Stream of study: Co-op
Favourite co-op: Working with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in the Environmental Protection Operations Directorate. It has been my favourite job as I have always wanted to work with ECCC and I enjoy working towards getting people to comply with Canadian policies that help protect the environment and human health.
Are you involved in any campus clubs?
I have been involved in the Environment, Resources, and Sustainability Student Association (ERSSA), where I have had many roles such as Year-Rep, Treasurer and Communications Coordinator. I am involved in Impact Alliance, which is a club that helps work towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals. I also play soccer intramurals.
Why did you choose to study in the Faculty of Environment at Waterloo?
I chose to study in the Faculty of Environment at Waterloo as I loved the opportunity to customize my degree. With all of the different minors, diplomas and certificates offered that I could possibly add to my degree, I was beyond excited! The ability to take part in the co-op program was a major draw, as I wanted to gain valuable work experience that I could carry with me beyond post-secondary. Lastly, I selected the Faculty of Environment as it is a smaller faculty with smaller class sizes, so I saw it as a chance to really connect and meet my peers and professors.
What do you love most about your program?
What I love most about my program is the ability to explore a variety of different environmental topics. In this program, I have found I have an interest in topics I never knew of, such as GIS, sustainable food systems and environmental assessment. It's a great program to learn about and discover all the intersectionalities of the environment! I also love the community; it is very welcoming. As well it is full of people who are very passionate about the environment and great professors!
What problem would you like to solve?
The problem that I want to solve is stopping the extinction of wildlife. My program is helping me work toward my goal as it offers a variety of different ecology and policy courses that me a broader understanding of why this issue is happening and the current solutions. I have also had a variety of practical assignments where I have gained valuable research and analysis skills. These have included a writing critique on how current policies have affected boreal caribou and an essay on wildlife corridors.