Future students

Ashoke Mohanraj (BES ’21) is an emerging leader shaping the intersection of environmental law, policy, and education. From advocating for climate justice on international platforms to inspiring young readers through his bestselling books, Ashoke’s interdisciplinary approach demonstrates how creativity, resilience, and civic engagement can drive meaningful change. Discover how his journey from the classroom to the courtroom is lighting the way for a sustainable future. He is the 2025 Recent Alumni Inspiration Award winner.

Jeff Willmer (BES ’86) has spent nearly three decades transforming the Waterloo Region through thoughtful urban planning, strategic municipal leadership and innovative community initiatives. From revitalizing Kitchener’s downtown to co-founding A Better Tent City, Jeff’s work demonstrates how planning, public service and social equity intersect to create lasting positive impact. He is the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award winner.

Rex Auyeung (BES ’77) has dedicated his career to advancing sustainable urban development across finance, insurance, and transit. As Non-Executive Chairman of MTR Corporation, he oversees one of the world’s most advanced urban transit networks, while his lifelong commitment to public service and education continues to inspire communities in Hong Kong and beyond. He is the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award winner.

Adam Skoyles, a PhD candidate in the School of Planning, is researching how nature and climate change are considered in residential development decisions in Ontario, Canada. In a recently published article, Skoyles interviewed municipal planners and private land developers to assess how decisions are made about natural features in the residential development planning process, and what role climate change plays in this decision making.

Michael Brooks (BES ’75, PhD ’98) has spent decades shaping Canada’s real estate sector with vision, purpose, and a commitment to sustainable development. From his early days in urban planning at the University of Waterloo to leading REALPAC, he has advanced housing policy, championed mentorship, and fostered collaboration across the industry. His work continues to transform communities and inspire the next generation of real estate leaders. He is the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award winner.

The Master of Development Practice (MDP) is empowering the next generation of global development professionals. This one-year, course-based program prepares graduates to identify and address the challenges of extreme poverty and sustainable development. In their final term, MDP students can enroll in DEVP 611 – Field Placement. Students spend four months contributing to the development field, working with a local community partner on a particular development challenge. This year, three students completed DEVP 611, including Talia Rodriguez and Lina Nassir.

Data is an essential element of effective decision-making. In the Planning profession, data sovereignty and data governance are components of ethical data stewardship. Indigenous Data Sovereignty (IDS) and Indigenous Data Governance (IDG) refer to the rights of Indigenous communities to govern and manage the data that pertain to their people, land and culture. Currently, there are no guidelines for IDS or IDG in the Planning profession. Emma O’Reilly, a member of the Metis Nation of Alberta and a Master of Arts student in the School of Planning, completed a cross-disciplinary review of IDS and professional Planning practice.

The Masters of Future Cities (MFC) is empowering its students with competency in futures and system thinking and foresight methods to tackle the complex challenges of cities and urban areas. In May, MFC and other graduate students had the opportunity to come together for the inaugural offering of FCIT 610: International Field School. The course includes travel to an international city that exemplifies innovative, resilient strategies to prepare for a changing world. This year, the city was Singapore.

The Master of Economic Development Innovation Program equips its graduates with the knowledge, tools, and approaches to address contemporary economic development challenges in cities and communities across Canada and internationally. The one-year program ends with a capstone project, which includes the option of completing a four-month internship in the economic development field. This year, four MEDI students undertook an internship, including Ricky Zhao and Kellie Hettinga. Zhao completed his internship at the County of Perth as a Tourism Officer. Hettinga completed her internship with the City of Woodstock within the Economic Development department.

The Faculty of Environment is pleased to announce that Dr. Ian Rowlands has been appointed Associate Dean, Graduate Studies, effective September 1, 2025. He succeeds Dr. Peter Deadman, who is beginning a sabbatical after three years of dedicated leadership.