Linda M. Campbell is a Canadian aquatic scientist and professor of environmental science at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She is recognized for her research on aquatic ecosystem health, environmental contaminants, and water security, as well as for her advocacy as a Deaf academic navigating the challenges of accessibility in science and higher education.
Academic Career
Campbell is currently a professor in the Department of Environmental Science at Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, where she also serves as a research fellow in aquatic ecosystem health[1]. Her work focuses on lakes, rivers, and wetlands, addressing the ecological impacts of contaminants and the conservation of freshwater systems under increasing human and environmental pressures. She emphasizes transdisciplinary approaches that integrate natural sciences, social sciences, and the arts[1][2].
Previously, Campbell held academic and research appointments in different institutions, where she contributed to collaborative projects on water ecosystems, particularly in the context of environmental pollutants and global water security[3].
Research Contributions
Campbell’s research examines the distribution and effects of environmental contaminants such as mercury and persistent organic pollutants in aquatic ecosystems. Her publications highlight the ecological and human health implications of these substances, with an emphasis on risk assessment and strategies for remediation[1]. She has collaborated with interdisciplinary teams and contributed to international discussions on freshwater conservation and policy. Her academic profile reflects a sustained activity research in limnology, environmental chemistry, and ecosystem health, with numerous citations across environmental science and toxicology fields[1].
Advocacy and Accessibility in Science
As a Deaf scientist, Campbell has spoken publicly about the systemic barriers faced by Deaf and hard-of-hearing scholars in academia. She emphasizes the importance of accessibility in scientific communication, conferences, and teaching, advocating for the inclusion of sign language interpretation, captioning, and equitable participation in research environments[3].
In a 2022 keynote lecture hosted by the University of Saskatchewan, she reflected on the challenges of navigating the global scientific community as a Deaf researcher and the necessity of diverse perspectives in addressing urgent ecological concerns. Her talk highlighted the limitations imposed by entrenched structures in science and called for greater inclusivity in STEM and STEAM fields[3].
Public Engagement and Recognition
Beyond academia, Campbell is recognized as a media expert on environmental issues, particularly concerning freshwater ecosystems and contaminants. She has been featured in platforms such as the Women’s Media Center, where she is listed as a specialist available for public commentary on environmental and scientific topics[2].
Campbell’s body of work and professional visibility underscore her standing in aquatic environmental sciences. Her scholarship and advocacy continue to influence both scientific understanding of freshwater ecosystems and the broader discourse on equity and accessibility in academia.
- Saint Mary’s University. (n.d.). Linda Campbell – Faculty profile.
- Women’s Media Center. (n.d.). Professor Linda M. Campbell – SheSource.
- University of Saskatchewan. (2022, September 15). In between worlds: Navigating the globe as a Deaf scientist in a hearing world.
