Congratulations to Environment’s undergraduate award winners

Eloise received two awards for distinguished academic achievement. One for the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability and the University of Waterloo Alumni Gold Medal in the Faculty of Environment. We sat down with Eloise to learn how studying her twin passions led not only to a BES, but also to academic distinction.

Neha received the President’s Award of Excellence in recognition of having the highest GPA in the faculty.

What is next for you?

I'm excited to be out in the field this summer working for a non-profit called Bird Ecology and Conservation Ontario. We're studying the impact of different cattle grazing regimes on the abundance and nest success of grassland bird species like the Bobolink and the Eastern Meadowlark. I'm also working on turning my undergraduate honours thesis on Saskatchewan shorebird populations into a published research paper. Although I'm taking a break from school for now, I intend to pursue a Masters of Science in biology in the near future.

What will you miss about Waterloo?

I'm going to miss the many wonderful people I've met throughout my undergrad, especially my friends and peers in ERSSA, the Environment, Resources and Sustainability Student Association. They are some of the most intelligent, thoughtful, generous, and hardworking people I've met within ERS, both alumni and current students, and I am honoured and grateful to have been part of ERSSA all five years of my degree.

Sophia was recognized for outstanding academic achievement in Knowledge Integration.

What is next for you?

Though my next steps are still uncertain, one thing is clear: my academic journey is far from over. After taking a gap year to travel and work, I plan to pursue a master's degree in the environmental field to further my studies and deepen my knowledge in a more specialized niche. Currently, I'm exploring options here in Ontario as well as in British Columbia and Sweden, hoping to combine my passion for travel with my academic aspirations. But regardless of which program I ultimately choose, I plan to make a positive impact on the world!

What will you miss about Waterloo?

Where do I start? From captaining the University of Waterloo Dance Company to working as a research assistant with the WAMPUM Lab and volunteering as a Faculty of Environment Ambassador, I have enjoyed so many memorable experiences on top of academics that made my time at Waterloo so special. Even so, I grew tremendously within the classroom as part of such a forward-thinking program, one that encouraged creative thinking and allowed me to explore my many passions. I will miss this environment and being surrounded by such intelligent, passionate, like-minded peers, especially my Knowledge Integration community. While there are many spaces on campus that I will miss, it is the extracurriculars I participated in, the knowledge I gained, and the friendships I formed in these spaces that I will miss most. 

Harry was recognized for outstanding academic achievement in Geomatics.

What is next for you?

I hope to continue my work in advocacy and spatial decision-making, fostering conversations on key global issues, including social inequality, artificial intelligence, and climate change. By making connections, deriving applications, and informing solutions that can appeal to public and private interests, I look forward to challenging the status quo and formulating new ways to improve the communities, cities, and the world we live in.

What will you miss about Waterloo?

Throughout my university experience, I’ve been fortunate to meet many passionate people and participate in various community causes, where the dedication and commitment of student leaders toward local and global issues continually inspire me to strive for something greater. Although I will miss the tight-knit community, I will cherish the stories and memories I have made alongside my friends and peers here while cheering on those who continue to serve as a beacon of inspiration after we graduate.

Ricardo was recognized for outstanding academic achievement in Planning.  

What is next for you? 

I am planning to further my studies in green architecture and sustainable urban design in Italy. I have thoroughly enjoyed the urban design specialization and I am excited to apply what I learnt in my studies and career going forward. 

As a future urban planner and entrepreneur architect, I have realized that we all have a part to play and possess expertise in our field to make cities a more sustainable, accessible, eco-friendly, and vibrant place to live. I want to focus my studies not only on designing aesthetically pleasing structures and public areas, but also on ensuring they are functional so that they resonate and benefit present and future generations.

What will you miss about Waterloo?

I will certainly miss the Environment and St. Jerome’s community, especially the UWaterloo geese that I always saluted who have now become my family. We have created such amazing memories and friendships together that I will truly cherish. 

Also, I will miss being an Environment Ambassador where I had the opportunity to lead amazing tours of the Environment buildings and meet many enthusiastic prospective students interested in Planning. The most memorable moments were during our major faculty outreach events such as You @ Waterloo Day and our Open Houses. I will certainly stay in touch with the University of Waterloo and St. Jerome’s University College as an alumnus for future events!

Ben was recognized for outstanding academic achievement in Geography and Environmental Management.

What is next for you?

I’m excited to share that I’ll be returning to Waterloo in the fall to complete a Master's of Science in Geography with the Collaborative Water Program. There, I’ll be continuing my work with the UWaterloo Biogeochemistry Lab to investigate nutrient dynamics within watersheds. In this upcoming phase of my life as well as the future I hope to continue learning, being connected to the outdoors, and to contribute towards a better future. 

What will you miss about Waterloo?

I’ll miss the undergraduate community within the Faculty of Environment. Being a part of the Student Geography Society, volunteering at the ES Coffee shop, and just hanging out in the ESS lounge has been a big part of my life. I’ll also miss many of my friends who are graduating and will be moving on from Waterloo. Over the last 5 years I have gotten to know many wonderful people, and I am grateful that I was able to see them at Waterloo everyday. Looking forward to continuing to grow friendships and finding community when I return in the fall. 

Salma was recognized for outstanding academic achievement in Environment and Business.

What is next for you?

I feel lucky for all the opportunities UWaterloo has allowed me to pursue from a study abroad term in Singapore, being a finalist in a Velocity competition, attending a field excursion in Algonquin Wildlife Research Station, and doing an international co-op. Recognizing my privilege in a quality education, I want to use the wealth of skills I have gained in my experiences to pay it forward through volunteering in international humanitarian organizations, first aiming for the UNEP, before starting my full-time career.

What will you miss about Waterloo?

The 24/7 community that UWaterloo offers is unmatched. From meeting exchange students in a SPIN class in PAC on a random Wednesday, having a study session on the grad house patio while listening to a student playing the piano outside of DP, to grabbing a board game from the Turnkey Desk after midnight for a good laugh with friends. Day or night, there was always something to do on campus! And of course, I can't forget the jalapeño bagel with cream cheese that the Ev3r Green Cafe staff perfects every time!

Jason was recognized for outstanding academic achievement in Geography and Aviation.

What is next for you?

I have been hired by Perimeter Aviation for a Pilot in Waiting position in Sioux Lookout, Ontario, where I hope to use my previous ramp experience until I am called to a first officer position on the Metroliner or Dash 8 aircraft. I am excited to put to use the experience and knowledge I gained through the University of Waterloo Geography and Aviation program with Perimeter Aviation as I pursue my career and aspirations in Aviation.

What will you miss about your time at UWaterloo?

I will miss the tight knit aviation community at UWaterloo. I have made so many lifelong friendships and memories throughout my time at UWaterloo. UWaterloo and the Faculty of Environment created an atmosphere that allowed me to grow and become the best version of myself. Being a part of the University of Waterloo Aviation Society (UWAS) gave me the opportunity to get to know my peers more deeply, engage in unforgettable experiences, and be part of both sides of the mentor-mentee program, which played a big role in guiding me to success in the aviation program. I am thankful the University of Waterloo and Faculty of Environment supports and encourages student-led groups and initiatives like UWAS. I have learned so much and I enjoyed the diversity of courses I could take in the faculty of Environment such as GIS, tourism, climate change and much more. They broadened my perspective on how much I could learn within this faculty and I hope to implement what I have learned in my future endeavours.

Alex was recognized for outstanding academic achievement in International Development.

What is next for you? 

I’m proud to announce that I will be continuing my education at the University of Waterloo through a Master of Planning. During an overseas exchange at the National Taiwan University, I developed an interest in the power, design and art of public transportation. My goal is to use my experiences and knowledge to eventually work on and improve Toronto’s growing transportation network.  

What will you miss the most? 

What I’ll miss most about my time at the University of Waterloo is spending time with my friends. A group study session was the best excuse to hang out and not actually study. I'll also miss the plethora of events hosted by the University and clubs; they were a great way to de-stress and meet new friends.