Curators

Brenna Frasier

Curator of Zoology

Dr. Brenna Frasier is the Curator of Zoology.  From a very young age, Brenna has had a passion for the space where biology and museums collide – a place for wonder for all ages. She obtained both her undergraduate degree and PhD from Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario and later obtained a Professional Specialization Certificate in Collections Management. Brenna is a biologist and molecular ecologist whose research has largely focused on using DNA analysis to examine the history and conservation of species. Her doctoral research examined the impact that 16th century Basque whaling in Labrador had on the North Atlantic right and bowhead whales through the examination of ancient DNA. She has studied a wide variety of species ranging from bats to horses, with a primary focus on marine mammals. Most recently, she has been working on a collaborative project examining the use of marine mammals in Norse Age sites around the North Atlantic. She is always open to facilitating projects that find unique ways to bring together science, nature and natural history objects to facilitate growth, inspiration and connection.