Welcome to the Department’s new Lab Specialist, Chenée Merchant!

Learn more about Chenée Merchant in this interview. Chenée is an alumnus of the Department and we are happy to have her back working with us

M. Whitecotton-Carroll - 19 January 2025

Chenée is an alumnus of the Department and we are happy to have her back working with us. We caught up with her and asked our questions, which she kindly answered!

Could you tell us a little bit about your professional background, and what you have enjoyed the most about your career so far?

I have a pretty diverse and longwinded background because I like dipping my toes into as many ponds as I can, but if I could summarize my path, it would boil down to two main themes: research and science communication. My most recent position was with the Telus World of Science where I was helping run their public lab. I thought it was the perfect combination of my background, biological sciences and anthropology, because I got to connect with people while doing science!

It is hard to say if I’ve enjoyed one experience over another as they all posed their own unique challenges and joys. I think what I’ve enjoyed most is the journey and the amazing people I’ve met. I started my education in biology and worked in a medical genetics lab as an assistant researcher. This is where I fell in love with research (and teeth!), and where I honed my practical skills of working in a lab. Then, anthropology swooped in, and I enjoyed seeing the diversity and connection within these labs while also falling in love with forensic casework. My specific interests in histology and 3D imaging (sometimes both at the same time!) forms the majority of my technical expertise. Falling back on my biology background, I  then ended up teaching at a zoo being around my favorite thing, nature!

Recent life events re-prioritised things, and I ended up deciding not to pursue a PhD. I think life came full circle because the medical genetics PI, shout out to Dr. Daniel Graf, really believed in me and told me, “I don’t think you should settle as a lab tech, you could run your own lab.” While I know he meant as a PI, I am very happy to be here and support the anthropology labs!

What inspired you to enter this field?

Taking classes here under the brilliant minds of Pam Mayne Correia, Dr. Garvie-Lok, and Dr. Harrington, of course! There were several reasons actually. I felt a big shift in how people connected with each other in this discipline as opposed to the sciences. In anthropology, I felt uplifted in both my strengths and weaknesses, and valued for them. I also felt like anthropology was the ‘why’ behind everything that we as humans do. All my life I annoyed the heck out of people (still do) by asking why- why do we do things this way, why does this happen… and while science answers some of these questions, anthropology has shown me that the human behind the scientist (artist, officer, etc) is just as important as the science itself.

Tell us about your research?

I will be supporting other’s research efforts in this position, so I only have my master’s research in forensic anthropology behind me. My research tested the reliability of a single method of ancestry estimation that uses skeletal trait assessment to estimate a person’s ancestry. I tested this method because older forensic anthropology methods are being reviewed and revised under new theories, particularly the ability to estimate ancestry.

What I found was that observer error stemmed from several aspects of the method, such as different interpretations of the wording and pictures to how we held the instruments. I also found that these differences in interpretation could change the ancestry estimation drastically, making the results for the same unknown individual different between forensic anthropologists.

I used my results to recommend alternative wording, pictures, and techniques to improve objectiveness and hopefully reduce some of the error. I also highlighted how conversations are really important in finding out why and how error occurs. With a better understanding now of neurodivergencies and how different lived experiences shape how we interact with the world, multiple perspectives are vitally needed to fully test methods.

Unfortunately, the life events that reprioritised my career path also meant that I have been unable to publish my research, but you can find my very extensive thesis within the University of Manitoba’s MSpace titled: Ancestry Estimates: Evaluating the Reliability of Hefner's Cranial Morphoscopic Method.

Tell us about your teaching?

My only teaching in this role will be teaching new users about lab and equipment safety. Otherwise, my previous teaching roles have been as an anthropology TA, as a Program Instructor at a zoo, at many outreach events, and in the lab at the Telus World of Science. I believe the best educator is someone who wants to be better for each learner, so I am always looking for new ways to improve.

What are your impressions of Edmonton/the University of Alberta so far (if applicable)?

It’s great to be back home!

What are your hobbies, or things you like to do outside of work?

I am an artist and have dabbled in so many mediums its hard to count. Right now, I enjoy bead embroidery and weaving, with sights set on being as skilled as the Russian and Ukrainian artists that I admire. I also love playing board games with friends, going to improv shows, being in nature, and attending art festivals.

Thanks Chenée!  We are glad you are here to fill this important role on our Department!