I grew up in the Lower Mainland, so BC has always been home to me. I grew up loving the rain and mountains and oceans and forests, so it is not surprising that I am pursuing a degree that will help me protect nature. I also cherish my friends and family and when I have time, and it's just a tad too rainy, I read books or play Sims (the computer game).

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

I chose SFU for my masters degree because I wanted to work under Dr. Mark Jaccard in energy management. Dr. Jaccard is esteemed in this field, brings unique perspectives to the climate crisis, and remains hopeful when others believe that all hope is lost. I believe working alongside Dr. Jaccard will best prepare me for a career in energy management after my graduation.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESEARCH AND/OR PROGRAM.

For my research, I am studying whether society can reduce carbon emissions in large vehicles (think larger than a Ford F-150). To answer this question, I model potential futures that are altered based on plausible costs, the energy efficiency of technologies, rates of technology development, etc. My research will help address the uncertainty of electricity, hydrogen, or biodiesel playing a role in the decarbonization of large vehicles

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

First, I have enjoyed meeting people who care as much about the environment as I do. We are on the same wave length and it has been refreshing to spend time with people like me.
Second, this program has given me hope for our planet. So many environmentalists see gloom and destruction for our future, but my research, classes, and professors have given me hope that change is possible, that saving the planet is still within our grasp, and that positivity and strong-minded people will help us save our planet.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR FUNDED AWARDS?

I was the recipient of the SSHRC in 2020, the Dean's Graduate Fellowship in 2019 and the BC Graduate Fellowship in 2019. These awards have impacted my studies by giving me peace of mind throughout my program. Without financial support from SFU or the government, I would not have had the financial resources to pursue a master's, so I am incredibly grateful to my funders who made my research possible.

DESCRIBE YOUR PROGRAM FOR THOSE SEARCHING.

The Masters in Resource Management is an interdisciplinary program. In class, you learn about various environmental resources and their interconnection with people and the economy. As a project or thesis, each student focuses on a single resource to provide insight into how that resource can be better managed now and into the future.