Adam J. Houben

Science Officer

Strategic planning, S&T

Polar Knowledge Canada

Cambridge Bay, NU

Current research and/or projects

Strategic planning and reporting for S&T program on Arctic science, policy, data management, and grants & contributions
Earth Observations (EO) in the Arctic
Arctic knowledge facilitation

Professional activities / interests

Management Committee for Northern Contaminants Program
Journal and grant reviewer

Education and awards

PhD Biology, University of Ottawa, 2016
MSc Biology, University of Waterloo, 2007
BSc Biology, University of Waterloo, 2005

International experience and/or work

Contributing to Earth Observations (EO) in the Arctic

Coordinating Canadian ecosystem and remote sensing research in the NASA Arctic-Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (ABoVE); acquisition of RADARSAT Constellation Mission imagery for partners
Partner with the International Network of Terrestrial Research and Monitoring in the Arctic (INTERACT) to enhance transnational access to research infrastructures and data
Canadian point of contact with the Arctic Council initiative for Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks (SAON)
Group on Earth Observations (GEO) Canadian federal working group support

Key publications

Chetalat, J., P.A. Cott, M. Rosabal, A.J. Houben, C. McClelland, E. Belle Rose, M. Amyot. 2019. Arsenic bioaccumulation in Subarctic fishes of mine-impacted bay on Great Slave Lake, Northwest Territories, Canada. PLoS ONE.14(8): e0221361. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0221361
Houben, A., D. McLennan, S. Goetz, C.E. Miller, P. Griffith, E. Hoy, E. Larson. 2018. Pushing Remote Sensing Capacity for Climate Change Research in Canada's North: POLAR’s contributions to NASA’s Arctic-Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (ABoVE). Polar Knowledge: Aqhaliat 2018, Polar Knowledge Canada, p. 53-62. DOI: 10.35298/pkc.2018.07
Houben, A.J., T.D. French, S.V. Kokelj, X. Wang, J.P. Smol, J.M. Blais. 2016. The impacts of permafrost thaw slump events on limnological variables in upland tundra lakes, Mackenzie Delta Region. Fundamental and Applied Limnology. doi: 10.1127/fal/2016/0921
Houben, A.J., R. D'Onofrio, S.V. Kokelj, J.M. Blais. 2016. Factors affecting elevated arsenic and methyl mercury concentrations in small shield lakes surrounding gold mines near the Yellowknife, NT, (Canada) region. PLoS ONE. 11(4):e015096. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0150960.
National Media Coverage: e.g. The Globe and Mail, “Lakes near Yellowknife contaminated with arsenic, mercury years after mine closing,” April 6, 2016
French, T.D., A.J. Houben, J-P.W. Desforges, L.E. Kimpe, S.V. Kokelj, A.J. Poulain, J.P. Smol, X. Wang, J.M. Blais. 2014. Dissolved organic carbon thresholds affect mercury bioavailability in Arctic lakes. Environ Sci Technol 48(6): 3162-8. doi: 101021/es403849d.
Depew, D., A.J. Houben, S.J. Guildford, R.E. Hecky. 2011. Distribution of nuisance Cladophora in the lower Great Lakes: Patterns with land use, near shore water quality and dreissenid abundance. Journal of Great Lakes Research. 37:4 p.656-671.
Depew, D., A.J. Houben, T. Ozersky, R.E. Hecky, S.J. Guildford. 2011. Submerged Aquatic Vegetation in Cook’s Bay, Lake Simcoe: Assessment of changes in response to increased water transparency. Journal of Great Lakes Research. 37:SI-3 p.72-82.
Depew, D., A.J. Houben, T. Ozersky, R.E. Hecky, S.J. Guildford. 2011. Why does Cladophora fail to reach nuisance proportions in Lake Simcoe? Journal of Great Lakes Research. 37:SI-3 p.90-102.