In 2024, Katie Pita, a PhD candidate in the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, continued her research into historical ecology by conducting fieldwork at the ancient woodlands of the Herstmonceux Castle Estate in the United Kingdom. Her work focuses on how traditional woodland management practices—particularly coppicing, the act of cutting back a tree or shrub to stimulate growth—can offer sustainable benefits in the present day by promoting biodiversity and enhancing carbon storage. Under the supervision of Professor Andrew Trant, Katie explored how these long-standing ecological regimes have shaped the woodland landscape over time.
During her international experience, Katie completed her second field season at the estate, collecting a substantial ecological dataset that will support the analysis of long-term changes and trends within the forest ecosystem. This hands-on research opportunity allowed her to deepen her understanding of the intersection between environmental history and contemporary sustainability practices. Katie was thrilled to immerse herself in the study of such an expansive and ecologically rich woodland, and she looks forward to translating her findings into meaningful contributions to forest management and conservation efforts.
Graduate Student International Experience award funds are available to University of Waterloo graduate students who participate in:
- An academic exchange
- A study term abroad related to research or an academic requirement
- Work or volunteer experience in another country