dedicated to Indigenous Banking. He oversees all aspects of market, cultural awareness, and education to further our journey of reconciliation. Dan has won many BMO awards, including multiple Conference of Stars. However, his proudest accomplishment is earning the trust and respect from our Indigenous customers. Learning Indigenous culture, language and customs is an ongoing motivation to better serve our customers and represent BMO.
Marlene Sabourin, member of Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg (formally Pic Mobert First Nation) President/Chair of White Lake LP – Development Corp wholly owned by Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg - Sabourin is an accomplished finance professional with over 20 years of senior management and consulting experience. Throughout her career, she has remained deeply committed to supporting the growth of Indigenous communities, dedicating much of her work to serving First Nation governments and organizations. Marlene’s expertise spans both the public and private sectors, with a focus on advancing economic development and financial sustainability within Indigenous communities. She is a graduate of the Business Management (Aboriginal Organizations) program at Confederation College, which laid the foundation for her career in community-focused finance and management. Currently serving as the Controller and General Manager at Supercom Industries, Marlene plays a pivotal role in overseeing the financial management of this First Nation business venture, which is owned by five First Nation communities along the shores of Lake Superior. Throughout her career, Marlene has held senior leadership positions, including CEO of Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg, Executive Director of Anishinabek Employment & Training Services and Nokiiwin Tribal Council, as well as working with Indigenous Affairs Canada as a Compliance Officer and as the Financial Controller for Nishnawbe Aski Legal Services. A dedicated advocate for economic growth within her community, Marlene is currently serving as the President and Chairperson of the White Lake Limited Partnership (WLLP). A business venture developed solely for the economic and social benefit of the Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg and is responsible for the business activities and partnerships developed by WLLP. Additionally, she serves as a director for both the Gitchi Animkii Limited Partnership and Giizis Power Limited Partnership, two hydro generation companies owned by Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg. Her past board appointments have included roles with the Governance Development Network, Aboriginal Financial Officers of Ontario, and as an ad hoc committee member for the Accounting Program at Confederation College. Though Marlene made the decision to relocate to Thunder Bay to provide her children with greater opportunities, she has always remained deeply committed to her roots. As an Ojibwe member of Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg, she is passionate about fostering economic development and creating positive change for her community
Crystal Pirie, Acting Chief Executive Officer, White Lake Limited Partnership - Crystal Pirie is a Nishnawbe Kwe and proud member of Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg with a diverse background in both her professional and personal life. With more than 20 years experience in management and leadership positions Crystal brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that supports the continued operations and future development of White Lake Limited Partnership. With extensive experience in policy development, management and administration and roles with Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg including the Band General Manager, Health and Social Services Manager and Social Services Administrator provides her with the strong understanding of the operations and goals of the community. Crystal has a proven track record of building and fostering relationships that foster progress and growth for organizational priorities. In her role as Acting Chief Executive Officer, Crystal provides leadership for ongoing operations, seeks opportunities for growth, empowers successful partnerships to achieve the mandate of the organization. She works closely with the Board of Directors and the community leadership. Her objective of advancing First Nations and their people have remained a priority in her professional career. Her ability to advocate and engage with the Indigenous communities and their partners as well as federal and provincial governments authorities to improve financial stability and growth in advance equity outcomes.
Moderator: Dr. Subbu Sivaramakrishnan Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration at Lakehead University - Subbu Sivaramakrishnan is the new Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration. He started January 1 of this year. Prior to joining Lakehead, he was Associate Dean in the school of business at the University of Manitoba where he spent the past 25 years. Subbu has several refereed journal publications and has won three SSHRC grants. He has received six teaching awards at three different universities, including the highest one that the University of Manitoba grants. He has co-authored four marketing textbooks. Besides Canada, Subbu has also taught as a visiting professor in the United States, India, Taiwan, Singapore, and Spain. Subbu has an undergraduate degree in Mathematics and an MBA from India. He worked in the business world as an Information Analyst before getting a PhD in Marketing from Penn State.
unique perspectives on complex scientific concepts, making them more accessible to the public. 2. It bridges the gap between scientists and communities, facilitating dialogue and mutual understanding. 3. Artworks serve as tangible representations of research goals, keeping objectives in focus.
uline Sameshima is a Professor at Lakehead University and former Canada Research Chair in Arts Integrated Studies. She is an artist, poet, writer, and curriculum theorist specializing in arts integrated research. Her work focuses on creativity, interdisciplinary approaches, and community engagement. Dr. Sameshima has received numerous awards for her innovative research and teaching. She is a member of the College of the Royal Society of Canada and serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the Canadian Association for Curriculum Studies and the Curator of the Lakehead Galleries.
graduate students and post-doctoral fellows as well as the contributions made by our valued research partners and sponsors. We hope to see you there!
2025.
y's cold waters, Heinerth has been the hands and eyes for climatologists, archaeologists, and engineers worldwide. She led the first dives into underwater caves inside Antarctica's massive B-15 iceberg and was a lead diver on a ground-breaking US Deep Caving Team project, piloting the first accurate 3D cave mapping device using tech that’s now bound for space.