I have had a great appreciation for the outdoors my entire life. Being raised in western Canada, I have spent a lot of time in and around the Rocky Mountains and lakes; these natural spaces have a special place in my heart, and protecting such spaces is a key part of what drives me towards sustainability. As I grew older, I gained an appreciation for science, and today enjoy reading about new developments that are helping to make our world a safer, healthier, more sustainable place.

What is your personal definition of sustainability? 

To me, sustainability is about conducting our lives and businesses in ways that protect and preserve our natural spaces so they can continue serving us for generations to come. 

What role do you see sustainability playing in your professional career?

Given both my interests in sustainability and the topic’s increasing global relevance, I foresee myself frequently working in, or alongside, sustainability. I am interested in topics around sustainable finance, carbon capture, and in developing and maintaining sustainable supply chains and operational processes. It seems whenever I read into sustainability related topics, there is always something new to spur my interest, and I am excited to continue exploring as I progress with my career.

What sustainability projects have you been engaged in?

Sustainability has always been an interest for me, and something I have explored in more depth in the last few years. Last year, I took a course on how we can make cities more sustainable, and in doing so, make them healthier. This course really piqued my interested by demonstrating how sustainability-focused changes can have far reaching positive implications on the environment and people’s lives.  

During the 2022-23 academic year, I worked with a group of high school students to design and launch an eco-conscious business. Not only was this a great way for the students to learn more about entrepreneurship, but also allowed me to share my interests in sustainability and demonstrate how businesses can be both sustainable and profitable. 

Please list any sustainability-related interests you want to explore during the certificate. 

• Energy. In terms of making current grids more sustainable and the transition towards more renewable sources.
• Carbon capture
• Emission quantification
• The circular economy
• Sustainable finance
• Sustainable agricultural systems