Founder & CEO

Dr. Jennie Christensen, Ph.D., R.P.Bio.

Executive Summary

Dr. Jennie Christensen is a distinguished toxicologist, entrepreneur, and leader in the field of environmental and biological tissue analysis. With over two decades of experience, she has bridged the gap between cutting-edge science and practical applications, creating transformative solutions in toxicology and nutritional health. As the founder and CEO of TrichAnalytics, Dr. Christensen has pioneered innovations in laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and is recognized internationally for her contributions to science and business.

Dr. Jennie Christensen’s academic and professional journey showcases her unwavering dedication to advancing toxicology and environmental science. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology, a Master’s in Toxicology, and a PhD in Toxicology, credentials that reflect her strong foundation in the sciences. Throughout her career, she has authored 17 peer-reviewed publications on wildlife and human toxicology, solidifying her reputation as a thought leader in her field.

Dr. Christensen has accumulated over 20 years of experience in environmental and toxicology consulting, providing expertise to diverse projects involving toxic metals, organochlorine pesticides, and other contaminants. For the past eight years, she has served as the CEO of TrichAnalytics, where she has demonstrated remarkable entrepreneurial acumen. Under her leadership, the company has expanded from Canada to international markets, including the United States, Europe, and Asia, achieving consistent annual revenue growth exceeding 60%.

Her contributions extend beyond her business endeavors. Dr. Christensen serves on the Advisory Board of the University of Victoria’s Faculty of Science, is a Registered Professional Biologist with the College of Applied Biology, and plays an active role on the Organizing Committee for the Canadian Ecotoxicity Workshop. In 2025, she was honored with the University of Victoria’s President’s Distinguished Alumni Award, a testament to her exceptional impact on science and society. Her work has also been recognized with numerous business awards, including accolades for Innovative Excellence, Product/Service of the Year, and Technology Business of the Year.

Dr. Christensen’s expertise spans a broad range of scientific domains, including:

• Toxic metals (e.g., lead, mercury) and nutritional elements (e.g., zinc, selenium)
• Organochlorine pesticides (e.g., DDT), PBDE flame retardants, and PCBs
• Method development for biological tissue analysis using LA-ICP-MS
• Hair, nail, fish otolith, and other biological tissue chemistry
• Biostatistics, data analysis, and modeling
• Applications of stable isotopes in diet, migration, and health studies

She is a frequent presenter at conferences, sharing insights on innovative applications of LA-ICP-MS and her work in hair and tissue chemistry. Her research has led to advancements in understanding metal contamination, nutritional health, and detoxification processes in both wildlife and humans.

As the founder of TrichAnalytics, Dr. Christensen has built a company that combines scientific excellence with entrepreneurial vision. TrichAnalytics is the only internationally accredited laboratory specializing in LA-ICP-MS for biological tissue analysis. The company has achieved several milestones:

• Consistent annual revenue growth exceeding 60% over eight years
• Successful bootstrapping and expansion into global markets
• Recognition as a women-owned and -led business in STEM
• Commitment to green chemistry and environmentally friendly practices

Her dedication to advancing women in STEM and fostering innovation has positioned TrichAnalytics as a leader in its field, delivering meaningful scientific and business outcomes.

TrichAnalytics provides specialized services in environmental and biological tissue analysis, including:

• Environmental Analysis: Metals in fish tissue (muscle, liver, ovaries), fish otoliths, benthic invertebrates, periphyton, algae, and soft biological tissues (e.g., frog eggs)
• Nutritional Analysis: Human hair analysis for toxic and nutritional elements
• Clinical Studies: Nutraceutical testing and statistical analysis using human hair
• Equine and Canine Hair Analysis: Screening for copper storage disease, performance, and health
• Theio Vitality: Direct-to-consumer hair science focusing on follicular potential, hair health, and miniaturization

Dr. Christensen’s research and the work of TrichAnalytics have contributed to numerous impactful case studies, including:

• Monitoring the effect of diet on hair chemistry over time, particularly for mercury, zinc, and copper
• Demonstrating the consistency of hair chemistry across strands from the same individual
• Highlighting the impact of external contamination on hair strands for metals once hair emerges from the scalp
• Establishing correlations between hair lead levels and blood chemistry
• Analyzing nail layers to distinguish contamination effects, such as arsenic in outer vs. inner layers
• Showing that high-fiber diets increase the excretion of toxic compounds
• Screening for copper storage disease in dogs using a single hair sample
• Linking excessive seafood consumption with elevated mercury levels and documenting normalization following dietary adjustments
• Demonstrating that the portion of hair below the scalp provides the most accurate chemistry for assessing nutritional and metal health
• Monitoring the detoxification of heavy metals through chelation using hair analysis

Dr. Jennie Christensen’s work exemplifies the intersection of scientific rigor and entrepreneurial innovation. Her leadership at TrichAnalytics has not only advanced our understanding of toxicology and nutritional health but also delivered transformative tools and insights to industries ranging from healthcare to environmental monitoring. As a trailblazer in both science and business, Dr. Christensen continues to inspire and lead with a vision that empowers clients, professionals, and individuals worldwide.