Three SFU doctoral students whose research focuses on water management decision-making, trans-boundary water governance and new interactive energy-conservation displays and controls have received research fellowships from the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS), each worth $18,000 a year for three years.

“Tackling climate change effectively requires a foundation of solid science and research,” says Tom Pedersen, executive director of PICS, a collaboration of B.C.’s four research universities.

“PICS researchers are at the forefront of climate change innovation and expertise and they will help British Columbia meet the challenge of shifting from a carbon intensive economy to a low carbon future.”

PhD candidate Steve Conrad, in the School of Resource and Environmental Management (REM), will examine how climate change could affect water supply and demand, and how water-management decision makers should handle those changes.

REM PhD candidate Cedar Morton will explore potential adaptations under the Columbia River Treaty for promoting a trans-boundary water governance institution to absorb the ecological, economic and social impacts of climate change.

Vinu Rajus, a PhD candidate in interactive arts and architecture, will explore how to create interactive energy-consumption displays and controls that encourage residential users to support energy conservation and sustainability.