Kyna Biggs, Emerging Conservator Award Recipient 2022

Kyna Biggs (MAC 2020) is an emerging conservation scientist in the Conservation Science and Preventive Conservation department at Parks Canada in Ottawa, Canada. In this position, she conducts material analysis of a range of heritage objects from Canadian built heritage and archaeological sites. She obtained a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Molecular/Cellular Biology with a minor in History and Theory of Art from the University of Ottawa (2018), and then completed the Master of Art Conservation program at Queen’s University, specializing in conservation science. Her thesis research explored the susceptibility of acrylic paint films to mould growth and subsequent biodeterioration under different environmental conditions. Kyna has previously held positions at the Geological Survey of Canada (2018), the Canadian Conservation Institute (2019), and Parks Canada (2020-2022), and has taught within the Master of Art Conservation program at Queen’s University (2021). Her main interests lie in the biodeterioration and preservation of modern art materials, sustainable conservation practices, and inclusive science education and outreach. Kyna is currently assisting in research on effective teaching strategies of science to non-scientists, particularly in the field of conservation.