Environmental Researcher and PhD Student, Dalhousie University
Justine Ammendolia is an EPt and PhD student at Dalhousie University. She researches the sources and pathways of environmental plastic pollution, with the goal of developing mitigation strategies. Justine’s passion for conservation was realized in 2014, when she was awarded the National Geographic Young Explorer Grant to travel to Greenland to research Arctic seabirds. During this time, she fostered an appreciation of the sensitivity of fragile ecosystems in a changing world. Since then, she has worked on addressing the plastic problem by publishing over a dozen scientific articles and delivering presentations to policymakers, classrooms, and multi-national NGOs and industries. Justine’s research and PhD has been supported by national and international grants. Her research paper on Canadian single-use plastics won the 2024 ECO IMPACT Student Paper Award. Justine mentors the next generation of scientists by working cohorts from National Geographic, The Nature Conservancy, and the Chief Science Advisor of Canada’s Office.
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity, and truth, we acknowledge that we live, work, and gather on the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, including the Blackfoot Confederacy—comprising the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani Nations—as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina Nations.
This land, known as Moh’kinsstis in the Blackfoot language and encompassing what is now Districts 5 and 6, is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3, within the historical Northwest Métis homeland.
We recognize and honour the deep connection these Nations have to the land, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share in its stewardship.
As we continue our work, we commit to learning from Indigenous knowledge systems, uplifting Indigenous voices, and fostering relationships rooted in equity, understanding, and reconciliation.
