Are you interested in what your fellow alumni are doing? Curious about the jobs and opportunities you could pursue after graduating?
Below are profiles on just some of the amazing alumni to come out of the Faculty of Environment. If you would like to be featured, please submit a profile.
View alumni profiles by decade:
2010s | 2000s | 1990s | 1980s | 1970s
2010s profiles
Improving border security and relations '15
One of the many highlights of Sherine Farid Said’s successful career has been her employment with the Embassy of the United States of America where she contributed to a security action plan with the United States Customs & Border Protection.
Planting the seeds of diversity '13
In the few short years following Taarini Chopra’s graduation, she has done an outstanding job advancing our understanding of seeds and diversity, as it relates to food security and the global south.
A slam dunk in environmental design '13
Srdjan Pejcic has pursued one of his professional aspirations that he nurtured while at the University of Waterloo. He’s now a professional basketball player in Italy.
Environmentalist, advocate and mentor '13
Find out how alumna Maryam Akhtar Khan is combining her passion for environmental sustainability and interest in social justice initiatives.
The discipline-buster '12
Like most students in Knowledge Integration (KI), Eric Kennedy, has always been one of the brightest students in any classroom he’s been in – something that leads to its own set of challenges.
Start-up sensation '12
This KI grad has combined her computer programming and graphic design skills to land a cool job at a hot start-up.
A career conversion '12
Unsatisfied in his business career, School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability (SERS) grad Eric Mallia wanted a job that was sustainable. Now he is the manager of a hot eco start-up.
Information services meets social innovation '12
After two-decades of work in his field, Raju Goteti decided to begin a new career where he could “give-back” to society. In pursuit of his goal he achieved a post-graduate executive diploma in Social Innovation at the University of Waterloo.
Certified green '12
At 22, Katrina Bayley received her LEED accredited professional designation and went on to certify over 10 of the Minto Group’s LEED buildings including many record-breaking properties such as Minto Place, Canada’s first LEED Platinum office tower.
Thank you for flying '12
Caroline van Arendonk’s career has soared to great heights in the three short years since graduating from the Geography and Aviation program in 2012.
Geomatics wunderkind '12
As a new employee of Toronto-based Optech Inc., Xing Fan is charged with introducing potential Chinese clients to Optech’s world-renown LiDAR technology.
Find the best way of doing things, always '11
Co-author of “Make This City: The State of Urban Manufacturing,” Mackenzie Keast looks at how to rebuild and foster local manufacturers.
Creating long-term strategic plans '11
Nirvana Champion, a graduate of the Local Economic Development program, has travelled the world pursing her goal of creating a more sustainable world.
Saving endangered turtles '11
Courtney Huisman, a 2011 Geography graduate has made it her mission to teach people that an endangered species is worth more alive than it is dead.
From bus to train to tube '10
Mary Riemer followed her passion for city planning through her entire career at the University of Waterloo, to her current position as planner with Translink in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Each day, a new opportunity '10
As an energy consultant for the city, Dorothy Chao leads and assists in projects that generate millions in revenue for the city.
Profiles prior to 2010
2000s profiles
Connecting Canada with the world through diplomacy '09
Since graduating from the Faculty of Environment in 2009, Meaghan King has led an exemplary career in Canada's foreign service.
Selfless drive for the benefit of others '08
2013 Waterloo Region's Top 40 Under 40, Aaron Stauch spends his time helping in the community, managing a not-for-profit agency.
Uniting to mobilize food movement '07
Founder and Executive Director of Food Forward Advocacy Alliance, Darcy Higgins developed an organization advocating for sustainable food and food access policy in Toronto.
Growing food for the community '07
Candace Wormsbecker did her master's thesis on local food. But studying it wasn't enough for her. Now she operates Transpire Organic, a community-supported agriculture farm outside Waterloo.
Business, health and wellness '06
Debbie Fung combines her talent for entrepreneurship, environment and business education and passion for health. The result? A thriving yoga empire.
As brave as they come '06
Find out how Environment alumn Brett Rogers is turning his love of the great outdoors into a career in TV.
Creating Canada's first climate change focussed law firm '04
Named “Lawyer making a difference” by the National Post, Laura Zizzo is an environmental lawyer looking to leave the world in better shape for the next generation.
The paper pioneer '03
Learn how this Planning alumnus is revolutionizing how we print with one of the countries hottest environmental start-ups.
Sustainable development work links Japan and Rwanda '03
Yuri Mito’s interest in environmentally responsible production began while she was pursuing her Masters in Local Economic Development and has continued since her graduation in 2003.
Helping Canada go smoke-free '01
Scientist, lecturer and geographer, Ryan Kennedy is a School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability (SERS) alumni with a focus on public health.
Entrepreneur for the faculty '01
REEP Green Solutions was established with the help of Mary Jane Patterson, eventually to become a non-profit, promoting positive environmental action.
Cultivating collaboration between private and public '00
Bridging academic knowledge with real-world applications, Stephen Thompson’s expertise with GIS made him a key contributor to an online commercial property system.
1990s profiles
Dedicated educator, avid outdoorsman '98
A respected educator in the Waterloo Regional District School Board, Bill Bulmer received his Bachelors of Environmental Studies in 1998 and went on to spread his knowledge of geography with high school students within the Region.
Helping cities adapt to climate change '98
Devin Causely (BES '98, MES '06) works for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities developing practical ways cities can apply sustainability practices while improving their bottom line.
Mining for the truth '97
Though he doesn’t take it personally, most mining companies would rather Ramsey Hart did not exist. “That’s true in most, if not all cases,” admits the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability (SERS) alumnus.
Watershed sleuth '96
This SERS alumn uses a mix of GIS data, historical maps and good old fashioned intuition to find and secure dangerous abandoned wells.
Overseeing Florida's largest "green certified" community '95
With 18 years of experience in Florida land use development, Todd J. Pokrywa serves as a Corporate Officer and Vice President of Planning of Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Inc.
Coaching others to go above and beyond '94
Mark Menhennet brings over 20 years of geotechnology experience to his classroom.
Man of nature across disciplines '94
Admired and respected by peers, students and community members alike, Graham Forbes is an established leader in science and conservation.
The eco-activist turned entrepreneur '94
As President of Nadurra Wood Corporation, Ian Jackson supplies FSC certified hardwood and bamboo flooring/plywood and reclaimed wood.
The godfather of Canada's parks '94
From his time with the Faculty of Environment to his leadership as Chief Ecosystem Scientist with Parks Canada; our nation has seen few people as dedicated to preserving our protected areas.
Eating straight from nature '94
When Jackie McMillan looks at an overgrown yard or trail, what she sees for the most part isn’t weeds. She's a consultant on wild food and encouraging children with autism to thrive in nature.
Transportation and traffic expert '93
After completing his Masters in Regional Planning and Resource Development at University of Waterloo in 1993, Dr. Ali Khaksari earned his PhD in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Wales in 1996.
Always on the move '92
Brent Toderian is a recognized leader and expert in urbanism and city-making. He consults for developers in multiple engagements across the globe.
1980s profiles
Taking environmental awareness into the classroom '89
Scott Lowrey has taken both the academic and personal lessons he learned while at the School of Planning into his own work as an elementary school principal for the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board.
Recycler extraordinaire '89
Inspired by a trip to India, Atul Nanda helped establish Toronto’s first recycling program. Later, he started his own venture, Recyclable Materials Marketing, now one of the top five firms in the market.
A bridge from Waterloo to Hong Kong '88
As associate vice-president, and professor in the Department of Geography and Resource Management, at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Tung Fung has established his legacy as an influential voice in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Exemplary leader and public servant '82
The passion and dedication of David Cash, President of Cash & Associates, have garnered much success and recognition.
The policy maker '81
Find out how alumn Susan Cartwright became one of Canada's most influential ambassadors and policy makers.
Legend of the Ontario Public Service '80
For her work in supporting diversity and inclusion in the Ontario Government, Carol Layton was recognized as a “Legend of the Ontario Public Service.”
A leader in business and community '80
Jim Davidson is widely known for his “Cowboy Ethics”, a belief in market development through good business practices, competitive spirit and the integration of philanthropy and business.
Remote sensing expert '80
Recipient of the 2011 Alumni Achievement Award, Steve Franklin is President and Vice-Chancellor of Trent University and an expert in satellite and aerial remote sensing.
Standing high in her field '80
Leadership, initiative and strategic vision have positioned Barb Mason as one of the highest placed women in her field.
1970s profiles
Climate change and communication '79
Linda Mortsch conducts research on the impact of climate change on water resources and wetlands in Canada, climate change scenario development, and “effective” communication of climate change information.
Beneath every city, a once great landscape '78
John Lounds has made it his career fighting to preserve Canada’s biodiversity and protect some of the country’s most threatened landscapes without sacrificing the potential greatness of the city.
Bringing I.T. into healthcare '76
Joseph Dal Molin, president of E-Cology, and a 1976 Geography graduate is an established global leader in the implementation of EHR worldwide.
Guardian of the Grand River '76
Barbara Veale (BES '76, MA '80, PhD '11) grew up by the banks of the Grand. She has never really left the river. She is co-ordinator of policy, planning, and partnerships for the Grand River Conservation Authority.
Watershed management maven '76
Gayle Wood has dedicated her career to watershed management, locally, provincially and internationally, often managing multiple watersheds at a time.
Father of the blue box '75
Across North America, a blue box means recycling. What most people may not know is that Environmental Studies graduate Eric Hellman was instrumental in starting the world’s first blue box program.
Toward a hydrogen-powered future '75
John Sheridan is president and CEO of Ballard Power Systems, one of the world’s leading hydrogen fuel cell companies. He calls hydrogen "the ultimate in clean energy" and considers it critical to the future.
Making home ownership an option '75
As president and CEO of the non-profit organization Options for Homes, Urban & Regional Planning grad Mike Labbé has helped over 3700 families achieve home ownership.
Leader and expert on development '73
Find out how John Jung's vision, dedication and tireless efforts have benefited the prosperity in the Waterloo Region.
Making tourism more sustainable '72
An educator, researcher and strategic planner, Geography grad Peter Williams has focused his career on making tourism more environmentally friendly.
Shaping the Planning field in New Zealand '70
A respected scholar with an international reputation, Dr. Ali Memon received his Masters in Planning in 1970. Since then, he has authored or edited 11 books, 22 book chapters and 75 refereed journals.
