Victoria Tenor
Positions
Master of Arts Student (Thesis-based)
University of Calgary
Contact information
Background
Educational Background
BSc General Science, Mount Royal University , 2019
Projects
In 2023, the Canadian biotechnology company Future Fields secured federal approval to commercialize its EntoEngine platform, a genetically engineered fruit fly that produces artificial proteins for pharmaceutical use. Insect ‘biofactories’ offer a highly scalable, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative for the hundred-billion-dollar pharmaceutical protein industry. The EntoEngine fly is the first insect ‘biofactory’ to be approved in Canada. Critics have raised concerns regarding Canada’s regulatory framework for animal biotechnologies, citing issues of industry bias, narrow technocratic risk-based assessments, and limited opportunities for public engagement. Public engagement in the regulatory approval process is needed to build trust and factor in diverse values and perspectives.
This qualitative case study examines the EntoEngine fly approval process to better understand the purpose, processes, and limitations of public engagement in Canada’s animal biotechnology regulation. Using methods such as document analysis and key stakeholder interviews, this case study research will: (1) assess the government's response to feedback from EntoEngine’s Voluntary Public Engagement Initiative, (2) identify recommendations made for Canada's public engagement policy, and (3) compare with best practice recommendations. Findings will contribute empirical evidence to a growing body of research in human geography and related disciplines about the role of public engagement in assessing the risks and benefits of emerging biotechnologies, with a focus on Canada’s biotechnology policy. This research will also inform current efforts to modernize Canada’s environmental protection regulations which govern commercial animal biotechnology applications.
Awards
- Gene Editing for Food Security and Environmental Sustainability 2024 Student Cohort, Natural Science and Engineering Council of Canada. 2021
- Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship, The University of Calgary . 2023
- Canadian Graduate Scholarship Master’s Program , Natural Science and Engineering Council of Canada. 2022
- Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship, The University of Calgary . 2022
- President's Honor Roll , Mount Royal University . 2019
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