For her research on the historical influence of Inuit and Paleo-Inuit hunting practices on arctic fox populations, Trent Ph.D. student Alexandra Derian has been named one of the top 100 Women in Polar Science. 

The ranking is published by Women in Polar Science (WiPS), a global initiative that aims to elevate the profile of female scientists working in polar research. 

“It was a great way to be involved with other scientists in the polar race and new regions, and I'd love to get more involved in connecting with other researchers,” Derian said.  

Through her work in the Environmental & Life Sciences Ph.D. program, Derian analyzes stable isotopes in animal bones to reconstruct the diets of ancient communities. By understanding what types of food were consumed by the animals, she can provide insights into the subsistence strategies and resource utilization of past populations. She is also interested in discovering the cultural and symbolic meanings behind fox hunting practices in Arctic communities to gain a more holistic understanding of the relationships between humans and the natural world.  

Her multidisciplinary approach to studying historical patterns has the potential to promote conservation strategies that balance ecological sustainability and cultural considerations. 

"As the Arctic warms at an alarming rate—about three times faster than the rest of the world—red fox populations are expanding northward, posing a significant threat to Arctic foxes,” says Derian, who is completing her research under Dr. Paul Szpak, Canada Research Chair in Archaeological Science, as well as a collaborative lab group. “Understanding the long-term sustainability of human-Arctic fox interactions in the archaeological past is not just an academic pursuit; it holds crucial implications for reshaping how we perceive and interact with the natural world, especially in the context of climate change."