From breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife encounters to unforgettable moments with new people and communities, Environment students captured the very best of their local and international field experiences this year. Now we need your help to crown the top three winners!
Dr. Kate Linden (PhD ’18) is an ecological economist, educator and community-engaged researcher challenging conventional ideas about how we define progress. Now an associate professor at Cape Breton University, she works alongside communities on issues ranging from rural aging to ecological footprints. Across her work, she returns to the same idea: lasting change depends less on speed and optimization than on care, relationships and the communities that sustain them.
Jo Fitzgibbons (MES ’19) is a planner and researcher turning environmental research into practical change in Canadian cities. She currently works in urban ecology with the City of Vancouver where she demonstrates how research, community knowledge and municipal practice can work together to create more room for nature in growing cities.
KEEN Footwear is a long-standing partner of the University of Waterloo's Faculty of Environment, helping students turn environmental knowledge into action through scholarships, internships and experiential learning.
From changing how children learn about the world around them to rethinking how cities grow, strengthening connections between research and practice and investing in the next generation of environmental leaders, the 2026 Faculty of Environment Alumni Award recipients demonstrate the many ways knowledge can create change when put into action.
Homecoming 2026 brought Environment alumni together for milestone reunions, class gatherings, Faculty events and plenty of opportunities to reconnect.
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Jeff Casello will step in as the Interim Director of the School of Planning. Join us in welcoming him and thanking the former Director, Dr. Mark Seasons, for his service.
Dr. Brent Doberstein in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management has been honoured with the University of Waterloo’s Distinguished Teacher Award. Congratulations, Dr. Doberstein!
This summer, a new collaboration will bring together members of the University of Waterloo and members of Six Nations to share a journey along the Grand River. Two Row by the Grandis a five-day, reconciliation-focused bicycle tour following the river from Cambridge to Port Maitland. It takes place July 15 to 19 alongside the annual paddling event that brings together over 75 participants over 10 days each July.
In recognition of her research achievement and career potential, The Canadian Association of Geographers named Dr. Chantel Markle as the recipient of The Julian M. Szeicz Award for Early Career Achievement.