Blog

Master of Sustainability students receive multiple research awards

Tuesday, April 10, 2018 | By Amanda Smits

On Friday, April 6, 2018 four Master of Sustainability students were recognized with the FOSS Student Research Award. This award is a new initiative housed in the Office of the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences. The intention of the award is to recognize student research that contributes to and advances research and scholarship in the Faculty of Social Sciences, in broad terms.

Each student was awarded $1,000 to assist with the cost of their ongoing education.

From left to right: Dr. Ryan Plummer (Director of the ESRC) and Master of Sustainability students Brooke Kapeller, Dana Harris, and Yuka Kataoka. Lydia Collas was also an award recipient but is not pictured.

Categories: Awards, Blog
Attending the Student Conference on Conservation Science 2018

Monday, April 09, 2018 | By Amanda Smits

Blog Contributor: Lydia Collas

At the end of the March 2018, I attended the Student Conference on Conservation Science (SCCS) at the University of Cambridge. I was glad to have given myself a bit of recovery time after arriving in the UK from Canada because the conference consisted of three days which were totally action-packed with amazing talks, poster sessions and networking.

As a second-year student in the thesis stream of the SSAS program, I sometimes find my work quite isolating. I’ve being working on my thesis research for the last year or so and whilst I interact with those in my program and my lab group, they’ve heard a lot about my research. So the experience of spending several days amongst 210 students who from all over the world (55 different nationalities were represented at the conference) and whom I had never met before was incredibly eye-opening. These students were in various stages of their careers – from Master’s to PhD to those that were taking some time out of full-time study to work for NGOs. I talked to people that were doing research ranging from studying the Fishing Cat in India, conserving lions while increasing agricultural yields in Zimbabwe, and planning renewable energy infrastructure in the UK. I learnt so much from just talking to these other students and being around such passionate people made me extremely proud of the work that we collectively do.

A personal highlight for me was a Plenary Lecture given by Paula Kahumbu, the CEO of Kenyan Conservation NGO, Wildlife Direct. Paula spoke passionately of her efforts to support the conservation of Kenya’s wildlife whilst ensuring the country continues to develop and provide for its people. Paula spoke of how the wildlife documentaries broadcast in this part of the world that widely feature Kenyan wildlife are never actually made available to watch in Kenya. So one of the many things that Paula had done to engage people in the need to look after the environment was to get a team of people together to make a wildlife TV series in Kenya, for the Kenyan people. Paula also spoke on tackling ivory poaching, addressing conflicts between farmers and wildlife, and the need to improve food security alongside environmental conservation.

I left the conference feeling more inspired, informed and hopeful about the future. I would highly encourage other SSAS students (or any other students that might be reading this!) to apply to attend the conference either in Cambridge or in the other locations around the world where sister conferences are held – these include New York. You can find more information on the website here http://www.sccs-cam.org/.

Exploring Cambridge before the conference started: Photo of the River Cam from which Cambridge takes its name. Photo by Lydia Collas.

Categories: Blog, Conferences, SSAS Student Contributor
“Co-op Student of the Year” Meghan Birbeck reflects on 8 months with the Town of Lincoln

Friday, April 06, 2018 | By Amanda Smits

Blog Contributor: Lydia Collas

Each year, students in the Sustainability Science and Society (SSAS) graduate program embark on their co-ops between May and August. Since the SSAS program was established in 2014, students have worked in extremely varied industries, including eco-tourism, public transportation and town planning, and in locations from Niagara to Nicaragua!

This year, SSAS student Meghan Birbeck was awarded the title “Co-op Student of the Year” – an honour given to just two students annually. Meghan spent an extended co-op working as a Sustainability Intern at the Town of Lincoln and was instrumental in securing the Living Lab Partnership between the ESRC at Brock University and Lincoln. I recently met up with her to find out more about the experience and what’s in store for the future.

Meghan, what did your work as a Sustainability Intern involve?

At Lincoln, I worked with a wide variety of departments that included planning and development, public works, community services, economic development and communications. My role was to bring a “sustainable” lens to issues that they were tackling. This was the first year that they had taken on a co-op student so the role was quite diverse and I applied myself to whatever task was most pressing.

During your co-op experience, is there a project that you worked on that was most interesting/ enjoyable?

The pilot public transit project that I worked on was really great. I was involved in reviewing current public transit services and I worked on exciting new developments. This involved drafting new transit routes as well as community outreach and education to connect with the local community about sustainable public transit.

Now that you have returned to your studies in the SSAS program, what impact do you think your co-op experience has had?

My co-op has really complemented my studies in the SSAS program. The experience allowed me to see how some of the underlying theories of sustainability have such broad implications – such as to the municipal projects that I was involved in!

And did the co-op have a lasting impact on your future goals and plans?

Definitely – I was invited to extend my co-op so I stayed on for eight months in total. I’m now doing my MRP but I have plans to go back to Lincoln this summer as well. Through the planning projects that I worked on, I developed an interest in becoming a professional accredited planner. My plan now is to combine this planning work with my education in sustainability.

Is there anyone that you’d like to thank for their part in this experience?

I am grateful that Brock had an established relationship with the Town of Lincoln that led to this co-op placement being established. I am very thankful to Melissa Beamer in the Co-op Department for her support during the application process and for acting as my Senior Employer Development Manager. I am also extremely grateful to Carrie Beatty at the Town of Lincoln for her unwavering support, ensuring that I was exposed to challenging projects and for making work and inviting and fun place to come to each day.

Meghan receiving the “Co-op Student of the Year Award” after the official awards ceremony on 22 March 2018. Photo by Michelle Lesley Annett.

Categories: Blog, Co-Op, SSAS Student Contributor
St. Catharines Launch for Adam Dickinson’s Anatomic

Thursday, April 05, 2018 | By Amanda Smits

Blog Contributor: Dr. Adam Dickinson

I have just published a book of poetry that involves the results of chemical and microbial testing on my body in order to look at how the “outside” writes the “inside.” Structured like a hormone, the book, Anatomic, is in part about the link between the metabolic processes of human and nonhuman bodies and the global metabolism of energy and capital. I looked into my blood, urine, and poop, and saw the Anthropocene staring back at me.

Please spread the word to others you think might be interested. I have included some more information below about the book.

As part of the launch, I will read from the book and talk a bit about how it was created.
I hope to see you there!

—————————————-

Saturday, April 14 at 4 PM – 6 PM

Niagara Artists Centre (NAC)

354 St. Paul St. E, St. Catharines L2R 3N2

We talk a lot about what we’re doing to our environment, but what is our environment doing to us?

Adam Dickinson decided to find out. He drew blood, collected urine, swabbed bacteria, and tested his feces to measure the precise chemical and microbial diversity of his body. To his horror, he discovered that our ‘petroculture’ has infiltrated our very bodies with pesticides, flame retardants, and other substances. He discovered shifting communities of microbes that reflect his dependence on the sugar, salt, and fat of the Western diet, and he discovered how we rely on nonhuman organisms to make us human, to regulate our moods and personalities. The outside writes the inside, whether we like it or not.

The result is a book of poetry called ANATOMIC, an ambitious, autobiographical, and anxious plea for us to consider what we’re doing to our world – and to our own bodies.

Free event | Books for sale
More info about ANATOMIC here:
https://chbooks.com/Books/A/Anatomic

Categories: Blog, Faculty Contributor
Master of Sustainability student presents research at Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention

Thursday, March 22, 2018 | By Amanda Smits

Master of Sustainability candidate, Emilie Jobin Poirier at the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention in Niagara Falls, ON.

Maser of Sustainability student Emily Jobin Poirier recently had a poster presentation accepted at the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention. Her poster presentation, based on her Master’s research, was titled “Doom, gloom or boom? – perceptions of climate change impacts amongst Canadian winegrowers.” Emilie is currently working on her Master of Sustainability thesis with supervisors Dr. Gary Pickering and Dr. Ryan Plummer. Congratulations Emilie!

Follow Emilie on Twitter: @ejobinpoirier

Categories: Blog, Conferences, SSAS Student Contributor
First Year SSAS students impress with ambitious research proposals

Monday, March 12, 2018 | By Amanda Smits

Blog Contributor: Lydia Collas

Master of Sustainability 2017 Student Cohort, September 2017

March 9^th saw students in their first year of the Sustainability Science and Society (SSAS) program present preliminary proposals of the research that they will undertake in the coming months. Being in my second year of the program, I delighted in the opportunity to sit back and watch others undergo what I myself had done a year earlier. The ten students did not disappoint as they spoke with passion and excitement of the research questions they hope to answer.

Sustainability is an interdisciplinary subject by nature: it brings together aspects from natural science, social science and economics. This was very much reflected in the students’ presentations which covered a vast portion of what can be considered sustainability science. No two students plan to study even remotely similar areas. Lyn Brown presented her plans to investigate invasive species – a major biological and financial issue – in the Niagara Region. Contrast that to Qurat Shahzad whose interest lies in the concept of a de-growth economy and presented her plans to investigate the factors driving consumer behavior across Canada.

The students’ research was also impressively broad in terms of the geographical area covered. Sylvia Hussein plans to investigate water management in Lake Erie and identify the lessons learned which would help in the management of water resources in her own country, Ghana. Other students are looking closer to home: Leaya Amey plans to conduct her study right in Brock University. Leaya will build on her undergraduate degree in Communications Studies exploring the most effective way to inform Brock University students about sustainability initiatives on campus.

One of the great strengths of the SSAS program is the variety of programs that students have studied at undergraduate level. This diversity allows students to learn from one another as they each hold their own unique knowledge and skill set. The questions asked by other students, as well as faculty, following the students’ presentations will hopefully have helped them to clarify their thoughts or identify alternative approaches to investigating their research questions.

All students can be highly commended for their ambition and drive to push the bounds on what is known in sustainability science. Director of the SSAS program, Francine McCarthy, was somewhat lost for words as she spoke after the presentations, Francine said “I feel somewhat like a proud mum today, you’ve all come so far from where you started in September and I could not be more proud.”

I too would like to add my congratulations to the students and I wish you all well as you set out to conduct this research. My one piece of advice, as a student one year down the line, is to think about scope. The time is going to fly. Think long and hard about whether you’ve got the time to do what you’re aiming to achieve. And then go for it – I can’t wait to hear about what you find!

Categories: Blog, SSAS Student Contributor
Welcome to the ESRC’s new home! Here are some of our favourite features of the Theal House

Thursday, March 01, 2018 | By Amanda Smits
Blog Contributor: Samantha Morris

On February 28, 2018, the Environmental Sustainability Research Centre (ESRC) opened the doors to our new home; the Theal House.

We are excited to tell you more about this new (and old) space. Here’s a quick tour of some of our favourite features:

1. THE HISTORY

The Theal house has a history dating back to the 1800s. For many years the house was called Symphony House, this for the St. Catharines Symphony, which was a tenant in the 1970s. Before that it was variously known as the Turney House, Wright House or Field House. But it is now officially called the Theal House — appropriately so, for it was almost certainly built by one Samuel Theal, and the Theal family lived in the house for several decade. Read more about the history of the Theal House by the late Alun Hughes.

Detail of Colonel Johnston’s map of 1822 showing lots 18, 19, and 20.

The Theal house in 1964.

On your next visit to the Theal House look for this bit of exposed brick from the original house.

2. FLOORING

Floors throughout the Theal House were acquired from Interface, a company internationally known for their focus and commitment to sustainability.

Cool Carpet certification from Interface displayed in the upstairs office.

3. FURNISHINGS

Sustainable furnishing can be found throughout the Theal House. From the furniture from Creighton House Antiques, a local company in Niagara, to the live edge wood desks made from certified sustainable timber and created by Brock University carpenters.

Antique furniture from Creighton House Antiques.

Upstairs offices featuring live edge wood furniture and a carpet made from recycled fish nets.

4. LIGHTING

LED lighting has been installed throughout the Theal House. Dimmer and daylight harvesting switches reduce energy consumption.

One of our many dimmer switches that will reduce energy consumption in the Theal House.

5. MONITORING

An integrated system within the Theal House now controls HVAC, lighting and monitors real time energy use.

Our upstairs offices feature new energy efficient lighting and HVAC systems.

Our entryway features a monitoring screen that showcases energy use in the Theal House and across campus.
1. OUR NEW VIEWS
We can’t forget to mention how much we love our new views. From the trees that surround Theal House to the view of the Tower, there’s always something to look at.

The Theal House, 2018.

View of the Tower out of the boardroom window.
1. PEOPLE
Last, but certainly not least, no building on campus would be complete without dedicated and hardworking faculty, staff, and students.

Master of Sustainability Graduate Program Directors, present (Dr. Francine McCarthy), past (Dr. Ryan Plummer), and future/past (Dr. Marilyne Jollineau).

Faculty, students, and Brock Administration cutting the ribbon at our Open House on February 28, 2018.

Is there a feature of the Theal House that you find interesting? Please share your thoughts and photos with us at esrc@brocku.ca or on Twitter/Facebook @BrockUESRC.
Categories: Blog
Looking back on the SSAS program: Tyler Prince discusses his fiery thesis

Sunday, February 25, 2018 | By Amanda Smits

Interview conducted by: Lydia Collas

Interviewee: Tyler Prince

Photo: Tyler’s study lake in southwest Yukon from which samples were taken to reconstruct the region’s fire history.

Tyler Prince has become the latest Sustainability Science & Society student to successfully defend his thesis. On the 19^th December, Tyler presented his thesis “Postglacial reconstruction of fire history from a small lake in southwest Yukon using sedimentary charcoal and pollen,” to a packed audience. It didn’t take long for the examiners to reach their decision and to deliver those words that instantly lift a boulder-sized weight off any students’ shoulders: “Congratulations, you’ve passed”.

A few weeks after the defense, I met up with Tyler to find out more about his time working towards his Master of Sustainability over the last two years.

Firstly, can you tell me a bit about your research?

The aim of my research was to reconstruct the fire history of southwest Yukon over the entire Holocene, which began approximately 12,000 years ago. I completed this record by using charcoal and pollen preserved within lake sediments. Our current fire records are relatively short, especially in these Northern areas, therefore long-term records are necessary to understand how frequent fires were on the landscape in the past and how the fire regime may change in the future as a result of climate change.

That sounds like a lot of exciting fieldwork, how was that?

The fieldwork was definitely one of the highlights of my masters. I was fortunate to have two field seasons, travelling to the Yukon in 2016 and 2017 where I collected samples in Whitehorse, Dawson and Old Crow. These are memories I will never forget.

Do you have a favourite moment from your time in the SSAS program?

I don’t think I have a single favourite moment. The fieldwork is up there, as well as travelling to Boston to present my research at an international geography conference (AAG). My entire lab group traveled to Boston together as we all were presenting our Master’s research, so that was a great experience.

Over the last two years, Tyler’s talent has been recognised with a staggering number of awards and scholarships. Tyler was awarded the Northern Scientific Training Program Grant, the Ontario Graduate Scholarship, the Dean of Graduate Studies Spring Research Fellowship, the Dean of Graduate Studies Entrance Scholarship and the Faculty of Social Sciences Student Travel Award.

Tyler also has an exceptional record at conferences having been awarded the Best Master’s Presentation at the Annual Meeting of the American Association of Geographers (2017) in both the Biogeography category and in the Paleoenvironmental Change category. Tyler also won Best Master’s Poster at the Ontario-Quebec Paleolimnology Symposium.

The SSAS program, established by Brock’s Environmental Sustainability Research Centre (ESRC) provides exceptional students with a transdisciplinary education of environmental sustainability. In the 24-month thesis stream, students pursue an in-depth, novel research project – as Tyler did with such great success. Alternatively, students can opt for an alternative, 16-month route, where they complete a Major Research Paper and a four-month coop. The equal consideration deadline for 2018 entry has now passed, but for more information on applying please visit https://brocku.ca/esrc/apply-today/.

On behalf of the ESRC, I would like to once again congratulate Tyler for a stunningly successful time in the SSAS program and wish him the greatest success in the future.

Categories: Blog, SSAS Student Contributor
Master of Sustainability student needs your help

Thursday, February 15, 2018 | By Amanda Smits

Help our Master of Sustainability student, Dana Harris, move on to the next round of NSERC’s Science Action video competition! The 25 videos with the most views on March 2, 2018 will proceed to the judges’ panel, where they will compete for one of 15 cash prizes. Take a minute and click the photo below to view Dana’s video and learn more about Jack Pine growth.

Categories: Blog, SSAS Student Contributor
Outdoor Research Symposium

Friday, February 02, 2018 | By Amanda Smits

Blog Contributor: Dr. Garrett Hutson

Brock alumna Liz Peredun (pictured above) and participating ESRC faculty member, Dr. Garrett Hutson, presented findings from the first comprehensive NOLS sense-of-place outcomes study at the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors Research Symposium in Martinsville, Indiana on January 13, 2018. The NOLS mission is to be the leading source and teacher of wilderness skills and leadership that serve people and the environment. NOLS leads wilderness expeditions for a variety of age groups worldwide with a focus on teaching leadership, outdoor skills, environmental studies, and risk management. One of the core environmental studies learning objectives at NOLS is for students to develop a “sense of place” by experiencing wilderness and exploring relationships with their surroundings. In the NOLS context, sense of place is defined as the personal relationship students develop with areas travelled during NOLS experiences. Sense of place is important to NOLS because articulating an environmental ethic and supporting students’ abilities in connecting with the natural world beyond NOLS is a goal of every course.

The purpose of this study was to explore how NOLS course participants report developing a sense of place after completing a course at NOLS Rocky Mountain in Lander, Wyoming. Data were analyzed from 511 NOLS students who answered the open-ended question: Did NOLS help you develop a personal relationship to the places you visited? If so, how? Overall, 72% responded affirmatively and responses ranged from general feelings of nature appreciation to specific curriculum-driven learning mechanisms. Learning mechanisms included the chance to engage in environmental studies, developing familiar rituals, participating in authentic experiences, time for reflection, and discussions on natural history and indigenous awareness.

Additional analysis is underway to explore links between sense-of-place development and other aspects of the NOLS environmental studies curriculum such as foundations in ecology, Leave No Trace environmental ethics, climate change, and transfer of learning. NOLS was a participating member of this study and plans to utilize these findings both to better understand the impacts of its programs and to improve the environmental studies curriculum.

Liz Peredun is a graduate of the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies undergraduate program with the Outdoor Recreation concentration. Liz currently works as an instructor for NOLS in the Yukon Territory, Wyoming, and Utah and as a Program Director for Outward Bound Canada. Additionally, Liz works as a research assistant for this ongoing ESRC funded study.

Categories: Applied Research, Blog, Conferences, Faculty Contributor