Environmental Science

As a student, I recommend you explore opportunities beyond what academia can offer. Take advantages of opportunities outside of the classroom. If your program offers you an opportunity to take courses abroad or if there is a learning opportunity outside of classes – go for it!

“Get involved with as many things that interest you as possible! Many of the highlights of my time at York, and many of the friends I met, were through clubs and extracurriculars. For example, a huge part of my undergraduate degree was doing theatre with Vanier College Productions, even though that has nothing to do with the field I’m in. There’s much more to university than just studying!”

I enjoyed my time at York and learned a lot. Some professors, such as Stewart Elgie at Osgoode and Harry Ally, had a huge impact on me. I thought the standard of teaching was inspiring and came back to Seychelles with a drive to get things done.

Through the Cities, Regions, Planning and Schulich PMMP (4+1 Pathway) program, I aim to integrate urban planning principles with sustainable practices to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship, ensuring healthy ecosystems andvibrant communities.

My EUCURA research investigated the ways in which Indigenous people do not have the same ability to forget, and it found that polishing the chain could be used pedagogically to expose non-Indigenous Canadians to their luxury of forgetting and it may create daily “radical reminders” of the ongoing colonization of this land.

The SHSM program has provided me valuable experience, training and certifications, which has strengthened my resume and developed skills related to my field of study. Through SHSM, I was able to feel more aligned
with my ambitions and commitment to succeed. Furthermore, the program’s benefits have made me a stronger candidate for financing opportunities by showcasing my dedication and preparation for university-level work.

I chose to study Environmental Arts and Justice because this program combines my interests of sustainability and environmental issues with the arts and human rights. I wanted to learn how to incorporate my creative skills as an artist and a musician into my passion for the environment, all while advocating for social and environmental change.

I picked EAJ because I knew it would give me the foundations in how to apply a more creative aspect in my teaching style when I would become a teacher. Also because I was curious in how art can help drive environmental, social and political change (climate justice)  during our climate crisis.

Katherine Tse is a recipient of EUC’s Undergraduate Research Award (EUCURA) in Summer 2024. She was part of the study on Lake Scugog where York University undergraduate students in the Environmental Science program partnered with the Scugog Lake Stewards to investigate lake ice decline.

The experiential learning opportunities offered within EUC have enabled me to build valuable connections with esteemed faculty and likeminded peers. These immersive experiences have not only equipped me with strong research skills but also instilled in me a passion for environmental stewardship, preparing me to make a tangible impact in the field.

Claire O’Hagan is one of the recipients of the inaugural EUC Undergraduate Research Awards (EUCURA) in 2022. As part of the award, she worked with Professor Joshua Thienpont on a project titled Assessing a potential tool for rapid assessment of shoreline permafrost thaw impacts to lake sediments.

With geography, we learn of the absence of neutrality in space, as there is always more to it than meets the eye. Every corner of the world bears historical struggles and inspirations for future possibilities. As a future geography and history teacher, my goal is to educate people on the importance of making and understanding connections between the two disciplines.

My time at the EUC has been transformative, making me feel like a true changemaker. As an international student, the welcoming  community, experiential education courses, and networking  opportunities have made me feel valued and helped bring my ideas, goals, and career plans to life.

My favourite part of the program is its diverse curriculum. Economic, Environmental, and Global Political Problems and their possible solutions and many more interesting concepts are part of this curriculum.

Jesse Hughes is a recipient of the EUC Undergraduate Research Award (EUCURA) and worked with Gail Fraser on the project ‘Quantifying predator type and abundance of nesting common terns at Tommy Thompson Park.

Through the Cities, Regions, Planning and Schulich PMMP (4+1 Pathway) program, I aim to integrate urban planning principles with sustainable practices to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship, ensuring healthy ecosystems andvibrant communities.

My time at the EUC has been transformative, making me feel like a true changemaker. As an international student, the welcoming  community, experiential education courses, and networking  opportunities have made me feel valued and helped bring my ideas, goals, and career plans to life.

Las Nubes was a life changing academic experience. It gives you such a personal, unique, intimate travel experience that regular travel doesn’t provide, and I would recommend it for any student who is eligible.

My favourite part of the program is its diverse curriculum. Economic, Environmental, and Global Political Problems and their possible solutions and many more interesting concepts are part of this curriculum.

Katherine Tse is a recipient of EUC’s Undergraduate Research Award (EUCURA) in Summer 2024. She was part of the study on Lake Scugog where York University undergraduate students in the Environmental Science program partnered with the Scugog Lake Stewards to investigate lake ice decline.

Jasper Wong is a recipient of the EUC Undergraduate Research Award (EUCURA) and worked on the project on Land use/Land cover dynamics and land surface temperature within the Humber River Catchment using Remote Sensing and GIS with Professor Adeyemi Olusola.

My time at the EUC has been transformative, making me feel like a true changemaker. As an international student, the welcoming  community, experiential education courses, and networking  opportunities have made me feel valued and helped bring my ideas, goals, and career plans to life.

The field of planning resonates with me on a personal level, and the prospect of creating meaningful connections within a community and environment has always fascinated me.

My experience at EUC has been truly transformative—far exceeding my expectations as an international student. The supportive community, close-knit connections, and the confidence I’ve gained have made EUC an unforgettable part of my journey.

My journey has been driven by a passion for addressing climate change impacts, advocating for vulnerable communities and shaping international climate policy. From coordinating national climate strategies to negotiating on behalf of small island states, I’ve dedicated myself to environmental justice and sustainable development. I’m proud to have played a role in influencing global climate targets and continuing to champion critical issues in international discussions.

[Getting involved within faculty-student programs] can be incredibly beneficial. These programs offer opportunities to build meaningful relationships beyond just academic acquaintanceships. Especially during stressful times, like navigating university life, having a supportive community can make all the difference. It’s reassuring to know that others are facing similar challenges and that genuine connections can be formed.

As a student, I recommend you explore opportunities beyond what academia can offer. Take advantages of opportunities outside of the classroom. If your program offers you an opportunity to take courses abroad or if there is a learning opportunity outside of classes – go for it!