Stream of study: Co-op
Favourite co-op: Agroclimate Analyst for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. I not only ended up falling in love with GIS even more, I saw the importance of monitoring drought as it affected agricultural output in the Prairies and Canada by extension.
Are you involved in any campus clubs?
I am currently a member of University of Waterloo Association of Caribbean Students. I am also an ENV Peer Mentor for the Fall. In previous years, I was the secretary and treasurer of Waterloo Association of Geography Students and the secretary for University of Waterloo Association of Caribbean Students.
Why did you choose to study in the Faculty of Environment at Waterloo?
I chose the Faculty of Environment as I realized that they put their words into action. They are always trying to implement sustainable and strategic plans for the university campus as well as encouraging research in many fields. The faculty helps to bring together future leaders that are passionate about addressing environmental problems and its impacts on humans and the future.
What do you love most about your program?
My program is very versatile and open. It allows me to be able to design my interests as well as follow my passion. It allows me to take various courses in Economy & Society, Climate Change and Environment, Aviation, Geomatics and even Planning. My program looks at the issues the world is facing today and although there is no perfect solution to them, there is a still a beacon of hope to reduce the impacts of these issues. It portrays the importance of humanity, but the physical environment is a top priority as we rely on many of its invaluable ecosystem services and resources daily.
What problem would you like to solve?
I would like to solve climate change in regard to air pollution brought on through increased carbon emissions. The main problem that drew me to the Faculty of Environment was climate change. As an international student from the Caribbean, my island continues to be vulnerable to hurricanes. As a small island developing state, Dominica does not always have the capacity to respond and cope with these hurricanes which creates a disaster. After experiencing a category 5 Hurricane in 2017 where the entire country was decimated and I lost a lot of valuables and access to electricity and water, I saw the need to get more involved in the fight against climate change. My program has taught me that climate change is already here, and it is currently happening. Prevention is not the main intent anymore, but recovery and adaptation should be the priority when it comes to addressing climate change.