SASKATOON — Five outstanding graduate students from the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS) have received the 2024 Excellence in Environment and Sustainability Graduate Awards.
These awards celebrate their innovative research and commitment to addressing some of the world’s most urgent environmental challenges.
From human-wolf coexistence to energy security and climate-resilient housing, the recipients showcase the impactful work being done at SENS to foster a more sustainable future.
“These awards acknowledge the vital contributions of our students,” said Dr. James Robson (PhD), SENS graduate chair. “Each year, our students inspire us with their dedication to sustainability and their ability to connect research with real world impact. This year’s recipients have gone above and beyond in developing meaningful relationships and addressing key environmental issues.”
Meet the 2024 Award Recipients
Excellence in Environment and Sustainability Graduate Award, PhD: Ethan Doney
PhD student Ethan Doney stands next to Living with Wildlife sign that was a direct result of the research work he did during his time with the Wild About Wolves Parks Canada project. | Photo by Dr. Douglas Clark
Ethan Doney’s research focused on the complex relationship between humans and wolves in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on Vancouver Island. Doney’s work was part of a five-year project initiated by local First Nations concerns about wolf management practices and funded by Parks Canada. Wolves have naturally returned to the park after being extirpated, requiring communities and managers alike to learn how to co-exist with them in culturally appropriate ways.
“Ethan’s research goes beyond scholarly dimensions,” said Dr. Douglas Clark (PhD), executive director (acting) of SENS and Doney’s supervisor. “He demonstrated respect, humility, and care in every aspect of his work, forging unique bonds between stakeholders, Parks Canada, and First Nations communities. Ethan’s curiosity and collaborative spirit embody the very best of SENS.”
Shortly after completing his PhD through SENS, Ethan began a faculty position at Oregon State University.
Excellence in Environment and Sustainability Graduate Award, MES: Cheryl Buckmaster
Cheryl Buckmaster used research creation to assist in conveying her research through a visual arts lens. | Photo by Dr. Lori Bradford
Cheryl Buckmaster’s thesis project on the use of genomics in remediating wetland systems used in oil sands production examined the intricate relationships between researchers, communities, and the environment through a visual art lens. Her thesis studied not only the environmental concerns but also the social impact felt by various stakeholders. Her thesis was showcased in June 2024 at the Snelgrove Gallery with faculty members from SENS, the USask College of Engineering, the School of the Arts, and the Department of Indigenous Studies coming together to celebrate her achievements.
“I’m so proud of Cheryl’s ability to bridge disciplines and engage diverse audiences.” said Dr. Lori Bradford (PhD), College of Engineering, and Buckmaster’s supervisor. “Her work has already made an impact through public discourse and will no doubt continue to raise awareness of problems in environment and sustainability studies well into the future.”
Excellence in Environment and Sustainability Graduate Award, Master of Sustainability (Regenerative Studies): Anna Elliott
As part of her research project, Anna Elliott, MSs (Regenerative Studies), developed infographics to break down her work and help synthesize her ideas. | Photo courtesy USask
Anna Elliott’s research tackled the urgent issue of achieving climate-resilient affordable housing in the face of rising temperatures across the world.
Meeting with and collaborating with City of Saskatoon employees and drawing on expertise from across Canada, her project identified 10 actionable opportunities for municipalities, including policy recommendations, best practices for construction, and strategies for overcoming barriers to implementation.
“Anna showcased her ability to link conceptual understanding of sustainability with practice in tangible ways,” said Dr. Colin Whitfield (PhD), SENS researcher and Elliott’s supervisor. “Anna is passionate about sustainability, and I see her as an emerging leader with a successful career ahead of her.”
Excellence in Environment and Sustainability Graduate Award, Master of Energy Security: Amber Polson
Amber Polson worked with northern communities to understand and identify technical and communication gaps between utilities and remote communities. (Photo: Submitted)
Amber Polson’s work focused on the challenge of transitioning northern communities from diesel dependent grids to renewable energy.
By identifying technical and communication gaps between utilities and remote communities, she proposed practical solutions to improve communication and collaboration amongst stakeholders.
“Amber’s professionalism, responsibility, and commitment to excellence were showcased on a number of times throughout her research project,” said her SENS supervisor, Dr. Oscar Zapata (PhD). “Her work is critical in promoting equitable and informed decision-making in energy transitions, an essential issue for isolated northern communities across Canada.”
Chantelle Grafton provided a unique perspective that aligned well with her studies exploring how resilient different watersheds are to climate change. | Photo courtesy USask
Working full-time with the British Columbia Ministry of Water while pursuing her studies, Chantelle Grafton provided a unique perspective that aligned well with her studies exploring how resilient different watersheds are to climate change. The project was in partnership with the Government of Alberta Environment, Parks Canada, Environment Canada, and Climate Change Canada.
“Chantelle was an outstanding MWS student. As a working professional in the industry, Chantelle made strong contributions to the MWS program and to the overall watershed study project,” said Dr. Andrew Ireson (PhD), SENS professor and Grafton’s supervisor. “Through this study, Chantelle collaborated soundly with the project partners, who were impressed with her level of professionalism and commitment to the project and to water security.”
