August 18, Edmonton — The Association of Academic Staff University of Alberta (AASUA) is expressing shock and sadness following the tragic loss of one of the union’s faculty members. Dr. Maya Bhatia, Associate Professor in the department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and Campus Alberta Innovation Program Chair in Watershed Science, passed away while conducting research in Grise Fiord (Aujuittuq) Nunavut.
“Our deepest condolences are with her family, friends, colleagues, and students," Gordon Swaters, AASUA President, said. “May we support one another as our community grieves during this difficult time.”
Dr. Bhatia came to the U of A in 2017 after completing her PhD in the MIT / Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Joint Program. A biogeochemist and arctic climate researcher, part of Dr. Bhatia’s work included looking at the impacts of melting tidewater glaciers on marine biogeochemical cycles.
“Every day, researchers at our university contribute to the ever-widening network of information we use to understand ourselves and our world,” Swaters said. “Dr. Bhatia was one of those researchers — an outstanding scientist engaged in vital work, and it is a horrible tragedy to lose her.”
Media Contact: Rachel Narvey, Communications Officer
About the AASUA: The largest academic staff union in Canada, the AASUA represents approximately 4,000 members across five campuses in two cities. Our membership includes academic faculty, teaching staff, librarians, academic administrators, and researchers.