Our Team

Dr. Black is an Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary in Civil Engineering, and the Schulich Research Chair in Integrated Knowledge, Engineering & Sustainable Communities.  Dr. Black previously worked as an Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia in Civil Engineering. Her work is centered on community-based participatory approaches, encompassing research relating to engineering infrastructure and sustainable communities, with a key focus on the incorporation of Indigenous-centered research methodologies.

Kerry Black’s research experience and expertise relating to sustainable infrastructure in First Nations communities builds on over 10 years in the public, private and non-profit sectors.   She has worked on water and wastewater management in First Nations communities across Canada and most recently served as a Senior Policy Advisor in Housing & Infrastructure with the Assembly of First Nations.

Kerry completed her undergraduate in Civil Engineering at the University of Toronto and her Master of Applied Science at the University of British Columbia. She has also received her PhD from the University of Guelph with research focussed on sustainable water and wastewater management in Indigenous communities, incorporating technical engineering principles with culturally-grounded processes, policy and socio-economic considerations.

Kerry is a strong advocate for sustainable water management.  She is also a strong advocate for Indigenous issues, including the recognition of Indigenous rights, the human right to safe, clean drinking water and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of reconciliation. 

Stay tuned! We are currently updating this section. 

We are always looking for motivated students with a passion towards making the world a better place, and a keen interest in working with and for Indigenous communities.