We are very pleased to share the news that Alexa Walker, one of our core Research Assistants, triumphed at her M.A. thesis defence in early July. Her thesis, titled "Ancient Human DNA Research in North America and Abroad: Challenges and Opportunities,” explores the social, ethical, and political challenges facing ancient DNA researchers internationally. Alexa also holds a B.A. in Archaeology, with a minor in Health Sciences, from Simon Fraser University.
Her M.A. committee consisted of a full IPinCH contingent: George Nicholas was her senior supervisor, Dongya Yang was her second committee member, Roger Chennells (from South Africa) was the external examiner, and John Welch was the chair of the event.
Alexa has been a key member of the IPinCH team at our Simon Fraser University headquarters since early 2013. She has held the position of general Project Research Assistant, working closely with George Nicholas, Brian Egan and Kristen Dobbin, to tackle administrative tasks, write articles for our website, produce videos, and assist with event organization.
Last year, she took on the role of Research Assistant for the Bioarchaeology and Genetics Working Group. She has since written a blog post on “An Introduction to the Ethics, Politics, and Practicality of Ancient DNA Research in Archaeological Contexts, ” and was the lead author on the Ancient DNA: What is it? Why is important? Fact Sheet. Recently, she was involved in co-authoring a successful SSHRC Connections grant application for an upcoming public symposium and workshop, entitled “Exploring the (Re)- Construction of Identity at the Interface of Biology, Genetics, and Culture,” to be held this coming October, which will be the first of its kind in Canada.
Congratulations Alexa!
