Alexandra Sawatzky

Alexandra Sawatzky (she/her) serves as an Adjunct Professor at the School of Arctic and Subarctic Studies, Memorial University of Newfoundland, and works as Special Projects Manager at the Labrador Campus. An interdisciplinary researcher and artist, she builds relationships at the intersection of research, art, and design to co-create knowledge with Inuit communities in Labrador since 2015, centering relational approaches that prioritize community expertise.

Her research focuses on climate change adaptation in the Circumpolar North through Inuit-led initiatives, public health (including COVID-19 wellbeing and farmer mental health), and food systems transformation. She employs visual communication strategies to mobilize knowledge, strengthen community relationships, and bridge art-science divides. Her work consistently addresses how Indigenous knowledge, values, and land-based practices inform climate monitoring and response.

Alexandra's publication in Climatic Change (2020) analyzes Inuit-led monitoring in Rigolet, Nunatsiavut, revealing how monitoring strengthens Inuit-land relationships, fulfills cultural responsibilities, preserves traditions, and supports self-determination. This exemplifies her broader approach of using visual methods to translate complex socio-environmental research into accessible formats.

Collaborating extensively with the Arrell Food Institute (University of Guelph), Ontario Veterinary College, and Labrador communities, she develops visual resources for food summits, mental health initiatives, and climate adaptation. She also operates a freelance practice creating visual identities for projects like Silver Wolf Band's album artwork and the Women's Running Summit, demonstrating her commitment to visual storytelling for social impact.