Alexandra Pedersen

Alexandra Pedersen serves as a Part-time Instructor in the Department of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences at the University of Northern British Columbia and holds an Adjunct Assistant Professor position in the Masters' of Earth and Energy Resources Leadership (MEERL) program at Queen's University. She concurrently works as a staff manager at the Arthur B. McDonald Canadian Astroparticle Physics Research Institute, where she advances Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigenization within Canada's astroparticle physics network.

Education:

• PhD in Geography from Queen's University (2018)
• MA in International Studies from University of Northern British Columbia (2011)
• BA Honours from University of Guelph

Research Focus: Dr. Pedersen specializes in critical development studies examining Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities' resistance to imposed mega-projects, particularly resource extraction like mining. Her work integrates theories of violence, activist methodologies, and feminist frameworks to amplify marginalized voices through interdisciplinary approaches combining geography, human rights, and environmental justice. She actively engages in public scholarship through photography and writing to document struggles such as the Q'eqchi' Maya resistance against the Fenix nickel mine in Guatemala.

Scientific Awards: No scientific awards or fellowships were documented in the provided materials.

Advising and Professional Contributions: While not currently accepting graduate students, Dr. Pedersen mentors through beekeeping practices and public engagement. Her professional leadership includes co-chairing MiningWatch Canada's board of directors, where she supports communities affected by mining operations through transnational solidarity efforts. She has contributed to the book "Testimonio: Canadian Mining in the Aftermath of Genocides in Guatemala" (2021) and participated in follow-up delegations to Guatemala in 2022.

Collaborative Initiatives: At the McDonald Institute, she bridges geographical perspectives with astroparticle physics research. Her public scholarship extends to platforms like the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, The Guardian, and Lo Donna, where her photographic documentation of Indigenous resistance has been exhibited.