Alumni

Dr. Amy Hudson recently completed her PhD in the Interdisciplinary Program at Memorial University. She has a BA from Memorial and a MA from the University of Victoria. She is originally from Black Tickle, a remote island community off the southeast coast of Labrador in NunatuKavut, the traditional homeland of Inuit from this region. Amy’s doctoral research was in the area of Inuit governance and sustainability planning. In her research, she works collaboratively with NunatuKavut Inuit, using both a strength and rights-based approach to examining the multi-faceted intersections between Inuit and research governance and sustainability planning in Inuit communities in NunatuKavut. She also works full-time with NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) in Happy Valley-Goose Bay as a negotiator and Governance and Strategic Planning Lead. She is also actively engaged in research and has led the development of sovereign research governance practices. Amy is involved in other areas of research including Inuit education, renewable energy, water security and Indigenous research methods. Amy’s approach to research highly regards Indigenous knowledge and storytelling as integral to the revitalization and survival of Indigenous culture and communities.

Brady recently completed the Master of Arts in Environmental Policy program at Grenfell Campus, working in collaboration with the community of Ewipkek (Flat Bay). Currently, Brady is a first year PhD in Rural Studies student at the University of Guelph. His research interests intersect between environmental stewardship, community development, and the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge in decision-making processes. As a settler scholar with mixed English/Mi’kmaw ancestry, Brady explores the roles and responsibilities of researchers engaging in community-based participatory research including self-reflection and critical thinking throughout the research process.

During my Master’s studies, I was also able to participate in a unique summer program called Students on Ice, in which I traveled to Northern Labrador with a group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students to learn about climate change adaptation, ocean literacy, sustainable development goals and truth and reconciliation.

Robin began at Memorial University in 2019. She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Ottawa: an Honors BSSc with a specialization in Conflict Studies and Human Rights, and a Master of Arts in Environmental Policy. Previously, Robin worked with the International Assistance Policy Coordination team at Global Affairs Canada on international integration of the Agenda 2030 (the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals). She left her position there to gain environmental expertise, and better position herself to help Canada work towards the SDGs.

Supervised by Dr. Paul Foley, Robin’s research project contextualized Newfoundland’s fisheries’ sustainability policy in the global arena, with the end goal of identifying policies that may help to discourage greenhouse gas emissions from the fisheries industry.

Palestinian MAEP Graduate,>
Currently working as a research assistant within several Memorial University Projects and an entrepreneur.
“Goals are dreams with deadlines”

Stephen Hextall graduated with a BA in Geography from Vancouver Island University before moving to Newfoundland and is a graduate of the Master of Arts in Environmental Policy from Memorial University, Grenfell Campus. He has called Vancouver Island home for the past 12 years before coming east but is originally from Coventry, England. His supervisors for the program are Dr. Mery Perez and Dr. Garrett Richards, both of whom have been amazingly supportive throughout the program.

His research focussed on the effectiveness of climate change education on impacting behaviour. This research has evolved from a position teaching various school, university and community groups about the causes, impacts, mitigation and adaptation strategies of climate change.

Other than school Stephen can often be found playing rugby, board games, hiking, camping or skiing. His internship is with the N.L. Department of Fisheries and Land Resources looking at the potential for improving community pastures to increase soil carbon capacity, productivity and biodiversity.

2019 Mandela Washington Fellow (MWF) and African Leaders of Tomorrow (ALT) Scholar, Abdul-Latif Alhassan, is a Project Management Consultant and the Executive Director of Civil Society and Institutional Foundation (CSIF) – Ghana, an NGO in Tamale. He leads the planning, implementation, monitoring and coordination of CSIF’s current and future projects/programs, and manage relations with partners and stakeholders. He’s made it possible for 15 brilliant but needy students from 4 deprived communities in the Northern Region of Ghana have access to quality basic and tertiary education, built capacities of 15 civil society organizations and 118 student leaders of the University for Development Studies (UDS) through the EduAfrica, Student Union Empowerment (SUE) and CSOs Strengthening Projects. Abdul previously led and managed 20 UK and Ghanaian volunteers under the International Citizen Service (ICS) Program in the implementation of the Local Integration for Empowerment (LIFE) project.

In 2020, Abdul has co-written the Corner Brook Green Infrastructure Policy, which was unanimously voted for, approved and adopted by the Council of the City of Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Canada. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Geography and Resource Development (Univ. of Ghana), a Level Five Award in Professional Consulting from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI, UK) and a master’s degree in Environmental Policy at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), Grenfell Campus.

Abdul’s Research Map/Interests are in Development planning, Climate Change & Environmental Policy, Food Security/Systems, GIS application in Natural resources, Project and City Management, Impact assessment and Sustainability. Broadly, his research questions hover around “How can the impact of NGOs/CSOs on food security, environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation/adaptation be long lasting in Northern Ghana and how do we enhance the capacities of CSOs and local communities to be resilient and sustainable”? His research under the supervision of Dr. Paul Foley looked at enhancing the capacity of NGOs in Climate Change Adaptation in Northern Ghana; applying lessons from Canada.

Gihangange Willy Benson is from Rwanda, East Africa. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics and Agri-business from the former National University of Rwanda (2013), now the University of Rwanda, a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics and Management from China Agricultural University in Beijing-China (2018), and a Master of Arts in Environmental Policy from Memorial University, Grenfell Campus (2021). He has developed some competencies working for agriculture-based NGOs and extended his interest to “Environmental policy” as the latter continuously interacts with the agriculture sector, especially in developing countries.

Benson’s interests specialize in policy design and evaluation by highlighting the importance of social equity in every policy’s success. Benson is incredibly sensitive to social equity as he believes in everyone’s right to be serviced and to benefit from any policy despite the differences existing in communities. For his master’s degree research, he is evaluating the National Environmental and Climate Change Policy (NECCP) in Rwanda and potential ways to improve its efficiency and effectiveness with regard to access to clean and renewable energy.

Roshayna completed a Bachelor’s degree in the field of Marketing in Sri Lanka, a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Peradeniya Sri Lanka, and a Master of Arts degree in Environmental Policy from Memorial University, Grenfell Campus. She successfully completed her internship with CPAWS (Canadian Parks and Wilderness) as a Community Engagement Associate. Her research interests are around understanding perceptions of communities and their engagement levels among cross-sector stakeholders within their communities, along with their attachment to the environment. She has knowledge in diversified fields and her community engagement model could also be utilized in business, government, social or environmental contexts.

Choyon, a Bangladeshi, obtained Bachelor and Master degrees in Sociology from University of Dhaka, Bangladesh in 2007 and 2008 respectively. He is also an alumnus of the Master of Arts degree in Environmental Policy from Memorial University, Grenfell Campus. His master’s thesis in sociology focused on “the nature of vulnerability and resilience in risk reduction of cyclone-affected people” that subsequently published from Natural Hazards in 2015. In 2012, he worked as Associate Coordinator (Research and Advocacy) in Unnayan Shamannay—one of the leading think tank in Bangladesh. He also worked as a research associate, field research investigator and research officer under the development projects of different organizations and donor agencies. Choyon served as a full-time faculty member in the Department of Sociology at Jagannath University, Bangladesh since 2013, where he taught different undergraduate and graduate courses.

His MA research in EPI underlines the community dynamics in transnational eco-certification and social license in aquaculture sectors. His research interests broadly cover climate change and livelihoods, adaptation policy, disaster risk reduction, environmental policy, environmental sociology.

Selected Publications

Saha, C.K. 2017. Dynamics of climatic and anthropogenic stressors in risking island-char livelihoods: a case of northwestern Bangladesh, Asian Geographer, 34 (2): 107-129. Routledge (Taylor & Francis).

Saha, C.K., Hosain, J. 2016. Impact of brick kilning industry in peri-urban Bangladesh, International Journal of Environmental Studies, 73(4): 491–501. Routledge (Taylor & Francis).

Saha, C.K., Barman, R. 2015. Drought and livelihoods: Understanding the impacts on dryland smallholders’ and adaptation challenges in northern Bangladesh, Journal of Social Studies, 147:49-72. Center for Social Studies.

Saha, C.K. 2015. Dynamics of Disaster-induced Risk in Southwestern Coastal Bangladesh: An Analysis on Tropical Cyclone Aila 2009. Natural Hazards, 75 (1): 727-754. Springer.

Kamal, M.A., Saha, C.K. 2014. Targeting Social Policy and Poverty Reduction: A Case of Social Safety Net Programs in Bangladesh. Poverty and Public Policy, 6 (2): 195-211. John Wiley & Sons.

Saha, C.K. 2012. Dynamics of Risk Determinants Regarding Diarrhea Affected Slum Children in Urban Dhaka: A Dysfunctional Health Care System. Current Research Journal of Social Sciences, 4(4): 304-313, Maxwell Scientific Organization.

Dipika Majumder is from Bangladesh and received a Bachelor of Social Science and Master of Social Science degree in Economics from the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh, and a Master of Arts degree in Environmental Policy from Memorial University, Grenfell Campus. She worked as a full-time faculty member at the Department of Economics in Jagannath University, Bangladesh in 2013, where she taught several economics-related courses including macroeconomics and industrial economics.

Her research interests emphasize environmental economics, environmental policy, consumers’ perception, traceability systems in the fisheries sector and development economics. Her master’s thesis in environmental policy institute focused on “Consumer’s perceptions of implementing traceability systems in farm-raised Atlantic salmon in Newfoundland and Labrador”. She has published three research articles in renowned peer-reviewed journals.

Rashidatu Mohammed Uthman is from Ghana, West Africa. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Geography & Resource Development with Information Studies from the University of Ghana, and a Master of Arts degree in Environmental Policy from Memorial University, Grenfell Campus. She has acquired some work experience in the areas of Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility and Community Development. Her research and career interests are mainly in Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility; Environmental Impact Assessment; Sustainable Community Development; Natural Resource Management; and Public Policy. Rashida is very passionate about the sustainable development of communities especially those endowed with mineral resources. Her master’s thesis focused on the Sustainable Development of Mining Communities in Newfoundland. Rashida looks forward to a fulfilling career that will enable her to make remarkable contributions to the sustainable development of peripheral communities in her home country of Ghana.

Richard Nyiawung graduated with his MA in Environmental Policy at the Environmental Policy Institute in 2018. He was born and raised in the coastal city of Limbe, Cameroon where he did his Primary education and later his Secondary and High school education at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College, Fontem, Cameroon. He holds a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Agriculture (2014), from the University of Buea, Cameroon (‘The Place to be’). He has language competence in English, French and his native Nweh dialect.

Before joining EPI, he served as a field research staff for the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) – Cameroon, a member of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). This gave him broader exposure and experiences working with several batches of interdisciplinary researchers on both national and international research projects.

Richard was privileged to be selected for the African Leaders of Tomorrow (ALT) scholarship 2016 cohorts to pursue a master’s degree in public policy related courses in Canada and of which Environmental Policy was the best option and place, based on the program’s structure and research areas. A scholarship that commemorates the late Nelson Mandela by the Government of Canada.

Under the supervision of Dr. Paul Foley and his committee members (Dr. Bruce Gilbert and Dr. Courtenay Parlee), he focused on “Examining Actors and Agents in New Environmental Governance Initiatives: Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs) in Africa”. His research interest includes; the Political Economy of development agencies and programs, Fishery governance, Food security/Food Systems and the role of stakeholders in decision-making processes.

Amongst numerous activities and achievements, his research gave him the opportunity to be invited by the African Union -InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) for an expert consultative workshop on the formulation of a comprehensive rational management strategy for Inland fisheries and water bodies in Africa and presented his research at the 3rdWorld Small-Scale fisheries conference in Thailand (October 2018). He remains very grateful to CBIE, EPI-MUN, RPLC, AU-IBAR, and IPAC for all funding and professional support so far.

Jason Dicker is an Inuk form Nain, Nunatsiavut. In 2014, after completing a technical diploma in Northern Natural Resources in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Jason moved to Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador to complete his Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies. While working toward completion of his undergraduate degree, Jason began to focus his studies around his interest in the area of human dimensions of wildlife management and wrote his capstone undergraduate paper on the caribou hunting ban in northern Labrador. Jason has decided to continue this important work at the graduate level where his research will help identify and better understand the impacts of the caribou hunting ban in the Inuit of Nunatsiavut.

Jason graduated with a Master of Arts degree in Environmental Policy from Memorial University, Grenfell Campus under the supervision of Dr. Stephen Decker. He completed research in support of his thesis entitled “Examining the impacts of the George River Caribou Herd hunting ban on northern Labrador Inuit: an integrated resource management perspective”. Jason has also completed a 12-week internship with the Torngat Secretariat, a team of professionals based in Happy Valley-Goose Bay that provides financial management, logistical, project management and analytical support to the Torngat Joint Fisheries Board and the Torngat Wildlife and Plants Co-Management Board.

Jason is an advocate for ensuring Indigenous voices and perspectives are heard. He works hard to include and apply Indigenous aspects to his research and other academic-related work as a means to indigenize and decolonize this type of field and discipline, specifically for environmental policy.

Abdul-Rahim graduated with his Master of Arts in Environmental Policy in 2018. Born in Tamale, the capital of Northern region in Ghana, he had his basic and secondary education in the same city. Abdul-Rahim attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Development Planning from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana. During his undergraduate program, he gained wealth of knowledge in directing change in society through practical problem solving techniques. During and after his four-year undergraduate program, he acquired practical experience in microfinancing, community development and planning, and governance through various voluntary and internship programs. This carved him into a self determined person driven by the desire to improve lives, especially in deprived rural and remote areas. Having completed his bachelor’s degree in 2014, Abdul-Rahim served as a Teaching and Research Assistant at the Department of Planning, KNUST for one year in line with mandatory national service required by Ghanaian students after tertiary education. During this period, he actively engaged in preparation of course materials, research work, guiding students through practical planning field activities and delivering tutorials. He has since taken the path to becoming an astute academic with a desire to impact communities through research.

Abdul-Rahim’s life experiences has made him passionate about development with diverse research interest in community planning and development, local governance, local economic development, environmental and social sustainability, and food security. However, under the Environmental Policy Program, he will pursue specific research in agriculture and food security in Newfoundland and Labrador under the supervision of Roza Tchoukaleyska. The study will examine key issues around farmer attraction and retention including motivations and deliberate interventions in this direction. In line with this, Abdul-Rahim is undertaking an internship on a project through the Grand Lake Centre for Economic Development under Growing Forward 2 funding to develop a Strategic Agricultural Plan (SAP) for the Humber Region. It is of his outmost desire that his research will contribute to ongoing discussions on agriculture and food security in the province as well as provide important inputs to improve healthy living in Newfoundland and beyond. He also hopes to develop various aspects of his personal, academic and professional life to be a change agent in Ghana and the world at large.

Email: abdulrahima@grenfell.mun.ca

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdulai-abdul-rahim-93250370/

RESEARCHERID: http://www.researcherid.com/rid/C-7371-2017

ORCiD: orcid.org/0000-0003-4699-2407

Ayotunde graduated in 2018 with his Master of Arts in Environmental Policy at the Environmental Policy Institute, Grenfell Campus, MUN. Ayotunde is a seasoned legal practitioner with core expertise in the practice of environmental and commercial law. Ayotunde holds a Bachelor’s degree in law from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria and a Masters in Law from the University of Dundee, UK. Broadly speaking, his research interests lie in water governance and water security as pertains to indigenous communities. For his research, he worked with Kelly Vodden, an indigenous community research expert to explore how indigenous communities are approaching and resolving their water challenges. The narratives around water security in Canadian indigenous communities have largely focused on the water challenges experienced by such communities, to the exclusion of how indigenous communities are approaching such challenges – thereby representing a scholarship deficit and to which more research is needed.

Mohammad Nazrul Islam is a graduate of the Master of Arts degree in Environmental Policy from Memorial University, Grenfell Campus, and completed his undergraduate degree in Sociology in Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh. Currently, he is working on renewable energy and rural community resilience. His research interest includes renewable energy, rural sustainable development, wetland and community based resource management, climate change and adaptation, food security and tourism. He also did three academic research projects (Thesis, Senior Project and Research Monograph, respectively) on “Sedimentation and Coping Strategy”, “Community Based Wetland Resource Management and Food Security”, and Eco-tourism and Development. Nazrul has worked with different research organizations and NGOs as a researcher related to these topics. He has also presented at different conferences and workshop associated with sustainable development, food security and governance in different countries.

nazrulsust05@gmail.com

Trishita Mondal is from Bangladesh, was born near a village of the world largest Mangrove forest-Sundarban and basically, she is an Agriculturist. In 2014, she has completed her B. Sc. in Agriculture from Khulna University, Bangladesh. After that, she worked with three projects of UN agency and International NGO’s with the collaboration of National NGO’s and University. She graduated from the MA in Environmental Policy Institute at Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland. Trishita is interested in natural resource management, climate change adaptation, food security and disaster risk management. Her master’s thesis focuses on climate change adaptation in Boreal forests. Under the supervision of Dr. Michael Van Zyll De Jong, she focused to develop a tool kit that can help forest managers in their decision-making process.

During free time, Trishita spends time with her young son as well as to cook different dishes and gardening. She also loves painting, reading books, travelling and watching movies.

A B M Enamol Hassan graduated 2018 with a Masters of Arts in Environmental Policy Institute (EPI) at Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), Canada, in the area of forest management. Originally from Bangladesh, Mr. Hassan completed Bachelor of Social Science and Master of Social Science in Sociology from Shahjalal University of Science & Technology (SUST) in 2006 and 2008 respectively. Previously, he worked as an Assistant Professor (Sociology) in the Department of Humanities, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), Bangladesh since 2012 and engaged there till he attends in MUN on study leave in September 2016 to pursue second Master of Art degree in Environmental Policy. Prior to joining CUET, he worked as an Assistant Faculty Member of BRAC Learning Center, the then BRAC Training and Resource Center, having been responsible of conducting training on social development and micro-finance for newly appointed employees in BRAC.

His main research interests lie in the intersection of community forestry and participatory approach following the pragmatic idea of research philosophy. In particular, his current research explores the intensity of all stakeholders’ participation and integration in community based forest management as well as its contribution in keeping good sustainability of environment. Moreover, he has also immense interest to be involved in doing research on collaborative governance and natural resource management highlighting the anthropogenic impacts on forest ecosystem, watershed, and also environmental conflicts on sharing the water of the Transboundary Rivers as well.

Originally from St. John’s on the provinces east coast, Shem has been apart of the Grenfell Campus community for the past 12 years. After completing a B.A in Environmental Studies (2010) through Grenfell, Shem began working as an environmental adviser, and special projects coordinator for several large development projects in Kingston, Jamaica. He returned to the province in 2012, and worked as an environmental coordinator during the construction phase of the Long Harbour Nickle Processing Plant in Long Harbour, NL, as well as the Muskrat Falls, Lower Churchill project in Labrador. He returned to Grenfell in 2016, enrolling in the M.A. Environmental Policy program, under the supervision of Dr. Gabriela Sabau. His research interests include heavy industrial construction, organic agriculture, fisheries governance, and public policy.

Michelle Gosse is a Newfoundland native and a graduate of the Master of Arts degree in Environmental Policy from Memorial University, Grenfell Campus. Her thesis research focused on forestry innovation and regional development. She has an undergraduate degree in Social Cultural Studies from Memorial University. Michelle completed her internship with Enactus researching local green social enterprises.

Vincent, a Ghanaian, graduated with a MA in Environmental Policy at the Environmental Policy Institute in 2018. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography and Resources Development with Political Science in 2009 from the University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.

He has a rural upbringing in a community (Lassia Tuolu) in the North-Western corner within the savanna zone of Ghana. Therefore, difficulties associated with access to basic social services as quality education, good health, portable water supply, etc. in rural communities are some memorable experiences. He was involved in community volunteer services and attachments with the government and NGOs during and after his undergraduate studies working towards rural resilience and community development. His passion for community development and rural resilience got him work with the government at the district level as a Development Planning Officer (2012-2016). In this role, he actively engaged in plans preparation, project management, M&E, water resource management and community development in Ghana. As such, his interest lies in water resource management including; source water protection, water management systems, watershed protection, capacity building and water conservation in rural communities to ensure rural resilience.

With a revitalized passion in sustainable drinking water systems, Vincent intends to research into how Regional Approaches to Drinking Water Management can serve as Potential Solutions to Drinking Water Challenges in Western NL. It will explore common aspects of water management where rural communities in the Stephenville- Port au Port Peninsula can synergize to address the many water management challenges affecting water supply and quality. He sees MAEP as the best opportunity to explore potential solutions to issues of quality water supply and management in rural communities while addressing capacity lapses and community differences. Under Dr. Kelly Vodden’s supervision, he strongly believes this research will supplement the largely discussed issues in water supply and management in Canada and beyond.

vkchireh@grenfell.mun.ca

Brennan is originally from New Orleans, Louisiana and is a recent newcomer to Newfoundland. An interdisciplinary researcher, Brennan is working in the Environmental Policy Institute, the Department of Geography, and the Department of Economics at Memorial University. His research intends to investigate the role of participatory monitoring processes in catalyzing collaborative governance for sustainable development in rural and natural resource-dependent regions. Building on community-based research in the Clarenville-Bonavista Rural Secretariat Region, his research aims to explore how people in rural regions can collaborate for sustainable outcomes in their communities using sustainability indicators and similar approaches in regional planning and decision-making. This work also hopes to explore possibilities for other regions in rural NL to engage with and/or learn from this initiative, with potential linkages to Fogo Island. Brennan is working with Kelly Vodden, as well as Ratana Chuenpagdee in Geography and Doug May in Economics.

Research Engagement

Assessing the Factors Impacting the Sustainability of the Clarenville-Bonavista Rural Secretariat Region.

Bryson is an MA in Environmental Policy graduate who started at Memorial University in the fall of 2016. Originally from Oakville, Ontario, he did his undergraduate degree at St. Francis Xavier in Aquatic Resources and Public Policy. Previously, Bryson worked on governance of community-based ecological monitoring programs. The inspiration for the project stemmed from his work as the community aquatic monitoring program for Nova Scotia over the past few years.

Under the supervision of Michael van Zyll de Jong, Bryson researched an integrated approach to management and decision making. This was done by hosting a workshop for stakeholders in the Indian Bay area. The goal of the research was to build a sustainable management model for recreational fisheries.

Obafemi Okusipe is a trained and skilled professional in the built environment. He received the B.Sc (Hons) degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria in 1994 and a Master of Geoinformatics degree from the University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria in 2003.

In 1998, he joined the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Lagos, Nigeria as a Lecturer. In 2005, he was a Planning Officer in the Strategic Planning Unit, Luton Borough Council, United Kingdom until 2012. He managed the National Land Use Database for Luton Borough Council’s planning area, developed and implemented spatial information systems for vacant land and buildings, brownfields, employment land review and sustainability appraisal. In 2015, he practised as a Planner with Terra Quest Solutions assessing development proposals in local planning authorities in the United Kingdom. He is a member of the Nigerian Institute of planners (NITP) and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).

Obafemi is an alumnus of the MA in Environmental Policy, Memorial University of Newfoundland (Grenfell Campus), Canada. His research interests include biodiversity management, environmental planning and management and oil and gas management. His research focused on the implementation of national and local biodiversity policies and strategies in the United Kingdom.

Saumya is a graduate of the Master of Arts in Environmental Policy from Memorial University, Grenfell Campus. She has an undergraduate degree in Life Sciences from the University of Delhi and a Masters in Environment Management from Forest Research Institute University, Dehradun. Prior to MAEP, she has worked for 5 years on Clean Development Mechanism projects pertaining to solid waste management and renewable energy (wind energy).

Born and brought up in India Saumya’s interest in exploring the effects of policies on environment/natural resources management and vice versa brought her to Memorial University. In her research paper, she studied the role of Corporate Social Responsibility on the environment in India. Her work concentrated on assessing the impacts of regulations namely the Influence of Companies Act 2013 and the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rule 2014 on the environment.

She enjoys the solitary activity of reading and group activity of travelling with friends. If she is not doing any of these then she’s busy catching up with movies and TV shows.

Presently, she is interning with Center for Forest Science and Innovation working on exploring the potential of joint wastewater treatment for the city of Corner Brook over the summer of 2016.

Tsai is a graduate of the Master of Arts in Environmental Policy from Memorial University, Grenfell Campus She has an undergraduate degree in Operations Management from The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.

Having grown up in Jamaica, Tsai is interested in island-based management systems. Personal experience with environmental challenges at home piqued her interest in the potential impacts of changes in environmental systems, particularly socio-economic and health-related. This interest brought her to Newfoundland where she studied within the broad field of natural resource management. In particular, her thesis looked at public participation in fracking deliberations on the West Coast of Newfoundland. She’s interested in understanding how entities can come together in providing resources to the public in order to facilitate informed public participation in decisions involving natural resources. She hopes this research will help inform processes for future decision-making in the province with regards to potential natural resource extraction projects.

Tsai is interning with Canadian Forest Services working on geo-referencing and digitizing of maps over the summer of 2016.

Maria grew up in British Columbia, where she was introduced to nature and the outdoors at a very early age. She initially pursued an outdoor guiding and teaching path after completing a Wilderness Leadership Program and an Outdoor Recreation Management Diploma from Capilano University. For multiple years she taught, instructed and led multi-day expeditions on both coasts of Canada, and internationally in places such as Malaysia and Costa Rica. It was during these years that she realized her deepening interest and concern for environmental issues. In 2006, she returned to complete a B.A. in Environmental Studies at Memorial University, where she quickly fell in love with Newfoundland and the wonderful lifestyle it provided.

Since completing her degree in 2009 Maria has worked at various positions from forest research and fieldwork to community development with a particular interest in improving the health and sustainability of forest by researching how forest sustainability, and natural resources, are managed. In 2015 she once again returned to Grenfell to complete an M.A. in Environmental Policy. Her research paper is entitled: Trade-off analysis as a tool to facilitate effective decision-making in natural resource management through examining different visualization techniques.

Whenever possible she enjoys spending time in the outdoors, going on adventures with her dog and friends.

Meghan’s interest in environmental policy stems from her love of the ocean. Although she grew up in Northern Ontario, she has spent parts of her life living in various coastal communities, including Portrush in Northern Ireland and Tofino, BC. She completed her undergraduate degree in Honours History and Business from the University of Waterloo. Her research focuses on market responses to fisheries management, contextualized in broader global responses. When she’s not studying, you can find her in the pool, or drinking a cup of tea.

Leanna Butters was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. She completed her B.A. (Hons) at the University of Toronto with a double major in Architectural Studies (Design) and History. She completed her M.A in Environmental Policy in 2018 under the supervision of Dr. Kelly Vodden.

Leanna’s M.A. research was community-based and conducted collaboratively with the Town of Deer Lake. Her work identified Deer Lake as a source-hub community, being home to fly-in/fly-out mobile workers and seeing mobile workers from outside Deer Lake use the local airport to get to and from their place of work. She found that mobile workers were one driver of built space change in the community between 2000-2016. This included the growth of residential housing/ property developments and transportation infrastructure. It also included socio-economic and environmental impacts, like changes in community dynamics.

Leanna completed her internship with the Town of Deer Lake. She assisted the Town Planner with research related to the development of a new multi-use trail including the investigation and inventory of wildlife in local stewardship areas and along the new trail path.

Since completing her M.A., Leanna has worked as a Research Associate with the Community Development Institute (University of Northern British Columbia) and as a Grants Facilitation Officer at Grenfell Campus. She is currently a Ph.D. student in Grenfell’s Transdisciplinary Sustainability Program, co-supervised by Dr. Kelly Vodden and Prof. Cameron Forbes (School of Fine Arts).

Seth is from Ghana, West Africa. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and History in 2009 from the University of Ghana and Master of Business Administration degree (Project Management option) in 2013, from Wisconsin International University College, Ghana an affiliate of the University of Ghana.

Seth has a total of five years administrative, managerial, project management and community development work experience in both public and private sector organizations in Ghana. He is interested in community based research with focus on sustainable rural and community development, and community involvement in resource management.

Seth is looking at how to get community buy-in and participation in environmental stewardship and development projects (and to design projects in such a way that the likelihood of this buy-in and involvement will be increased) for his Masters research.

Stephen is a Master’s candidate conducting research in watershed management policy from regional, community-based perspectives. He completed his undergraduate studies at Concordia University in history and economics. Recent work has included qualitative drinking water quality surveying in outport Newfoundland communities, and the designing of a sustainable development strategy for the Clarenville-Bonavista Rural Secretariat Region of the province.

His primary interests lie in rural economic development and the cultural connection between rural communities and their natural resources.

Mengjiao Li is from northwestern China. In 2014, she graduated from Xi’an Jiaotong University with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Knowing that environmental issues are always worthy of attention for someone like her, who lives in a barren place, she chose to inform herself better about the way to improve the environment people reside in. So, here she is! In beautiful Corner Brook, Newfoundland.

Mengjiao Li will be entering her second year of study in the Master of Arts in Environmental Policy (MAEP) program in 2015. Her research interests primarily focus on policy analysis and development on safe drinking water, chemical pollutions, and public health issues related to environmental degradation. Her M.A. research explores practical policy solutions to the drinking water crises in rural Newfoundland and Labrador communities. She hopes her work will help promote long-term public health and community development.

I grew up in in the Bay of Islands, and finished my B.Sc in Biology from Acadia University in 1993. I worked for about 10 years as a biologist for the NL provincial Wildlife Division, conducting habitat studies on bats, caribou and black bear. Following this I began working on inland fish populations of trout and landlocked salmon (ouananiche). As the son of a commercial fisherman, I always had an interest in fisheries, so in 2004 I began working for the provincial department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, not doing research, but contributing to economic and industry development projects. The combination of a science background and economic development and policy experience led me to the Masters in Environmental Policy program at Grenfell, 20 years after my first degree. Along with working full time and studying part-time, I have 2 kids, and my wife and I run Garden Hill Inn here in Corner Brook. Free time is not part of my vocabulary! I’ll be the old guy at the back of the class.

Nick Mercer is originally a native of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Nick moved to Western Newfoundland in 2010 to pursue an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies. Upon completion of his undergraduate degree, Nick decided to remain at Grenfell Campus to study within the Environmental Policy Institute.

Nick is a student in the two-year thesis stream of the MAEP Program. Nick’s thesis project is entitled “Barriers to Renewable Energy Development in Newfoundland and Labrador: A Case Study of Wind Energy Applying the AKTESP Framework for Analysis”, Nick is conducting research under the supervision of Dr. Gabriela Sabau and Dr. Andreas Klinke.

Nick completed his internship with an environmental non-governmental organization in St. John’s. Working as a Policy and Program Development Intern, with the Conservation Corps Newfoundland and Labrador, Nick was responsible for developing policies governing community engagement, sustainable transportation, and youth training.

When not in the classroom, Nick can be found on the hockey rink or the baseball diamond. Nick enjoys following current affairs, and hopes to pursue a career in public policy and research.

Coming from an interdisciplinary background, Nafis is currently working with biomass bioenergy in Newfoundland and Labrador as well as the potential of Canada’s forests to contribute further in Canada’s energy future and climate change resilience.

Be the change that you wish to see in the world- Mahatma Gandhi

In 2006, Rebecca Brushett received her B.Sc in marine biology from Dalhousie University. She then took a small break from the classroom to gain more knowledge in the field; working with the University of Victoria on the eating habits of Grey Whales in Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia. In 2010, she returned back home to obtain her B.Ed (in secondary sciences) at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Rebecca then moved to Gros Morne National Park where she taught grades 7-12 sciences on the Northern Peninsula for three years. Rebecca graduated with her MAEP degree at Grenfell Campus in 2018 and is currently a Partnering and Engagement Officer with Parks Canada.

Gandhi’s inspirational words have guided this former Masters student to where she is today. Rebecca is a very driven, hardworking and caring individual; helping others whenever they need it. Specifically, she has helped her class through the Grenfell Graduate Student Society (GGSS) as the academic representative. Her master’s research focused on completing a GIS-Based Multiple-Criteria Decision Analysis of Marine and Coastal Management Areas off Western Newfoundland, Canada. She hopes her work will change the way marine policy is done; maintaining ecological integrity in our oceans and improving management of offshore industries for western NL and the connecting provinces in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. When she is not busy working on her thesis, teaching or helping others, you can find Rebecca at the Bonne Bay Marine Station or, relaxing in the kitchen or garden.

Dylan Odd enrolled in the Master of Arts, Environmental Policy program at the Environmental Policy Institute in September 2014. He travelled to Grenfell Campus to pursue his interests in strategic analysis, policy development, and resource management. Upon completing his course work, Dylan interned with Natural Resources Canada in the Canadian Forest Service, where he was later hired. Dylan now resides in Ottawa where he is the Director of Operations and Issues Management at the Independent Senators Group. He is also a board member of the Atlantic Healthy Oceans Initiative. While his work focuses largely on Canadian political issues, Dylan regularly draws upon skills, knowledge and experiences from his multi-disciplinary studies in Corner Brook, NL.

I am Yingzhong Diao from Guangzhou, China. My interest in Environmental Policy dates back to my youth. I realized that how the environmental policy has serious impact on our living place when I was in high school. During undergraduate study, I specialized in administrative management which relates to the areas of public administration, political science, and public policy.Even though I have chosen administrative management as my field of specialization, I still keep my mind to the areas of environmental study or geography. My interdisciplinary experience helps me to get the opportunity of studying at Grenfell Campus.

I am mostly interested in the filed of climate change caused by human activities, which is now threaten numerous species’ living environment. And my thesis topic is related to the project conducted by my supervisor Dr. Mike van Zyll de jong about Climate change adaptation and sustainable forest management in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Abayomi Ogayemi (LL.M, LL.B, and BL) joined the Environmental Policy Institute in Memorial University as a graduate student in September 2014. This decision was consequent upon his desire to better understand the pragmatic approach of structured decision making in the policy making cycle (as offered only in Canada), as well as to aid his Doctoral research at the University of Exeter, England. The Environmental Policy program at Memorial University offers him teaching assistantship opportunities in various suitable interests. The academic program involves mandatory practical internship, and provides alternative career pathways in the areas of environmental policy analysis, environmental management, which further strengthens his current career-choice as an Environmental Lawyer.

He obtained his LL.M in International Business Law from the University of Exeter in England, Barrister-at-Law (BL) from the Nigeria Law School, and Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria. He is a qualified Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and has professional work experience in Real Property, Corporate and Commercial Law. He has also served in advisory capacity to numerous individuals, corporations, governmental and non-governmental organizations. Abayomi is currently doing his PhD in law at the University of Exeter, and concentrates his Doctoral research on corporate responsibility from the legal, social, environment and business perspectives in Nigeria. His passion for social research and social reformation has also earned him numerous collaboration and contribution in many publications.

I am Abul Fozol Muhammond Zakaria, from Bangladesh. I have completed both a Bachelor of Social Science and Masters of Social Sciences in Anthropology from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh. I have had the opportunity to teach both undergraduate and graduate courses at the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, which has allowed me to gain many skills. Over the years, I have also gained many practical research skills which I believe will be an asset to the Masters of Arts in Environmental Policy . Governmentality, biopower, environmental development, and policy study are my research areas. I was searching for a suitable program that would match with my research interests and I am really happy that I found the Environmental Policy Program at Grenfell Campus, Memorial University, Corner Brook, NL. Corner Brook is an exciting and rewarding place to find our corner and definitely MEAP is a special corner for anyone who has the quest for knowledge and pedagogy.

Born in Cameroon from Nigerian Parents, Ernest holds a Bachelor and Master’s Degree in Environmental and Resource Management from Brandenburg University of Technology, Cottbus, Germany. He also has a Diploma in Sustainable Baltic Studies from Lublin University of Technology, Poland, and a Work Place Health and Safety Diploma from Advance Learning Interactive Systems Online, Galway, Ireland. He has language competence in English, German, French and Italian.

He decided to study Environmental Policy because of the conviction that, it is the preeminent platform for learning good policies and effective governance, which when combined with adequate political and social willingness, enhances better environmental performance. He chose Memorial University because; It offers the program in a very assuring interdisciplinary frame that guarantees comprehensiveness of knowledge gain, with a substantial exposure to the job market. Secondly, the congenial student-lecturer relationship is an overwhelmingly positive morale boost for the students, and lastly, the university offers an excellent learning atmosphere for international students, designed to ensure success.

In September 2015, Ernest went as an intern to Pennecon Ltd, working on an ISO 14001:2004 Project. He performed his duty with great sense of commitment and respect, and this earned him a job offer as Project Environmental Advisor for the Lower Churchill – Muskrat Falls Generation Project, the biggest project in Newfoundland and Labrador. He received his offer with gratitude and extends special thanks to the EPI, the Career Development Center, and International Student Services.

He would gladly recommend EPI to anybody seeking the best Environmental Policy Study Program.

I am from Dhaka, Bangladesh. In 2010 I completed my MSc in Business and Management from the University of Gloucestershire, United Kingdom. I have also secured by BBA from Dhaka University, a prestigious university of Bangladesh. I have two years teaching experience in tertiary level in University and more than 2 years managerial experience in World Bank Project. In 2014 I had the opportunity to present a paper in Bangladesh on “Sustainable Development”. I am currently a Research Assistant and grad student in the MAEP (Master of Arts in Environmental Policy) program at Grenfell Campus, Memorial University. I look forward to my time as a MAEP student on the beautiful west coast of Newfoundland, in the City of Corner Brook.

I am Temitope Onifade from Nigeria. I graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Nigeria, in 2009, and a Master of Laws from University of Ibadan (UI), Nigeria, in 2014. I am certified as an Associate Mediator of the Nigerian Conflict Management Group, and Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. I was in active legal practice for four years as a Counsel at GE Ezomo and Co., Partner at Lex Luminaire Solicitors, and Head of Legal Department at Human Dignity Foundation. For the purpose of specialization, I am currently in the Master of Environmental Policy (MAEP) at the Environmental Policy Institute (EPI), Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada.

My general research interest is in Sustainable Development, with specific emphasis on Distributive Justice, Renewable Energy regulation and the legal framework for the Green Economy. My publications and research projects in these areas have been largely from a detached legal perspective. Hence, it is fascinating to learn about non-law areas that influence these areas. The EPI provides an opportunity to nourish and broaden these interests. The courses are designed to provide interdisciplinary perspectives to environmental issues, and the instructors have impressive mentorship skills. The research component presents unparalleled opportunities to work with colleagues and instructors on pragmatic projects. Considering the increased relevance of law in the society, I believe this programme gives me an opportunity to make the law functional.

I am Benjamin Dosu Jnr from Ghana, West Africa. I have my Bachelor’s degree in Development Planning from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana. After graduation, I served as a Teaching and Research Assistant in The Department of Planning, KNUST. I held the position for one year after which I decided to pursue a postgraduate program in Environmental Policy (Theses Route) at The Environmental Policy Institute, Memorial University, Grenfell Campus. As an individual I believe in meeting the needs of today’s population without compromising that of future generations, studying environmental policy has been a dream come true.

My research interests are in the areas of sustainable natural resources management, climate change and food security. I intend to develop myself professionally in the areas of mitigating the adverse human effects on environmental resource to ensure adequate supply of these resources for current and future generations. I am fortunate to meet a team of faculty members who have interest in these research areas. I look forward to my time here at Grenfell Campus as a MAEP student.

Sarah is a first year Interdisciplinary PhD student, studying geography, environmental policy, environmental studies and environmental science. Her PhD research is exploring the role that source water protection can play in rural communities in protecting drinking water supplies and increasing community resilience.

Sarah is also the project coordinator/lead researcher for the research project entitled “Exploring Solutions for Sustainable Rural Drinking Water Systems” led by Dr. Kelly Vodden. More on this project can be found at: http://nlwater.ruralresilience.ca. She is also currently involved in two other research projects with Memorial University pertaining to Canadian regional development and water and watershed planning. She is a candidate member of the Canadian Institute of Planners and is working towards her full accreditation.

“Path walker, there is no path. You must make the path as you walk”. (Antonio Machado, Spanish Poet)

I graduated with a Masters in International Relations, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. In addition, I have completed a post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Governance and Management jointly organized by University Of Manitoba and Brac University Bangladesh. I have also completed an internship with the Centre for Policy Dialogue, a leading research organization in Bangladesh.

Presently, I am a graduate student in the Master of Arts in Environmental Policy program at Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland. I am completing the 2-year thesis option and within this program I am focusing my studies on the privatization in fisheries management, implication of public policy with empirical evidences in contemporary world.

I am interested in pursuing a career in environmental policy and sustainable management as environmental degradation and climate change challenges are the key sectors of crisis in the 21st century. This is a fast growing area with tremendous research potential and also an increasing application in public policy.

My name is F.I.M. Muktadir Boksh and I am from Bangladesh. I have Bachelor and Master’s degree in Economics. I worked as Research Associate for one and a half year on the research theme ‘Climate Change and Environment’ in the Centre for Policy Dialogue, a leading research organization in Bangladesh. Now I am a graduate student in the Environmental Policy Institute (EPI), Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada.

My research interest is environment and resource economics and my concentration is on renewable and sustainable development of energy. The faculty members of the Environmental Policy Institute at Memorial University have sheer diversity and richness of research interests and I have found my research interests coincide with some of the faculty members. I am also learning heterogeneous and dynamic context in global environmental policy and acquainting myself with contemporary and pervasive environmental issues. I believe that my learning and research experience in EPI will boost my professional career in future.

Check out the International Student Newsletter, Student Spotlight http://www.grenfell.mun.ca/student-services/international/Documents/MarchNewsletter2014.pdf

“Laws are like cobwebs, which may catch small flies, but let wasps and hornets break through.” Jonathan Swift

I am a firm believer in justice and it is the function of the law to ensure that justice is served. I believe that the law is a mechanism through which we can ensure that policies protect the welfare of all humanity and the environment.

I commenced the Master of Arts in Environmental Policy with an open mind, equipped with the knowledge that the program was one of the few of its kind in Canada, and that faculty had been very supportive in conversations about my research topic prior to applying to the program. Upon commencing classes, I was greeted with the reality that the research intensiveness of the program would require discipline, dedication and a strategy. With this awareness, I developed a study schedule which demanded hours of reading and research per day- a sacrifice that I now count worth the while.

I relished the fact that I was learning in a small setting which afforded the opportunity to work with classmates from various academic, professional and cultural backgrounds. This diversity allowed me to develop the appreciation for the challenges faced in balancing competing interests in the environmental policy-making process.

I am grateful for the opportunities I had to present at student and industry conferences and for completing an internship which helped to shape my career goals. The successful completion of this program would not have been possible without the guidance I received from the internship officer in selecting an internship which compliments my career plans and my supervisor whose advice and support helped me navigate the course of my research. Sincere gratitude is extended everyone who supported me on my journey to become the first international student to graduate from the Environmental Policy Institute.

Education

• Master of Arts Environmental Policy (MAEP), Memorial University
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB), University of Guyana
• Areas of Interest: international environmental law; environmental policy, human rights and corporate social responsibility.

Check out the International Student Newsletter, Student Spotlight http://www.swgc.mun.ca/student-services/international/Documents/FebruaryNewsletter2014.pdf

Theresa (TJ) Lightfoot, my family is from Elsipogtog First Nation and Nova Scotia.

I have an undergraduate degree in Native Studies and Psychology from St. Thomas University in Fredericton and have spent a majority of my university career involved in some form of Native Student Council and Womens rights initiatives.

This foundation has informed my interest in environmental issues that affect food sovereignty and security for indigenous people particularly in Wabanaki territory. I chose the Masters of Arts in Environmental Policy because I felt like it was the best program to help build a skill set that would allow me to give back to my community. I see it as an opportunity to understand the policies that impact indigenous communities.

Growing up in Cape Breton Jeana was never too far from Western Newfoundland, but her time in Corner Brook has been her first trip to the area. Jeana holds a Bachelor of Science from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Her experience in the MAEP program has emphasized the complexity of environmental policy and she is happy to be able to connect and collaborate with a diverse group of students and faculty. In describing her classroom experience she says, “Each student brings a unique perspective to every issue addressed in our courses, leading to some very interesting discussions and approaches to group research projects.” Jeana hopes her thesis research will reflect the multi-faceted perspective required for this field, and looks forward to future career opportunities that blend her natural science background with environmental policy issues.

I am from Halifax, Nova Scotia and completed my Bachelor of Science at Dalhousie University in Environmental Science with an emphasis in Economics. I have worked in commercial forestry in Nova Scotia as well as conservation forestry in South Australia. My research interests are forestry and climate change, including community forestry and climate change adaptation. I decided to continue my studies at Memorial University, Grenfell campus as it is a unique program in Canada and it offers one the chance to develop practical skills in the field of environmental policy. This is achieved in the classroom, through guided research and during the internship requirement for the program. The Environmental Policy Institute is small and, as such, has remained flexible and responded effectively to needs as a student. I completed my internship with the Canadian Forest Service (CFS) in Ottawa. I now work for the CFS as a policy analyst and focus on climate change adaptation in the forest sector.

Candice hails from Listowel, ON and will be entering her second year of the Master of Arts in Environmental Policy (MAEP). In 2012 she graduated from the University of Ottawa with an honours Bachelor of Social Science in International Development and Globalization (Co-op). Having completed numerous co-op and FWSEP work terms with Environment Canada, Industry Canada, and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, Candice knew she wanted to continue her studies, but focus on environmental issues. The MAEP was a natural fit. Her primary research interests include federal environmental policy, social movements, policy reform, and political ecology. Beyond her studies, she is the elected student representative on the MAEP Graduate Committee.

Speaking to her role as student representative on the Graduate Committee she said, “The MAEP has done an exceptional job of addressing student feedback. Collaboration between students and faculty, both for research projects and administration of the program, has been a prominent feature of the MAEP and will ensure its success.”

Graduated: Fall 2013

Supervisor: Michael van Zyll de Jong

Research Paper: Implementing Forest Certification on Newfoundland and Labrador Crown Lands: An Evaluation of Government and Industry Perspectives

Current Employment: Policy Analyst, Environment Canada

Sanja is from Bretten, Germany and graduated with a MA in Environmental Policy at Memorial University’s Grenfell Campus in Corner Brook. She also graduated from the University of Stuttgart, Germany with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences (Political Science, Sociology and Methodology of Social Sciences). Sanja conducted research on international water governance, energy governance/ policy, and the relationship between the economy and the environment. Her primary research focused on public environmental expenditure in times of economic downturn with a focus on the European Union.

When asked why she, as an international student, picked the program, Sanja answered, “After having done an environmental related internship in Ireland and having graduated from the University of Stuttgart, I wanted to focus on Political Science in relation to the environment and study in an English-speaking country outside of Europe. Therefore, the Environmental Policy program at Grenfell was a perfect fit. Additionally, the experiences of being an international student in a foreign country, as well as meeting and getting to know other international students are very valuable and I believe that this experience and the master’s program have provided me with a theoretical and practical foundation which will enable me to pursue my desired career path.”