Student Profile: Nadia Springle

Resource Management master's student in the Faculty of Environment

I am a second-year master’s student in the Resource and Environmental Management (REM) program at SFU. I completed my undergraduate degree at Carleton University, Ottawa where I studied public policy and international development. During my studies I became increasingly interested in sustainability and environmental policy, as I found that environment and resource issues intersected with many of the social and political topics that I was studying.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

I chose to study at SFU because REM offered what I was looking for in terms of an interdisciplinary and reputable environmental studies program. I am interested in the circular economy and food systems, so working with Dr. Tammara Soma and the Food Systems Lab at SFU was the perfect fit.

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

I am researching bioplastic packaging in the foodservice industry. Bioplastics, which are made out of renewable materials like corn and sugarcane, are gaining traction as an alternative to conventional plastics made from fossil-fuels; however, they present their own complex challenges and limitations to sustainability. The research project that I am working on is examining the negative social and environmental impacts of bioplastic food packaging and exploring solutions to address these impacts.

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

I’ve really enjoyed the range of courses that REM offers, as this has allowed me to branch out and take classes in new disciplines. I also feel very lucky to be part of the REM community, which is filled with many talented and kind students, faculty and staff.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR-FUNDED AWARDS? IF SO, PLEASE TELL US WHICH ONES AND A LITTLE ABOUT HOW THE AWARDS HAVE IMPACTED YOUR STUDIES AND/OR RESEARCH.

SSHRC CGS Masters Scholarship and BC Graduate Scholarship

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PROGRAM/POSTDOC POSITION TO SOMEONE STILL SEARCHING FOR A PROGRAM OR POSTDOC POSITION?

REM is an interdisciplinary program that allows students to collaboratively explore resource and environmental management issues from many different angles. It has a research component and offers a professional certified planning stream.

Contact : nadia_springle@sfu.ca