Geography and Environmental Management top student 2016
The 2016 Faculty of Environment Alumni Gold Medal was awarded to Zinnie Cowing, graduating from the Geography and Environmental Management program (GEM). Presenting the award, Dean Jean Andrey recalled that among all the applications, Zinnie’s stood out because her experience “was so multifaceted”, from her academic achievements and research success to her experience in the workplace and volunteering.
Some of Zinnie’s many achievements include:
- earning four academic scholarships totalling over $13,000
- interning with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Geneva
- writing a thesis that went on to be included in a working paper submitted to the Climate and Development Knowledge Network for publication
- co-authoring two publications
- volunteering on various committees, which included helping to run local environmental conferences
What achievement throughout your time at Waterloo are you most proud of?
“Completing my thesis. It was one of the first times I did independent research without much structure or set deadlines—it was based on what I wanted to do, when I did it. When I finished, I felt a really big sense of accomplishment. I felt that I had matured.”
How did GEM contribute to your successes?
“The recognition of the university, the program and its successes helped with applying for jobs and internships. The woman who interviewed me at the UN (located in Geneva) had a friend whose daughter went here, so that was a good connection. While in Switzerland, I also worked with other Canadians who were familiar with our program. And even though I wasn’t in the co-op program myself, I had many friends who were, and I would turn to them for help with cover letter and resume writing.”
What are your plans for after graduation?
“I would like to focus my talents on defending populations vulnerable to a changing climate. I am currently deciding between studying Environmental Law in the UK and a graduate program in policy and governance. I want to be in a position where I can affect change.”