Lianne Tripp

Dr. Lianne Tripp is an Assistant Professor in Trent University's Department of Anthropology, specializing in medical anthropology and biocultural approaches to historical epidemics. Holding a B.Sc., M.A., and Ph.D. from the University of Toronto, she directs the Trent Historical Research on Epidemics and Anthropological Demography (THREAD) lab from her office in the Life & Health Sciences building (DNA C224).

Her research program integrates archival vital statistics with cultural analysis to examine:

• 19th-20th century colonial health systems in Malta and Gibraltar
• Pandemic responses to cholera, yellow fever, and influenza
• Indigenous health data sovereignty in Canada
• Ethnoprimatology of Gibraltar's macaque populations
• Syndemics (disease interactions like tuberculosis-influenza)

Dr. Tripp's recent publications (2018-2025) demonstrate consistent focus on how colonial power structures shaped epidemic outcomes. Her work reveals 'suburban penalties' during Malta's 1918 pandemic, Gibraltar's military-driven yellow fever responses, and contemporary Indigenous health disparities. She frequently collaborates with Dr. Laurie Sawchuk across anthropology, public health, and medical history journals.

Currently funded by an SSHRC Insight Development grant for Indigenous syndemic research, Dr. Tripp actively recruits students for the THREAD lab. She emphasizes ethical research practices, particularly regarding Indigenous data sovereignty, and welcomes students interested in archival demography, pandemic history, and biocultural analysis.

The THREAD lab provides training in historical demographic methods while examining critical questions about how colonial contexts created health vulnerabilities during disease crises - research with direct relevance to modern pandemic planning and health equity initiatives.