Mathilde Lapointe St-Pierre has been living in Kuujjuaq, Nunavik, since 2020. She is a PhD candidate in Natural Resources at McGill University, where she investigates the ecological and cultural significance of Atlantic walruses in Nunavik’s Hudson Strait. Her research integrates various scientific approaches to understand how climate change, pollution, and human activities influence walrus distribution, feeding behavior, and habitat use.
She also works as a wildlife biologist at the Nunavik Research Centre (Makivvik), leading community-driven research in collaboration with Inuit hunters and knowledge holders. Her work documents environmental changes and local perspectives on walrus ecology in the Hudson Strait. She combines Inuit Knowledge, biologging technology, stable isotope analysis, and contaminant studies to assess walrus movements, diet, and exposure to pollutants. These objectives are highly important for Nunavimmiut food security.
Mathilde’s research is deeply rooted in long-term community engagement, addressing Inuit concerns related to food security. She actively participates in workshops and collaborates with Inuit organizations to ensure her work is relevant and impactful. As little is currently known about Atlantic walruses in Nunavik, her findings will support sustainable harvesting strategies, inform wildlife management, and contribute to marine conservation efforts. She is passionate about Indigenous-led research and the integration of ecological science with community knowledge.
In her free time, Mathilde enjoys learning Inuktitut and spending time outdoors, especially cross-country skiing and dog sledding with local dog teams. She is also passionate about increasing the representation of women in natural sciences and advocating for more women in leadership roles in science-related fields.
