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"I knew I was interesting in planning, and SFU's Resource and Environmental Management (REM) program stood out for its emphasis on the environment and interdisciplinary solutions. I also felt like a change of scenery - the mountain views are hard to beat!"
Owen Wilson
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'm from Southern Ontario, where urbanization and agriculture have disrupted much of the natural environment - but the pockets of nature that remain are incredibly biodiverse, much enjoyed, and beautiful. Conserving nature - and restoring it - can bring huge benefits to humans and to ecosystems; achieving this is what drove me to study planning at REM.
Why did you choose to come to SFU?
I knew I was interesting in planning, and SFU's Resource and Environmental Management (REM) program stood out for its emphasis on the environment and interdisciplinary solutions. I also felt like a change of scenery - the mountain views are hard to beat!
How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?
I'm studying land use planning, and more specifically, conservation on private property. My research focuses on exploring landowners' knowledge and perceptions of archaeological sites on their property as well as the laws that protect them.
What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?
Planning; conservation; archaeology.
How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?
Perhaps my greatest learning experience was when I spent a month over the summer on Xwe'etay / Lasqueti Island, where I interviewed many landowners about archaeological sites on their property. I was able to hear about the real impacts of the issue my research was investigating in a way that you can't read about in a book - and felt it, too, since I lived in the community for the month. It was busy, but so interesting, and so much fun. I met many great people, and of course, got to enjoy the island life. It definitely beat spending all that time in the library!
What have been the most valuable lessons you've learned along your graduate student journey (or in becoming a graduate student)?
Communicate! So many things seem insurmountable or impossible in your head - but talking things out with classmates, friends, supervisors, or mentors can really scale them down to size. I'm beyond grateful for all the friends I made in my cohort who were there to talk, listen, brainstorm, or just waste time in the planning office!
Contact Owen:owen_wilson@sfu.ca
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