Heather Kee

Resource and Environmental Management master's student in the Faculty of Environment

Tell us a little about yourself, including what inspires you to learn and continue in your chosen field

I am an MRM (Planning) student in the last year of my master's, working with Dr. Tammara Soma and the Food Systems Lab. Before my graduate studies, I worked in the food industry and saw firsthand the impacts of the current food system on the environment and society. I am very lucky to have the opportunity to bridge these two topics together through my research in REM. I spend my free time skiing and hiking in the mountains, reading a good book or enjoying time with friends and family.

Why did you choose to come to SFU?

The REM program's interdisciplinarity was one reason I came to SFU. I enjoy learning about different topics, seeing how they interconnect, and applying them in my work and research.

How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?

My research is focused on the Squamish to Lillooet region in British Columbia. It aims to understand the food system in the area by first identifying the current challenges and strengths of food system actors. More specifically, my research seeks to integrate community values, such as animal welfare and local food, into the food system, identify the barriers that could inhibit including community values, and develop solutions that can be applied to build scale in the region's food system.

What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?

Food systems planning Short food supply chains Values-based supply chains

How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?

The REM community is fantastic. Everyone is so encouraging and supportive; I have been fortunate to get to experience that throughout my master's.

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 CGSM award Ratana Stephens Graduate Award

Contact Heather:heather_kee@sfu.ca