Kim-Ly Thompson

School of Resource and Environmental Management doctoral student in the Faculty of Environment

I am an interdisciplinary coastal researcher of mixed Viet-European ancestry, based in Tsm'syen territory with close ties and commitments to the Gitga'at Nation. I have always been curious and inspired by the natural world and all the relationships within it, and feel most grounded when I get to witness and participate in those relationships first hand. I feel very lucky to be in a position to do work that is motivated by and accountable to people and places I love.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

Major factors that influenced my decision to come to SFU and REM is their commitment to community-engaged research and encouragement of interdisciplinary learning in order to contribute to solving complex real-world problems.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?

My research seeks to inform community-driven actions and policy supporting Indigenous food sovereignty in the context of a changing climate. I am interested in political and ecological pathways to rights-based diets, social-ecological systems, and leveraging Indigenous intertidal resource management practices (like tending to clam beds) to mitigate impacts of climate change such as harmful algal blooms.

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

I really appreciate the sense of community and support that exists with my peers and mentors despite beginning my program during a global pandemic!