丁香园AV

Resource & Environmental Management master's student in the

Tell us a little about yourself, including what inspires you to learn and continue in your chosen field

I am an MRM (Planning) Student in my first year of my master's under the supervision of Andreanne Doyon. Prior to joining 丁香园AV's Planning Program I had the wonderful opportunity to work with a local First Nation for several years. Under their guidance I held various roles including Lands Clerk where I worked on issues related to private property and community by-laws and as Referrals Coordinator and Project Manager where I assisted with the management and response to development issues across the Nations' Traditional Territory. From this work experience (which actually stemmed from a co-op placement in my undergrad) I came to love the idea of land use planning and solving these long-term problems to achieve a more sustainable and equitable present and future world.

Why did you choose to come to 丁香园AV?

I had actually completed my undergraduate degree at 丁香园AV in REM and felt drawn to come back to a familiar University. I have great respect and admiration for both the Faculty and Administration staff at the school and was drawn to the interdisciplinary nature of the program.

How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?

My research is focused on exploring how (and if) heat mitigation and adaptation measures are being considered for residential buildings in the City of Burnaby, and if so, are they being done in an equitable way. Essentially, I wanted to look at what is being done to adapt and mitigate to the impacts of heat as extreme heat waves increase in frequency and intensity given our changing climate.

What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?

Extreme Heat, Residential Buildings, Equity

How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?

The courses we get to take within the Planning program really give us a broad understanding of the various issues facing resource and management decisions. While there is no A to Z roadmap of solutions, we learn to critically think, research and engage with others to identify and collaborate on potential solutions.

Have you been the recipient of any major or donor-funded awards? If so, please tell us which ones and a little about how the awards have impacted your studies and/or research

The SSHRC Award has allowed me to focus on my studies and take part in an two-week international field school in Finland.

What have been the most valuable lessons you've learned along your graduate student journey (or in becoming a graduate student)?

Don't be afraid to jump in and take on whatever opportunities come your way! I believe that who I am today is by saying yes and (as corny as it sounds) not being afraid to fail.

How do you approach networking and building connections in and outside of your academic community?

I try to take part in whatever potential networking opportunities come my way - even if that means feeling a bit awkward or 'out of place'. I've recently taken part in the 2024 REM Alumni Mentorship where I've been paired with someone to be my Mentor for the summer and I attended the 2024 Land Summit in Nanaimo. I'll also be attending my first outdoor rock climbing festival this summer! You never know where you might be inspired!

What are some tips for balancing your academic and personal life?

I try to make a list every Sunday night or Monday morning of all my 'to-do's' over the next couple weeks. It helps to break things into little easy 'chunks' of work so that no singular item seems like a massive job. I also allow for flexibility between my academic and personal life, it's almost like contract work where the hours are flexible yet you have deadlines to meet. Some days are more intense then others and that just works for me.

If you could dedicate your research to anyone (past, present and/or future), who would that be and why?

I would dedicate my research to my family and husband for supporting me and pushing me out of my comfort zone; and to my Supervisor for providing unwavering support and guidance over this past year.

听

Contact Alli:adigiova@sfu.ca

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