Mentor Biographies

Robert Penrose

Degree: MRM Thesis
Current Profession/Position: Just retired after 25 years . . . Safety Regulation and Compliance Specialist
Company/Organization: BC Hydro
Other Areas of Education/Training: Undergrad B Commerce, Queen's, 1983; environmental and safety auditing; project management; structured decision-making
Professional Organization Membership: None
Career Interests: While I may do some consulting in safety auditing, facilitation, strategic planning or IT applications, I'm now focused on volunteering in the NGO sector in relation to conservation and climate change
Hobbies: Skiing (x-country, backcountry, downhill), hiking, photography, choral singing
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
As with last year, I'd like to support a student in whatever way they need. For example, to explore work opportunities, identify contacts, and to walk and talk our way through ideas and possibilities.
What could you offer as a mentor?
Nearly 40 years of experience working and volunteering in the IT industry, as a consultant, working in a large crown corporation with a large footprint, and over 30 years of volunteer experience, including over 20 years as a Board Member and then President of a conservation ENGO. Oh, and a great sushi spot on Commercial Drive that my mentee last year showed me!
Mentor Bio:

Shannon Duong

Degree: MRM Planning
Current Profession/Position: Planner
Company/Organization: Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen
Other Areas of Education/Training:
Professional Organization Membership: PIBC (Candidate member)
Career Interests: Rural land use planning, agricultural land use planning, wildlife conservation
Hobbies: Cooking, hiking, and trying new food, craft beer and local wine. Currently working on growing my collection of house plants and dabbling in the whole sourdough thing (...only 4 years late to the game...)
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
As someone who used to organize the REM Mentorship Program, I want to be able to give back! Also, I'd love to be able to give prospective planners an idea of what the local government planning world looks like.
What could you offer as a mentor?
I've been working in the planning field for the last 4 years and can give some insight on what it's like to work as a planner for a regional district government and for the provincial government (former Land Use Planner with the Agricultural Land Commission). Happy to chat about potential work opportunities as well. I'm not a hiring manager but we do have opportunities (student roles, entry level roles) that come up every now and again and I'd love to be able to get some more REMmers out to the Okanagan.
Mentor Bio: LinkedIn

Jeremy Moorhouse

Degree: MRM
Current Profession/Position: Renewable Energy Analyst - IEA
Company/Organization: International Energy Agency
Other Areas of Education/Training: Undergrad Mechanical Engineering
Professional Organization Membership:
Career Interests: Climate policy, renewable energy, energy policy, collaboration
Hobbies: Hiking, biking, cooking, photography, running
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
Share my experiences with REM student with the hope that it is useful to them and remain connected to SFU and research there.
What could you offer as a mentor?
I can offer help in defining career aspirations, defining what type of job you’d like to do, help with navigating the REM experience and sharing my experiences
Mentor Bio: Linkedin

Darryl Finnigan

Degree: Old school 699
Current Profession/Position: Science Partnership Advisor
Company/Organization: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (starting May 6)
Other Areas of Education/Training: Knowledge Mobilization Certificate BSc Biology BSc Ag
Professional Organization Membership:
Career Interests: Ag and environment
Hobbies: Music and hiking
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
Help Remmers
What could you offer as a mentor?
Advice on career path
Mentor Bio: Linkedin

Danielle Edwards

Degree: MRM Planning
Current Profession/Position: Manager / Acting Director, International Climate Affairs and Reporting Division, Climate Change Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada
Company/Organization: Government of Canada
Other Areas of Education/Training: PhD, UBC, natural resource management
Professional Organization Membership:
Career Interests: natural resource management, stakeholder and partner engagement, climate change mitigation
Hobbies:
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
Share experiences in moving from REM into the public service; build networks for engagement and recruitment purposes
What could you offer as a mentor?
sharing experiences from 15 years as a Government of Canada public servant, having been recruited into the public service from REM; insights into Government of Canada recruitment and advancement; as well as subject matter expertise related to Government of Canada engagement with provinces and territories, and international and domestic climate reporting
Mentor Bio: LinkedIn

Sherry Walker

Degree: MRM Thesis
Current Profession/Position: National Manager, Biotechnology and Genomics Program, Ocean and Regulatory Science, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Company/Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Other Areas of Education/Training:
Professional Organization Membership:
Career Interests: My career interests encompass the science-policy interface with a current focus on the advancing genomic tools such as environmental DNA in support of resource management decisions. In addition, my team is responsible for regulatory environmental risk assessment of fish products of biotechnology under an MOU. We conduct environmental risk assessment, support regulatory research to inform risk assessment and provide science advice to Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada who are the regulatory authorities under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and the New Substances Notification Regulations.
Hobbies: I love outdoor activities including skiing, canoeing and camping as well as gardening.
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
I would be happy to provide guidance to early career professionals concerning the development of soft skills and experiences to help guide them to be successful in their careers.
What could you offer as a mentor?
I am located in Ottawa so I would be only available for MS Teams calls but I could make myself available on a bi-weekly or monthly basis to touch base with the mentee and discuss their career goals, and provide guidance to successfully approach challenges.
Mentor Bio:

Shahid Hossaini

Degree: MRM
Current Profession/Position: Senior Research Associate
Company/Organization: Smart Prosperity Institute
Other Areas of Education/Training: Engineering (macro energy systems); energy economics; public policy
Professional Organization Membership:
Career Interests: Energy; Climate; Engineering
Hobbies: Skiing; Camping; Data & statistical methods for soccer
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
Help students evaluate career prospects. Guide students through research and thesis defence.
What could you offer as a mentor?
Industry experience; Research experience; Contacts and info on reliable open source data for research in the energy and mining sectors; General career guidance
Mentor Bio: https://institute.smartprosperity.ca/node/3266

Bruce Morgan

Degree: Research Paper
Current Profession/Position: Retired after nearly 40 years with governments of BC and Canada.
Company/Organization: N/A
Other Areas of Education/Training: Professional Certified Coaching specializing in leadership development and career mentoring
Professional Organization Membership: International Coaching Federation
Career Interests: I spent most of my career in environmental assessment but also have experience in policy and legislation, intergovernmental relations and biodiversity conservation. I am familiar with both federal and provincial environmental governance.
Hobbies: Gardening, photography, reading
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
This will be my 5th year of REM Mentoring. I want to assist my mentee in exploring career choices and how to pursue them. I also want to get the benefit of spending virtual time with another REM student. It keeps me in touch with the program. It’s nice to see the next generation of leaders.
What could you offer as a mentor?
Forty years of experience working in the field of environmental management with the governments off BC and Canada. I have very broad experience in interdisciplinary work that aligns very well with REM. I’m also a leadership coach so I bring a coach like approach to my mentoring. I show up as a thinking partner rather than telling my mentee what is the right path.
Mentor Bio:

Siobhan Jackson

Degree: MRM
Current Profession/Position: BC Hydro Project Director North Coast Transmission (Infrastructure planning and development)
Company/Organization: BC Hydro
Other Areas of Education/Training:
Professional Organization Membership:
Career Interests:
Hobbies: Hiking, boating, camping, skiing, travelling
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
Connect with current REM program, support an individual and their career journey
What could you offer as a mentor?
I’ve enjoyed a variety of roles including environment lead, customer service, project development and construction. Can also support further networking in the electricity business.
Mentor Bio: LinkedIn

Mandy McDougall

Degree: MRM thesis
Current Profession/Position: environmental scientist/risk assessor - consulting
Company/Organization: Dillon Consulting
Other Areas of Education/Training: contaminated sites management, risk assessment
Professional Organization Membership: CAB/Eco Canada SETAC
Career Interests: emerging contaminant management, site remediation/reclamation
Hobbies: dancing, yoga, hiking
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
the ability to help current students navigate career options and opportunities post-REM
What could you offer as a mentor?
the ability to provide insights into consulting, and connecting to
Others in the field with similar career interests
Mentor Bio: LinkedIn Dillon Consulting 

Adam King

Degree: MRM Thesis
Current Profession/Position: Ontario Public Service - Indigenous Relations Subject Matter Expert - Team Lead
Company/Organization: Ontario Public Service
Other Areas of Education/Training: Land Use Planning, Municipal Land Use Planning, Natural Resource Management, Parks and Protected Areas Management
Professional Organization Membership:
Career Interests: Land Use and Natural Resource Planning and Management, Indigenous Relations, Team Building
Hobbies: Woodworking, Camping, Boating (canoe, kayak, sail, etc.) Playing Music
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
I would like to support REM students in identifying and working towards obtaining their life and career goals.
What could you offer as a mentor?
I believe that I can help students work through questions about career interests, achieving work life balance, and working through difficult academic and professional situations.
Mentor Bio: LinkedIn

Zoe Long

Degree: MRM and PhD
Current Profession/Position: PhD candidate in REM
Company/Organization:
Other Areas of Education/Training: BSc in Biology - media training - quantitative and qualitative research
Professional Organization Membership: Women in Energy - Women of Electric Vehicles
Career Interests: academia (tenure track professor) - research for non-profit, think tank, consulting organization - research for government
Hobbies: Being in the mountains (skiing, climbing, running, mountain biking), yoga, dancing, improv, reading, birding
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
If any current students are interested in the academic path I would be thrilled to pass along my experiences navigating academia and research.
What could you offer as a mentor?
- sharing my career path - talking through mentee's career aspirations and plan - tips for managing the supervisor/student relationship - ideas and experiences securing grad student funding - feedback on CV, grant proposals, career search documents - encouragement and support
Mentor Bio: LinkedIn Google Scholar

Gabi Diner

Degree: MRM Thesis
Current Profession/Position: I work as an energy-economy modeller for the federal government with the goal of assessing policies and technologies that can help Canada transition to net-zero emissions by mid-century.
Company/Organization: Canada Energy Regulator
Other Areas of Education/Training: Forestry and fisheries
Professional Organization Membership:
Career Interests: Continuing to work in the net-zero space both in Canada and internationally. I'm looking forward to branching out as my career grows and hope to have the opportunity to work for industry, think tanks, and NGOs in this space as well.
Hobbies: Brewing beer and riding bikes!
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
I hope to help students in the transitionary period between graduation and securing a job. It can be an intimidating time and I would love to share the strategies I used.
What could you offer as a mentor?
Although I am just beginning my career, I have solid experience in conducting informational interviews, applying to jobs, and interviewing (both myself and candidates for positions). I have a decent number of contacts in the energy-modelling space as well I can connect my mentee with if that is their field.
Mentor Bio: LinkedIn

Jennifer Arblaster

Degree: MRM Thesis
Current Profession/Position: Senior Ecological Risk Assessor
Company/Organization: Geosyntec Consultants
Other Areas of Education/Training:
Professional Organization Membership: SETAC
Career Interests: PFAS, microplastics
Hobbies:
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
Support students in toxicology programs
What could you offer as a mentor?
Consulting experience, guidance
Mentor Bio: LinkedIn

Sari Saunders

Degree: MRM
Current Profession/Position: Research Section Head (research ecologist)
Company/Organization: BC Ministry of Forests
Other Areas of Education/Training: Biology (BSc), Forest Science (landscape ecology) PhD
Professional Organization Membership: BC College of Applied Biologists (RPBio) International Association of Landscape Ecology - North American Chapter
Career Interests: research - landscape and forest dynamics, biodiversity conservation planning, ecological classification (BEC); research management
Hobbies: hiking, camping, running, fishing, natural history/field naturalists, family
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
support new professionals moving into my areas of interest and organization; keep connected to REM; keep connected to emerging areas of study and knowledge in natural resource management and understand interests and capacity of graduates looking for professional positions
What could you offer as a mentor?
access to my own and govt colleagues' experiences in provincial govt as a career and specific to research work; experiences in considering choices re: continued education, career direction
Mentor Bio: https://rem-main.rem.sfu.ca/forestry/people/associates/sarisaunders.htm - haha! This one through REM is old and doesn't show my PhD or my current Research Section Head position; https://rem-main.rem.sfu.ca/forestry/people/alumni/sarisaunders.htm This one through REM has my PhD but is even older professionally; https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/research-monitoring-reporting/research/flnrord-research-authors/sari-saunders some stuff here, and a link to Research Gate within; https://ecologicalprocesses.springeropen.com/about/editorial-board/sari-saunders

Carlos Zavarce

Degree: MRM Planning
Current Profession/Position: Director of Development - Matthews West
Company/Organization: Matthews West
Other Areas of Education/Training: GIS, Geography, Development
Professional Organization Membership: PIBC, CPP, UDI
Career Interests: Real Estate Development, Planning, Tourism
Hobbies: Mountain Biking, Skiing, Moto (Trails/Enduro).
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
Demonstrate career options in the private sector.
What could you offer as a mentor?
An opinionated but impassioned perspective on how to participate in the future in a meaningful way.
Mentor Bio: LinkedIn

Josh Silberg

Degree: MRM thesis
Current Profession/Position: Content Strategist Design and plan exhibits for museums, galleries, and attractions using creative technologies
Company/Organization: ngx interactive
Other Areas of Education/Training: Storytelling, marine ecology, science communications
Professional Organization Membership:
Career Interests: Science communications, writing, personal storytelling, public speaking
Hobbies: Woodworking, hiking, diving, sports
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
Remain connected to the REM community. Give back to current students.
What could you offer as a mentor?
Career advice (especially outside of academia)
Mentor Bio: https://ngxinteractive.com/team/josh-silberg/

Kiri Bird

Degree: MRM Planning
Current Profession/Position: TELUS sustainability - a new nature-based solutions (forest carbon) project specialist
Company/Organization: TELUS
Other Areas of Education/Training: Social innovation, social enterprise, social finance
Professional Organization Membership:
Career Interests: Systemic change, equity diversity and inclusion, economic reconciliation
Hobbies:
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
Giving back to SFU and expanding my professional network.
What could you offer as a mentor?
Networks, career advice, social innovation and systems change perspective on REM topics
Mentor Bio: LinkedIn

David Waldron

Degree: MRM
Current Profession/Position: Co-founder and Principal, Synapse Strategies (management consultancy)
Company/Organization: Synapse Strategies
Other Areas of Education/Training: Sustainability Science, Strategic Leadership towards Sustainability, Regenerative Development, Organizational Development, Program Management, Sustainable Urbanism
Professional Organization Membership:
Career Interests: Applying sustainability science and transformational leadership approaches to regenerate socio-ecological communities
Hobbies: hiking, skiing, gardening, writing
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
Participation in interesting conversations and perhaps an interesting project. And worthwhile experience for a 'mentee'.
What could you offer as a mentor?
40 years experience initiating and managing projects and programs inside local government, corporations, ENGOs and universities (includes time as a P.Eng., strategic planner, community organizer, ENGO strategic plan, large city strategic advisor).
Mentor Bio: http://synapse-strategies.com/who-we-are/

Erica Olson

Degree: MRM Planning
Current Profession/Position: PhD student in Marine Ethnoecology Research Group at University of Victoria, exploring how multiple ways of knowing inform marine planning initiatives.
Company/Organization: University of Victoria
Other Areas of Education/Training:
Professional Organization Membership:
Career Interests: Working in the area of marine governance, planning and management
Hobbies: Hockey, boating, swimming
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
I've been a mentor in the program for multiple years, and it's nice to stay connected to REM and be able to help people who are earlier in their career.
What could you offer as a mentor?
Advice about navigating graduate school, considerations for career options after school, and I guess I do my best to support given whatever the person is facing.
Mentor Bio: LinkedIn https://natalieban.wordpress.com/people/

Saleem Dar

Degree: MRM Project/Thesis
Current Profession/Position: Senior negotiator, Yukon government, Department of Energy, Mines and Resources
Company/Organization: Yukon Government
Other Areas of Education/Training: Aboriginal consultation/law Conflict Resolution, Negotiation & facilitation Biology (botany/species at risk/wildlife management)
Professional Organization Membership:
Career Interests: Applied resource management (wildlife management; renewable and non-renewable resources; minerals/mining & land management) Collaborative Land use planning Implementation & negotiation of indigenous treaties and
Other collaborative rights-based arrangements
Hobbies: Skiing, Biking, backpacking, travel
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
Support & provide real-world perspective on resource & environmental management in practice in northern Canada (and elsewhere) for early-career REM students
What could you offer as a mentor?
30 years of real-world perspective on resource & environmental management in practice in BC, northern Canada, Latin America (and elsewhere) in government (federal and provincial/territorial), private sector and Environmental NGO sectors
Mentor Bio:

Elizabeth Vincer

Degree: MRM Thesis
Current Profession/Position: Ecosystem Scientist with Parks Canada
Company/Organization: Parks Canada
Other Areas of Education/Training: Undergraduate degree in biology Experience with environmental impact assessment and species at risk implementation and policy
Professional Organization Membership: R.P.Bio
Career Interests: Looking to transition into a management/leadership role with the federal government
Hobbies: Hiking, camping, gardening, snowmobiling
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
I want to provide career advice to help the next generation of REM students effectively transition into the workforce. I feel like I have a lot of experience in navigating the field of environmental science/resource management as a woman and can share my lived experience.
What could you offer as a mentor?
I have a blend of working experience with consulting and federal government jobs in the last 10 years. I have also had to navigate my way through my career as a women in STEM and would love to share my experiences and tips with the next generation of female REM students.
Mentor Bio: LinkedIn

Holly Nesbitt

Degree: MRM Thesis
Current Profession/Position: Postdoc, Human-Environment Systems, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho
Company/Organization: Boise State University
Other Areas of Education/Training: PhD in environmental social science
Professional Organization Membership:
Career Interests: Professor
Hobbies: Hiking, skiing, paddling, biking, fashion
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
Give back to the community, gain experience mentoring grad students (which I hope to do as a professor one day)
What could you offer as a mentor?
See previous answer
Mentor Bio: https://www.boisestate.edu/hes/people/holly-k-nesbitt/#profile

Bruce Currie-Alder

Degree: MRM thesis
Current Profession/Position: Leader, Climate Adaptation and Resilience (CLARE) within Climate Resilience Food Systems research program
Company/Organization: International Development Research Centre
Other Areas of Education/Training: Public policy, international development, climate adaptation, environmental science
Professional Organization Membership:
Career Interests: Bruce Currie-Alder is an impatient & stubborn optimist, with a passion for catalyzing climate action by helping people in diverse places work together for climate-resilient solutions. Based at Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC) he co-leads the funding partnership with the government of the United Kingdom in support of Climate Adaptation and Resilience (CLARE) across Africa and Asia-Pacific. His publications include the book 'Research for the Developing World' by Oxford University Press, and the article 'Managing collaborative research: insights from a multi-consortium programme' in Regional Environmental Change. Bruce holds a PhD in public policy from Carleton University.
Hobbies:
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
Give back to REM community. Offer a practical experience from my journey and act as mentor to help someone plot their own journey moving forward
What could you offer as a mentor?
Humility, 20 years with a research funder, insights on development and research sectors, experience with publishing (articles and books)
Mentor Bio: LinkedIn Google Scholar

Chris Joseph

Degree: MRM, PhD
Current Profession/Position: consultant (sole proprietor)
Company/Organization: Swift Creek Consulting
Other Areas of Education/Training:
Professional Organization Membership: IAIA, IAIA-WNC past membership in planning and economics associations
Career Interests: consulting, research Impact assessment, cumulative effects, public interest, major projects, climate, energy, Indigenous issues
Hobbies: outdoor sports, offgrid living, sustainability
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
help students as I can
What could you offer as a mentor?
advice based on my career path
Mentor Bio: LinkedIn https://www.swiftcreekconsulting.com

Claire Buchanan

Degree: MRM Planning
Current Profession/Position: Regional Planner
Company/Organization: Agricultural Land Commission
Other Areas of Education/Training: agricultural and rural land use planning
Professional Organization Membership: Candidate RPP
Career Interests: rural land use planning, with a specific focus on agriculture
Hobbies: Hiking, reading, golf
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
I had a great experience in the REM mentorship program that helped me with parts of my career and I found it useful to talk with someone who was doing the work. Hopefully I could provide that to someone in REM.
What could you offer as a mentor?
I have spent my time since REM working at the provincial level of planning and feel I can provide perspective on planning at this scale and specific aspects of planning in agricultural and rural spaces
Mentor Bio: LinkedIn

kate shapiro

Degree: MRM thesis and planning
Current Profession/Position: Program lead for "Indigenous-led area-based conservation" funding program, at Environment and Climate Change Canada
Company/Organization: Environment and Climate Change Canada (federal government)
Other Areas of Education/Training: teaching degree, culinary diploma, 1.5 years of midwifery school, and currently enrolled in the IPCA (Indigenous protected and conserved areas) planning certificate through VIU.
Professional Organization Membership:
Career Interests: Healthy people, environments, cultures and communities. Supporting Truth and Reconciliation initiatives and work. Large-scale area-based conservation collaborative initiatives
Hobbies: Riding my bike cooking rock climbing (indoors) book club
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
Supporting a student in their visioning for what they want to do next, keeping possibilities open, optimism.
What could you offer as a mentor?
discussion about my experience, listening, brainstorming, encouraging
Mentor Bio:

LINDSAY GARDNER

Degree: MRM
Current Profession/Position: Policy Coordinator with DFO, in Fisheries Management
Company/Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Other Areas of Education/Training: Political Science (B.A.)
Professional Organization Membership:
Career Interests: Improving fisheries management processes and economic viability of independent harvesters commercial fisheries, making positive change within government.
Hobbies: Climbing, hiking, camping, cycling, reading, cooking.
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
I've received lots through my co-op terms (undergrad and graduate level), so happy to give back and help students learn and prosper.
What could you offer as a mentor?
Lots of experience applying for positions (writing resumes and cover letters, interviews). I've completed 7 co-op terms in total, 5 with the federal government, and have a good understanding of hiring processes post-co-op as well. Can offer advice, editing resumes and cover letters, check-ins.
Mentor Bio:

kevin kriese

Degree: MRM Planning
Current Profession/Position: Consultant and policy advisor. Part time working for the POLIS Wildfire Resilience Project at UVIC.
Other misc government contracts.
Company/Organization: Consultant
Other Areas of Education/Training: Forestry, conflict resolution, organizational management
Professional Organization Membership:
Career Interests: Land use, wildfire, forest practices, reconciliation, policy design, water, and organizational change.
Hobbies: ski, bike, hunt, home.
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
Stay connected to emerging professionals. Learn about the interests of recent graduates. Get exposed to new ideas.
What could you offer as a mentor?
I was a senior decision maker in the provincial government and have extensive experience in provincial natural resource management regimes and practices. I am very tuned in to the current issues in BC.
Mentor Bio: https://poliswaterproject.org/polis-staff/kevin-kriese/

Aimee Brisebois

Degree: MRM Thesis and Planning
Current Profession/Position: Senior Scientist, Environment and Climate Change Canada
Company/Organization: Environment and Climate Change Canada
Other Areas of Education/Training:
Professional Organization Membership: Registered Professional Biologist
Career Interests: natural resources management cumulative effects indigenous group engagement
Hobbies: Skiing, trail running, guitar, bike rides with my kids :)
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
Meet folks for future connection and contacts. Provide support for those going through grad school. Show what jobs options are out there.
What could you offer as a mentor?
a friendly face, if applicable job contacts depending in suitability of person, someone trying to figure out options after grad school
Mentor Bio: LinkedIn

Stephanie Ko

Degree: MRM Thesis
Current Profession/Position: Senior risk assessor at WSP
Company/Organization: WSP
Other Areas of Education/Training:
Professional Organization Membership: RPBio
Career Interests: toxicology, risk assessment, contaminated sites, project management
Hobbies: running, cycling, gym, badminton, reading, travel
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
Would like to provide info to graduates on what's it like being a consultant and to see if they would be interested in joining WSP
What could you offer as a mentor?
info on working as a consultant, practical info they may need, what employers are looking for
Mentor Bio: LinkedIn

Dionne Bunsha

Degree: MRM
Current Profession/Position: Climate and Conservation Engagement Coordinator
Company/Organization: UBC Botanical Garden
Other Areas of Education/Training: M.Sc. Development Studies
Professional Organization Membership:
Career Interests: Ecosystem stewardship, community-based conservation, indigenous knowledge, climate change adaptation, nature based solutions
Hobbies: trail running, hiking, tennis, yoga, paddle boarding, swimming, gardening
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
helping a REM student in whatever they need.
What could you offer as a mentor?
Guidance and advice, contacts
Mentor Bio: LinkedIn

Matt Horne

Degree: MRM
Current Profession/Position: I run the City of Vancouver's climate program
Company/Organization: City of Vancouver
Other Areas of Education/Training: Industrial Engineering
Professional Organization Membership:
Career Interests: Climate policy, energy transition, management
Hobbies: hiking, gardening, cooking, disc golf
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
stay connected with the department and hopefully help some newer students figuring out their career paths
What could you offer as a mentor?
While the focus of my work has been on energy and climate, I've had the opportunity to do so through consulting, NGO advocacy, local government and provincial government, which may be of interest to REM students. I'm happy to meet up every couple months to discuss areas of interest. I wouldn't have time for any significant prep outside of those meet ups.
Mentor Bio:

Pamela Dykstra

Degree: MRM Thesis
Current Profession/Position: Research Leader, Forest Ecology Interpretations, BC Ministry of Forests
Company/Organization: British Columbia Ministry of Forests
Other Areas of Education/Training: n/a
Professional Organization Membership: RPBio, PAg
Career Interests: climate adaptation, forest resilience, landscape level planning, change management
Hobbies: skiing, sailing, hiking, reading, learning, cooking, studying ai technology
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
Pass on useful info from industry, working for gov't, learn about what newly educated REMmers are doing
What could you offer as a mentor?
Coaching, advice, knowledge, contacts
Mentor Bio: LinkedIn

Ashley Smith

Degree: MRM Planning
Current Profession/Position: Senior Environmental Specialist, Indigenous Services Canada
Company/Organization: Indigenous Services Canada
Other Areas of Education/Training: Contaminated sites training
Professional Organization Membership: AESAC
Career Interests: Environmental Impact Assessment, Cumulative Effects Assessment, Species at Risk Conservation
Hobbies: hiking, traveling, sci-fi lit, music
What would you like to achieve through participating in the REM mentorship program?
Giving back to fellow remmers and providing insight into various areas of career development.
What could you offer as a mentor?
I have a wealth of experience as I have worked for the private sector in developing EIAs, as well as numerous federal departments responsible for reviewing them.
Mentor Bio: LinkedIn