Nicole Butler is an M.A. Security Studies candidate at the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. With a concentration in International Security, her research focuses on North American Arctic and maritime security and defense. Originally from Calgary, Nicole completed her B.A. Honours Specialization in International Relations at Western University in London, O.N., and has previously worked as a Research Assistant at the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy in Washington, D.C., and as a Humanitarian Affairs Consultant for the United Nations. With her academic interests in the Arctic and personal travel experiences in both poles, Nicole is excited to co-host the 2024 Summer podcast series.

Nazia Shah is a dedicated Master of Global Affairs candidate at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, hoping to pursue an emphasis in global development. With a bachelor’s degree in international development studies from McGill University, she has extensively researched the impacts of increased maritime traffic in the Arctic Region, examining its effects on marine ecosystems and Indigenous communities in Canada. Her professional experience in multilingual communication, administrative support, and as a policy analyst for the Mental Health Policy Initiative has honed her ability to effectively address complex, cross-cultural issues. Nazia, passionate about conservation, is thrilled to join Arctic360 to deepen her commitment to environmental stewardship and expand her knowledge on security issues related to the Arctic.

Jaiden Stevens is a podcast intern at Arctic360, based in Norman Wells in the Sahtú region. He is the founder of his own startup digital media company, which focuses on community storytelling. Born in Winnipeg and a member of the Cree First Nation, Jaiden graduated from high school in Norman Wells and furthered his education through the Indigenous Leadership Opportunity Year (ILOY) at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario. During ILOY, he engaged in both military training and academic courses, developing leadership skills tailored for Indigenous youth. Jaiden is advancing his professional skills through the Digital Marketing Institute Professional (DMI Pro) course at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT).  At Arctic360, he is excited to apply his knowledge and passion for digital media to help produce engaging content that highlights the unique perspectives of Northern communities and the broader issues facing the Arctic region.