05/01/2026
Chemistry student K'sana Wood Lynes-Ford (she/her) is passionate about engaging in work that advances medicine and research for Indigenous communities.
As a member of the Kwakwakaʼwakw (‘Namgis), Gitxsan (Gitanyow), and Tsimshian (Gitxaala) First Nations, she found co-op experiences that aligned with this goal, completing three work terms with the Swayne Lab and Community Genetics Research Program (CGRP) at the University of Victoria, leading to her being named one of the 2025 UVic Co-op Students of the Year.
K’sana worked with supervisors Dr. Laura Arbour and Dr. Leigh Anne Swayne to study the impacts of genetic variants on the health of the Gitxsan People.
Some genetic variants found in the Gitxsan First Nation have been associated with health conditions such as heart arrythmias, fainting, seizures, and brain aneurysms. This research is an example of community-based participatory research, where the research is driven by the community interests and needs.
“This project’s subject matter has personally affected me and my loved ones and because of this research I can personally aid in the effort to understand health issues affecting my community,” says K’sana.
“Throughout my time with the CGRP and Swayne Lab, I have visited the Gitxsan First Nation on two separate occasions to share my research contributions to my community.”
These WIL experiences have contributed to K’sana’s increased confidence in the lab and as a scientist – even leading to two publications.
K’sana is named after the Skeena River, known as the ’Ksan River, which runs through the heart of Gitxsan traditional territory. Her name loosely translates to “Woman of the River”.
Outside of co-op, K’sana is an active member of the UVic Indigenous student community. She currently serves on the Native Students Union Council as Firekeeper and has previously worked in the First People’s House as a campus cousin.
K’sana plans to become a medical doctor and continue to support Indigenous communities through ethical medical practice and research.
Read more about K'sana's experiences: https://ow.ly/w7Va50YGGY2
UVic Faculty of Health
UVic Faculty of Science
