Linda Larcombe, MA, PhD

Research summary

Dr. Linda Larcombe is an associate professor at the Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Her research focuses on identifying gene polymorphisms influencing immune responses to infectious diseases, examining their interplay with environmental and socio-cultural factors among First Nations communities. Dr. Larcombe is dedicated to involving Indigenous peoples in health research, employing culturally sensitive methodologies, and bolstering research capacity within these communities. Her research objectives are twofold: identifying and exploring functional gene polymorphisms affecting immune responses to infectious diseases, and investigating how these gene variants' expression interacts with environmental and socio-cultural factors impacting the health of First Nations people. Dr. Larcombe seeks to engage First Nations individuals and groups in health research respectfully, building research capacity and exemplifying the process of First Nations health research within the academic community.

Research interests

• Community-based research with Indigenous people and organizations
• Gene variants and immune function
• Northern housing
• Social determinants of health (housing, land, and health)
• Tuberculosis and HIV
• Vitamin D

Research groups

• At Home in the North: New Partners in Northern Housing and Home
• CIHR Centre for REACH in HIV/AIDS (REACH 3.0)
• MB HIV Collective Impact Network
• The Prairie Indigenous Knowledge Exchange Network (PIKE-Net)
• University of Manitoba Centre for Human Rights Research
• Women in Science; Development, Outreach and Mentoring