Birgit M. Braune

Birgit M. Braune is an Adjunct Professor at Carleton University's Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, affiliated with the National Wildlife Research Centre (Environment Canada). She specializes in contaminant studies in Arctic ecosystems, with a focus on marine birds and toxic chemical impacts.

Education:

• B.Sc. (University of Toronto, 1976)
• M.Sc. (University of Guelph, 1979) - Guelph Sigma Xi D.G. Ingram Award recipient
• Ph.D. (University of Guelph, 1985)

Her research investigates climate change effects on contaminant exposure in Arctic marine birds, biochemical impacts of organochlorines, and population declines linked to toxic chemicals. She has conducted long-term studies on contaminants in Arctic ecosystems, including monitoring temporal changes in pollutants like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), mercury, and brominated flame retardants.

Key Research Trends: Recent work emphasizes Arctic biota's vulnerability to legacy pollutants and emerging contaminants, with a focus on biomarker responses in seabirds like northern fulmars and ivory gulls. Studies highlight synergistic effects of contaminants and climate change on avian health and ecosystem stability.

Awards:

• Guelph Sigma Xi D.G. Ingram Graduate Award for Excellence in Research (1979)

Labs/Teams: Collaborates with Environment Canada's Science and Technology Branch and the National Wildlife Research Centre, contributing to international assessments like the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP).