AURORA COLLEGE
New Research Chair in Climate Change Adaptation appointed

Aurora College has appointed Dr. Garfield Giff to the positon of Research Chair, Climate Change Adaptation. He will be based at the Western Arctic Research Centre (WARC) in Inuvik.

Dr. Giff holds a doctoral degree in Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering from the University of New Brunswick. He is an applied researcher with extensive experience in the socio-political, socio-economic, and technical issues associated with real world application of geomatics engineering. Dr. Giff brings more than five years of ground-breaking research and service at Aurora College to the Research Chair position and has extensive experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, northern Arctic research and education.

In his new role, Dr. Giff will work with the Western Arctic communities, Indigenous and non-Indigenous governments and researchers in translating the data collected into the development of informed climate change adaptation and resilience strategies.

Previously, Dr. Giff was Manager of the Aurora Research Institute's (ARI) GIS Division for all ARI-based GIS projects in Inuvik.  He initiated numerous research projects and partnerships and established the WARC GIS division as a premier Arctic research team. Those projects and partnerships include working with Western Arctic communities on the application of geomatics and Traditional Knowledge to map and monitor the effects of climate driven changes on their environments.

Dr. Giff's position is one of three new Research Chair positions at Aurora College that were announced in late 2020. Each Research Chair is responsible for developing and implementing an applied research program related to Aurora College's areas of specialization.  Their work aligns with Aurora College's strategic direction and values and will build Northern capacity and address Northern research needs.

 The positions are co-funded through ArcticNet, a network of Centres of Excellence of Canada, providing $1.4 million over four years. The three positions are:

• Research Chair, Climate Change Adaptation (Western Arctic Research Centre, Inuvik)
• Research Chair, Indigenous Approaches to Environmental Management (Thebacha Campus, Fort Smith)
• Research Chair, Health and Community (Yellowknife North Slave Campus, Yellowknife)

Quotes:

"We are pleased that Dr. Giff has accepted the Research Chair position. Research Chairs aim to achieve research excellence in disciplines such as engineering and the natural sciences, health sciences, humanities and social sciences. Their work helps to improve our depth of knowledge and quality of life, and strengthen Canada's international competitiveness. The Research Chair positions will also mentor College faculty and students, developing the next generation of researchers and applied research educators for the North. The Chairs will strengthen the relationship between research (knowledge creation), and teaching and learning (knowledge dissemination) - key to Aurora College's transformation to a polytechnic university - and will position the College  front and centre as an innovator for the NWT knowledge economy."

Dr. Glenda Vardy Dell, President, Aurora College