Maria Santos

Maria Santos joined FNIGC in 2013. Currently she oversees the First Nations Data Centre and leads public health data initiatives, which include using First Nations Regional Health Survey (RHS) data to examine First Nations mental wellness, exploring the feasibility for First Nations biobanking and genomic research, and supporting our Regional Partners with their data literacy or COVID-19 data management projects.

Prior to FNIGC, Maria worked as the Territorial Epidemiologist for the Health and Social Services department of the Government of the Northwest Territories. She also worked as a Senior Health Analyst at the Canadian Institute for Health Information and as a Research Assistant at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.

Maria holds a Master’s degree in Community Health and Epidemiology from the University of Toronto, and a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from McMaster University.

A Filipino born and raised in Toronto, Maria lives in Ottawa with her two teens, her husband, and a mixed Husky. She enjoys visiting new places and being outdoors while gardening, camping, paddling or hiking. She volunteers as a member of the executive committee for the Philippine Dance Troupe of Ottawa, an organization that promotes Philippine arts and heritage through children and youth folk dance and music.