Some selected pieces/experiences that relate to my passion for (and undergraduate degree in) biological sciences:

 

Urban Green Infrastructure (SFU/City of North Vancouver, 2017)

A one day workshop I attended for professional development. We learned about rain gardens, roof gardens, and other ways to mitigate urban heat island while managing water. This informed some research I did for the City of Vancouver’s Sustainability Group.

 

Directed Study: Song in the Yellow Warbler (UBC, 2015)

As part of a self-directed study, I investigated song in the yellow warbler to test for variation between subspecies. I worked with supervisor Darren Irwin to complete this quantitative research project. While I did not end up becoming an ornithologist, I do love birdwatching from time to time.

 

Field Course: Science, Sustainability, and Systems (Iceland, 2014)

A mixture of lecture-style and place-based lessons covering a broad range of topics including basic sustainability theory, clean energy systems, geology, and forestry. A large portion of the learning happened outside; we were able to experience what we were learning while we were learning about it.

Research project: The Sustainability of ‘Sustainable’ Tourism in Iceland

 

Bamfield Marine Science Centre: Field Skills Workshop (Bamfield, 2014)

Attended a workshop for personal and professional development. Here, I learned about quantitative data collection and analysis, various field research techniques, and career development skills.

 

International exchange: Life Sciences (National University of Singapore, 2013)

While on exchange, I took courses such as terrestrial ecology and animal behaviour. I was able to conduct field research in a biome that was very different from the outdoor/natural Vancouver classrooms I had done much of my research in. Living away from home, meeting people from many backgrounds, and the ability to travel to other countries was in itself a great learning experience. I was also able to take courses such as “Theatre 101” and “Pop Culture in Southeast Asia”, which pushed me out of my science-bubble.