How do you describe your work to individuals who don’t work in your area?
My analysis examines the intersections between regulation and coverage, science and expertise, environmental sustainability, and numerous types of justice. I’m notably within the methods during which regulation and coverage operates to control novel developments in meals and drugs, who will get to take part in that course of, and in direction of what ends.
My doctoral analysis centered on novel developments within the agri-food sector, particularly merchandise of mobile agriculture/cultivated meat. Since then, I’ve branched out to discover matters together with psychedelic medication, ghost kitchens, and social media/influencer advertising and marketing.
What’s one huge downside you wish to clear up by way of your work?
Despite the myriad methods during which science and expertise have made many points of human life simpler, safer and extra environment friendly, we’re nonetheless dealing with regarding ranges of starvation, poverty and inequality on a world scale. These aren’t merely technical issues that may be addressed with technical options, however are basically social and political ones. This implies that authorities and policymakers have a profound position to play in addressing them, whether or not by way of technological means or in any other case.
Although expertise undoubtedly has a task to play in any imaginative and prescient of a extra simply and sustainable future, we are able to’t assume that applied sciences are full options in and of themselves, particularly inside present incentive constructions. I wish to see higher alignment between expertise, markets, public opinion and the regulation, such that technological developments may be higher directed in direction of the general public good, slightly than being centered totally on non-public revenue.
What does the phrase “innovation” imply to you?
To me, “innovation” means some type of intervention that improves outcomes, opens up totally different views or potentialities, or in any other case stimulates some type of breakthrough permitting for optimistic change. These days, innovation is usually related to cutting-edge advances in science and expertise, however I don’t assume that essentially needs to be the case. Some of essentially the most vital improvements in historical past relate to small adjustments which have giant impression, such because the introduction of normal handwashing and hygiene protocols in healthcare settings. In my view, improvements needs to be pushed by the issues they’re meant to unravel, slightly than representing options in the hunt for issues—as may be the case when making an attempt to innovate purely for innovation’s sake.
What’s been your greatest a-ha second — in life or work — to this point?
My greatest a-ha second was appreciating the worth of doing tough issues, and the way one of the simplest ways to spice up shallowness is to comport your self in a way worthy of respect. Whether by way of grappling with a analysis mission, touring to an unfamiliar place, or having a tough dialog, it’s clear to me that progress begins when you push your self out of your consolation zone, and that attempting to keep away from a second of ache within the current could make issues lots worse sooner or later. Relatedly, failure isn’t at all times private, and there’s normally one thing invaluable to remove even from essentially the most destructive of experiences for those who’re prepared to search for it.
How do you provide you with your finest concepts? (Do you will have any rituals or habits that set off your artistic spark, for instance? What do you do to create house for innovation?)
While centered pondering is clearly essential, I’m additionally a giant believer in utilizing the diffuse mode of the mind to mull over questions and issues within the background. I’ve had a few of my finest concepts come to me whereas doing on a regular basis actions like operating, strolling, listening to music, watching TV, or chatting with buddies. Because a lot of my analysis focuses on modern socio-legal points, I additionally get plenty of concepts from maintaining with the information on all kinds of matters.
What’s your favorite factor about working on the U of A?
People actually make a spot, and I’m lucky to have some distinctive colleagues on the Faculty of Law (and past). One of the opposite nice issues in regards to the U of A is its analysis strengths throughout plenty of essential areas, whereas sustaining the down-to-earth and collegial ambiance of a smaller establishment. Of course, the proximity to parks and the gorgeous River Valley doesn’t damage both!
In Shape: The University Strategic Plan 2023-33, the University of Alberta commits to having a optimistic impression on our college students and workers, our communities and the communities we serve right here in Alberta and all over the world. How does the work you do create impression?
Law faculty is notoriously difficult, and people challenges are sometimes compounded for college kids who come from backgrounds or teams which are underrepresented within the authorized occupation. As a first-generation immigrant, regulation faculty graduate, and now, authorized educational, I do know firsthand how a lot illustration issues, and am grateful for the chance to pave the way in which for these located equally to me. I attempt to have a optimistic impression on all my college students, together with by way of modeling qualities that I believe are essential for tutorial, skilled, and private progress.
Beyond the classroom, my analysis permits me to interact straight with issues and points which are related to all individuals, and I attempt to lend my time and experience to the broader neighborhood in a number of totally different capacities, corresponding to by way of my present place on the National Steering Committee of the National Association of Women and the Law.
What’s subsequent for you? Do you will have any new initiatives on the horizon?
I’ve not too long ago been honoured to obtain the 2025 Petro-Canada Emerging Innovator Award, and might be utilizing the funds to assist my ongoing analysis on meals and drug regulation. In addition, I’m chipping away at a guide mission on innovation coverage in Canada, and looking out ahead to instructing a brand new course on Law, Technology, and Society on the Faculty of Law for the primary time this coming Fall!