By: Lydia Collas

Fresh off the back of her hugely successful thesis defence, we caught up with Katrina Krievins to discuss her experience as a Sustainability Science and Society (SSAS) student over the last two years. Katrina was amongst the very first cohort of students to undertake the new Master’s program. As applications are now open for what will be the fourth cohort of students, we wanted to share some words of wisdom from someone with experience in the program.

Q. Firstly, what attracted you to the program?

A. I did my undergraduate degree in Tourism and Environment at Brock University and then went on to do a post-graduate certificate in Ecosystem Restoration at Niagara College. During my year at Niagara College I became very interested in stream restoration and knew I wanted to learn more. The SSAS program appealed to me as a means of pursuing my interest in stream restoration further. At the time I chose to apply to the program, I was also very interested in gaining work experience so the co-op stream really stood out to me and set the SSAS program apart from other masters programs in my eyes.

Q. So you started out as a co-op student, what motivated the switch to thesis stream?

A. There are two main reasons I made the switch to the thesis stream. First, I had an incredible opportunity to apply to the Watershed and Aquatics Training in Environmental Research (WATER) Program run through the Canadian Rivers Institute. Acceptance into this program meant that I had access to a number of really great field and online courses related to watershed sciences. Many of the field courses were held during what would have been my co-op term so by switching to the thesis stream, I was able to take as many field courses as possible. In making this decision I felt strongly that although I wouldn’t be gaining formal work experience, I would be gaining equally valuable experience from the WATER Program courses.

Second, through discussions with my supervisor about my proposed research, it became apparent that the scope of the study I hoped to carry out was beyond that of a Major Research Paper (MRP) given the shorter timeframe given to complete a MRP. I realized that switching to the thesis stream would give me the time necessary to carry out my proposed research.

Q. How did the SSAS courses feed into your research?

A. Aspects of different courses certainly fed into my research but more than that, I think the overall grad student experience from the first two semesters of coursework is what really had an influence on my ability to successfully complete my research. Those first two semesters really prepare you to be able to manage your time, deal with multiple tasks and deadlines, think critically about what you’re reading, problem solve, and much more.

Q. Did you enjoy your time doing fieldwork?

A. The fieldwork component of my research was the part I was most looking forward to. It wasn’t without its challenges but I really enjoyed getting out to the sites I was focusing on in my research. I used my time in the field to collect data using a number of different techniques including temperature monitoring, vegetation inventories, and recording underwater video footage. All of my fieldwork was undertaken in late spring this year in southern Ontario watersheds.

Q. Do you have a favourite moment of the program?

A. There are so many memorable moments from my time in the program and I don’t think I could choose one as my favourite. I can say, however, that sharing this experience with the seven other students in my cohort made it a truly unforgettable experience.

Q. How do you feel the program has set you up for the next step?

A. I was lucky enough to start a joint position with the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve and the Eastern Georgian Bay Stewardship Council as a Conservation Program Assistant as soon as I finished my thesis. I’m finding that concepts I learned and skills I gained through the program are very applicable to my new position. In fact, the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve was the focus of one of my assignments during my very first semester!

Katrina is very grateful to the supporters of the awards and scholarships that she received during her time as a Master’s student:

• The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Award
• The Dr. Raymond and Mrs. Sachi Moriyama Graduate Fellowship
• The Ontario Paper Thorold Foundation Graduate Award

The SSAS program at Brock engages students in exploring the concept of sustainability – a notion which is increasingly recognised as integral to the future of our planet. All the way from studying what sustainability means, students investigate how sustainability might be realised and what interventions this may require. Students have the opportunity to develop their own particular research interest either through a MRP or a thesis.

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