Courses at Thompson Rivers University 

BIOL 1210 Principles of Biology 2

Explored the principles of biology including biological diversity, speciation, and the evolutionary conundrum of sexual reproduction in both plants and animals. Developed many skills including working in teams, conducting research projects by developing and testing hypotheses, and communicating the results effectively. 

GEOG 2050 Introduction to Hydrology

Explored hydrologic systems and processes including the global hydrologic cycle, hydrologic measurement techniques, elementary hydrologic modelling. The sustainability aspect of this course evaluated potential impacts land use, climate change, and politics  have on certain water resources. I learned how to examine water sustainability topics in a large scale. 

GEOG 1000 Introduction to Earth System Science

Explored the interactions between the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere including the impacts humans activity and sustainable practices have on these interactions.  I learned how to evaluate the impacts humans have on these topics using tools including GIS. 

NRSC 3170 Ichthyology 

Explored the anatomy, physiology, life history, and ecology of freshwater and marine fishes. Learned specific identification skills of local freshwater fishes and salmon, sustainable fishing practices currently employed, and recent research topics within the field. 

CHEM 3010 Aqueous Environmental Chemistry 

Explored the properties and composition of natural waters focusing on local influences. Topics included hydrologic cycles, water quality, toxicology, chemical equilibria, redox processes, and water treatment. Learned about the UN sustainability development goals (SDG) surrounding water quality globally by creating water quality infographic for a selected community and adding terms to the UN SDG glossary online. 

 Employment Activity

Here I was immersed in the culture of research and development farming. I learned about regenerative agriculture as well as crop rotation and how they can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, nurture and restore soil health, protects the climate and water resources. Genetic seed research also ensures that when customers are growing a crop, they are able to achieve the highest yield possible by protecting plants against diseases and funguses.

 Extra Curricular Knowledge Sharing

Aqueous chemistry students (CHEM 3010) and tourism management students (TMGT 4170) worked together to address an environmental scenario. It involved water quality and quantity at riverside park in the summertime when water use is at its peak. Students were divided into teams and given an hour to present a PowerPoint solution to this problem considering the environmental and tourism aspects. I gained valuable experience from this workshop including working with students from different disciplines, solving a problem quickly, and public speaking skills. 

Environmental Social Organization

I have followed the activities of the British Columbia Wildlife Federation (BCWF) for several years since I am a very active hunter/Fisherman in BC. I decided just recently to become a member as I believe several of their projects are very important to sustainable harvest within the province including the Southern Interior Mule deer research and Chronic wasting disease programs.  The BCWF provides members with an education platform  and a place for their voice to be heard about sustainability issues in the province