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Meet your EnvironMentors
Read about our Faculty of Environment welcome team and see some of the advice they have for incoming students!
Alana Peterson (she/her)
Hi, my name is Alana. I’m a third-year human geography student pursuing a minor in geographic information science and a certificate in urban studies. I love snowboarding, street food and travelling. I became an EnvironMentor because I want to help new students find resources and opportunities, connect with peers and shape their own unique post-secondary journeys.
Armaan Thandhi (he/him)
I'm a fifth-year student pursuing a joint major in resource and environmental management and business, with a minor in economics. My sustainability experience includes working as a teaching assistant for a business sustainability class, a policy analyst with the BC Ministry of Forests and a co-designer with Stanford CIRCLE's Y-CARE initiative for climate mental health.
Cora Dickson (she/her)
Hi, I'm Cora! I am a human geography major and I am also pursuing a Spanish studies certificate. As an EnvironMentor, I want to give other students a great first introduction to the 911³Ô¹Ï community. In my free time, I like to crochet, bake and get out into nature. Additionally, I'm the workshop co-coordinator for the 911³Ô¹Ï circus club!
Courtney Louie (She/her)
I am a second-year physical geography major in the giogeophysical stream pursuing a GIS certificate. As a member of the Geography Student Union (GSU), I am interested in careers in environmental research and agrology, particularly in areas related to environmental change and sustainable land management. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, camping and birding with my dog Luca.
Diego Barrios-Stewart (he/him)
Hello! I am a fourth-year archaeology major/extended French minor pursuing certificates in biological anthropology and cultural resource management. I am also the current president of the Archaeology Student Society. I spent part of the summer traveling the Petén Jungle exploring 2000-year-old Mayan ruins. I look forward to hearing your stories and welcoming you to 911³Ô¹Ï!
Emma Dunsmuir (she/her)
Hey everyone! I am going into my fifth year at 911³Ô¹Ï working towards a major in resource and environmental management, minor in Indigenous studies and certificates in sustainable development and Indigenous studies research. I am the president of the Resource and Environmental Management Student Association. I am also part of the Faculty of Environment’s Student Leadership Team. I became an EnvironMentor because I wanted to help new students feel welcome at 911³Ô¹Ï. In my free time I love hiking and travelling!
Erik Makinen (He/him)
Hi, my name is Erik! I'm a human geography student in my final year of studies. If you've got any questions about getting involved in student life at 911³Ô¹Ï, I'm happy to help! I've been super involved with F-Env and the GSU (Geography Student Union), and am always on the lookout for new/ exciting ideas.
Esther Chow
Hi! I’m Esther, a third-year archaeology major with a minor in physical geography, originally from Hong Kong. I am happy to help out new students transitioning into post-secondary, as I received the same help before from my EnvironMentor, too! I enjoy drawing, writing stories, reading novels and manga, birdwatching and biking.
"It takes a little while to make social connections in university, so don't get discouraged! Try lots of different courses, meet new people and enjoy the independence too!" — Gemma Charron, EnvironMentor
Gemma Charron
Hi guys! I’m Gemma, and I’m a fourth-year human geography student pursuing certificates in urban studies and sustainable development. Over the course of my degree, I’ve dabbled in courses from pretty much every department and explored a couple of different campuses. I love being outdoors, playing every sport under the sun (especially soccer, Spikeball and pickleball), watching the Canucks and crafting or painting.
Grace Chan
Hello! I'm Grace, a third-year resource and environmental management student. I became an EnvironMentor because I want to get more involved in the Faculty of Environment community and support incoming students as they adjust to a new academic environment. Outside of school, I enjoy running and kayaking. Looking forward to meeting everyone!
Ibtisam Naushad (she/her)
Hello, I'm Ibtisam (you can call me Sam for short). I am a second-year global environmental systems major pursuing a certificate in GIS. I have volunteered for the Stanley Park Ecological Society, Noons Creek Salmon Hatchery and the 911³Ô¹Ï Geography Student Union. In my spare time, I enjoy exploring and photographing different parts of the city. When I first arrived in Canada, I had to learn how to navigate most of my new environment on my own. I aspire to make it easier for new students to transition into and navigate university life.
Jayda Wood (she/they)
Hi, I'm Jayda ! I am in my third year majoring in global environmental systems, minoring in resource and environmental management and I am also in the certificate program with Indigenous studies! This is my second year being an EnvironMentor, and I am also starting my first co-op this summer! I love the outdoors, music and plants :)
Being involved in the community is absolutely worth exploring over the course of your studies — even if it takes a minute to settle in! I am looking forward to sharing any tips that may be useful in making the transition smoother :)
Jo Hughes (they/them)
My name is Jo, and I'm a third year archaeology major. I am a member of the Archaeological Student Society, as well as the Student Leadership Team, and this is my second year as an EnvironMentor. I hope to help incoming Faculty of Environment (FENV) students feel welcome and connected as they start at 911³Ô¹Ï, as I understand firsthand how intimidating it can feel to enter such a new environment. Outside of class I enjoy crafting, mystery novels and spending time with friends. I look forward to getting to know all of you in the coming years as you start your 911³Ô¹Ï FENV journey!
Jocelin Shi
Hello! I'm Jocelin and going into my third year of university as an environmental science student. I became an EnvironMentor because I wanted to get more involved with the community and help as much as possible with the big transition from secondary to post-secondary. I enjoy scrapbooking, running and walking on trails. I look forward to meeting you!
Joshua Li
Complex problems require multifaceted, interdisciplinary solutions. As a third-year student, I seek out initiatives targeted at creating meaningful change in our communities. I seek to bridge the gap between theory and practice to create pragmatic solutions to create sustainable social, ecological and economic change.
Katelyn Owsnett (she/her)
I am a fourth-year environmental science major with a concentration in applied biology. I am also pursuing a minor in physical geography. I joined the EnvironMentor program to help new students feel welcome at 911³Ô¹Ï and to also encourage them to get involved with the Faculty of Environment! I am a part of the Environmental Science Student Union where I have met great people and I hope to inspire new students to participate as well.
"Never be afraid to ask questions or try new things. University is a time and place to explore yourself as well as your future career." — Ibtisam Naushad, EnvironMentor
Katherine Wagner (she/her)
Hi everyone! I am a fifth-year environmental science student in applied biology with a certificate in sustainable development. I am the treasurer for the Environmental Science Student Union and am a member of the Student Leadership Team. When I'm not in school, I love to travel, read and spend time with my cat, Bean. I am looking forward to welcoming you all to 911³Ô¹Ï!
Katie McTavish (she/her)
Hello! I'm Katie, an archaeology student starting their second year. Outside of archaeology I enjoy watching hockey, playing video games and trying new things.
Kayla Blake
Hello! My name is Kayla, I am going into my third year as an archaeology major and pursuing a certificate in cultural resource management. I am currently secretary of the Archaeological Student Society, as well as a member on the FENV Student Leadership Team. I hope to aid incoming and new students as they become a part of 911³Ô¹Ï FENV!
Lucy Ford (she/her)
Hi! My name is Lucy and I'm a fourth-year student in the physical geography program, also pursuing the geographic information science and earth sciences certificates. I became an EnvironMentor because having this resource when I came to 911³Ô¹Ï from Japan was super valuable to me. Since then, I've had lots of great experiences volunteering in my faculty and student union.
Maëla Descamps (she/her)
Hi! I’m currently in my fourth year in the School of Resource and Environmental Management, and I’ve been involved in a bunch of clubs at 911³Ô¹Ï. I’ve also done co-op and participated in a lot of environmental youth opportunities. I’d love to answer any questions you have. I remember being really nervous about where to start too!
Megan Hannah
My name is Megan, and I'm entering my fourth year in environmental science in the environmetrics stream, and currently I'm really interested in the intersection between statistics and environmental problems. I'm from North Vancouver, so the natural world has always been a part of my life through hiking and skiing. Some of my other interests include photography, video games and planetary science — I'm an executive for the Astronomy Club! I became an Environmentor to help incoming students adjust and feel more comfortable in our amazing faculty!
Monica Krump
Hi! I’m in my fourth year majoring in physical geography with a GIS certificate. I have had such a wonderful experience in the faculty of environment as both a student and volunteer, and look forward to welcoming new undergrads and getting them settled into university life. In my spare time I enjoy junk-journalling, going for walks and reading.
Mya Chohan (she/her)
Hi my name is Mya! I am a fifth-year in the environmental science major and pursuing the sustainable development certificate. I joined EnvironMentors because I found it incredibly helpful to have a familiar face in the faculty I could go to for help as a first year, and I continue to volunteer because I find it very rewarding. I hope to pass on the support and positivity I received, to anyone who needs it! Some facts about me are that I'm a dog-mom, I love catching sunsets on the beach and I’m a research assistant!
"I understand it may be intimidating, but reach out for anything you need! I promise everyone—students and faculty—really want to support you. So please feel free to reach out or ask for advice from anyone, for anything!" — Rey Shui, EnvironMentor
Naiya Harlow (she/her)
I’m a third year environmental science student in the environmetrics stream. I enjoy paddling, playing music and spending time outdoors. I am involved in the Environmental Science Student Union. I became an EnvironMentor to help new students navigate their first year and to encourage them to take advantage of everything 911³Ô¹Ï has to offer.
Rajat Agrawal (he/him)
Hi everyone! My name is Rajat and I am a sustainable energy engineering student in my final year. REM and SD are my minor and certificate programs. I absolutely love being outdoors and walking my dog. This summer I’m hoping to try out new places and be around Vancouver after my co-op working hours!
Rey Shui
Hey, I'm Rey! I am going into my second year in REM Planning and minoring in GIS. As an EnvironMentor, I hope to help make your transition to university as comfortable as possible. I love to run, gym, paint, read novels, bake and play chess — very interdisciplinary, just like my program of study!
Riley Williams (he/him)
Hi, my name is Riley. I am a fourth-year sustainable business joint major, along with a minor in economics and a certificate in sustainable development. I am interested in climate policy, economic inequality and the clean energy transition. I am involved in research, the Co-op program, student governance and community service. I want to use my position as Environmentor to help students in their studies and to take full advantage of opportunities, both internal and external to 911³Ô¹Ï.
Ruben Frealle (He/Him)
Hi everyone, my name is Ruben, and I am a second-year archaeology major. I am currently a member of my student union and the Student Leadership Team. During my rare time off campus, I enjoy hiking and collecting random trinkets. I look forward to hearing about your stories and helping you adapt to this new environment which is university!
Sarah Ngan
Hello! I'm Sarah, a third-year urban worlds major with certificates in urban studies and sustainable development. I truly understand how difficult it can be to adapt to a new academic environment. As an EnvironMentor, I am happy to share my experiences and offer care and support to incoming students. Let's create a friendly and supportive community together!
Simone Yip (she/her)
Hi! I’m Simone, and I’m heading into my second year as an archaeology major while also pursuing a minor in earth sciences. Since transitioning to university from high school or transferring from another institution can feel intimidating, I became an EnviroMentor in hopes of helping make the process a little easier and more welcoming for others. In my free time, I enjoy walks along the beach, writing and spending time with friends. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you! :)
Simrat Kaur
Hi everyone, my name is Simrat and I am a third-year environmental science student majoring in applied biology. I want to be an EnvironMentor to help new students in their initial days for an easy transition as it can be overwhelming in the beginning. In my free time I enjoy exploring new cafes in town, hiking and running.