The science of freezing
Collaborating with Indigenous communities
A central aspect of Dr. Devoie’s research is partnering with Northern and Indigenous communities to develop specialized regional climate change adaptation plans that fit within their cultural context. Currently, she is leading a project funded in part with $2.4 million from the Weston Family Foundation Northern Biodiversity Research Program. Working with the Tłı̨chǫ government, community government of Whatì, and government of the Northwest Territories along with Environment and Climate Change Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and other partner universities across North America, the project seeks to study aquatic systems in Tłı̨chǫ affected by wildfire. With a focus on analyzing how contaminants spread after environmental events and affect fish habitats, the goal is to measure how climate change impacts lake systems and how can we support their preservation and recovery.
“Community engagement is key in this project, especially since it is based explicitly on questions raised by community members,” says Dr. Devoie. “We continue to work together throughout the project, installing monitoring equipment in areas chosen by land users, and asking these experts for their help in interpreting the data and defining next steps.”
Global impact and recognition
Beyond her studies in the field, Dr. Devoie is contributing to global climate policy development. She is working with the NATO Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence to propose a new model to anticipate outcomes and test actions related to earth system science, geopolitics, and economics for international agencies. Additionally, in 2025, Dr. Devoie was named a member of the Global Young Academy (GYA) which brings together 200 members from around the world with an aim to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). GYA’s mission is to bring together scientists focused on solving global challenges and provides opportunities for collaborations, training in skills such as science communication and policy, and championing members to assume impactful roles in science and research development globally.
“I look forward to closer collaboration with the international community who shape the SDGs to help define the critical paths toward achieving sustainability, and problem solve roadblocks for the global community,” says Dr. Devoie. “I am hopeful that through the GYA I can work together with the global community to define a path forward for Canada’s North.”
Visit Dr. Devoie’s research profile to learn more about her work and the Global Young Academy website for its network of researchers.