From Problems to Solutions
Environmental challenges can seem overwhelming. We’re constantly bombarded with news and information about air and water pollution, climate change, habitat and species loss, food shortages and other problems that threaten humanity. In the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability (SERS), we understand the seriousness of these challenges – but we are focused on solutions that will allow us to navigate towards a sustainable future.
We invite you to explore our site to find out more about who we are, what we do and how to join us.
News
Students empowered by Algonquin experience
This spring term, five Environment students were awarded spots to attend a five-day overnight field experience in Algonquin Park hosted by FREED (Field Research in Ecology and Evolution Diversified). Two students share insights from the experience.
SERS students participate in global field course
Two SERS students were among those who participated in the offering of ENV474: Connecting Climate Change and Social Justice, which took place in South Africa in late April. The interdisciplinary field course integrated a range of science and policy perspectives and field-based interactions to understand South Africa’s Cape region as a dynamic and linked system of people and nature.
Chantel Markle named Canada Research Chair
Dr. Chantel Markle is named Canada Research Chair in Wildlife Ecohydrology and Global Change.
Blog
Field research to protect endangered species and spaces
The Wildlife Ecohydrology and Conservation Lab has successfully completed our first field season! We are a curious and collaborative team interested in all things turtles, snakes, amphibians, wetlands and more. Our research often evaluates conservation and habitat restoration approaches to support at-risk reptiles.
Conducting research on ancient castle grounds
Katie Pita, a PhD candidate in SERS, has spent time the last two summers conducting research in the UK in the area of historical ecology with the objective of accessing how traditional woodland management strategies can sustainably benefit people today.
Can northern agriculture contribute to global food security?
The Soil Ecosystems Dynamics Lab at SERS, under the leadership of Dr. Maren Oelbermann, is collaborating with the BioSoil North team at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Together, they are using a multidisciplinary approach to address the challenges of harnessing Happy Valley-Goose Bay's potential for sustainable commercial crop production. The research focuses on developing sustainable agricultural techniques to enhance soil fertility and crop yields in this northern boreal area while sequestering carbon and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.