alumni
alumni

Alumni Profiles

ERS Program alumni enter the workforce in a wide variety of fields and occupations. A degree in Environmental Science/Studies can be relevant in many jobs in a variety of fields.

Take a look at some of the positions our Alumni have achieved.

Name Trent Degree Grad Year Occupation
B. Allen 4 yr B.Sc. in ERS 1999 Environmental Officer, Ontario Ministry of the Environment
Comments: Some of the duties of an Environmental Officer include: enforcement and abatement activities through the use of the Provincial Environmental Legislation, a variety compliance inspections at Industrial, non-industrial, and municipal facilities, respond to environmental complaints, and interpret and apply Ministry guidelines and protocol requirements to a variety of sector based personnel. I found that the ERS program at Trent University has provided me with excellent skills and transferable knowledge that I could use in the environmental professional field. The ERS program provided me with a variety of hands on learning opportunities and skills, as well as the ability to write and interpret technical reports. The professors at Trent were very knowledgeable with the curriculum that they were using and typically had a wealth of experience that I could relate the curriculum with. I further found the ERS program had well equipped labs and resources available to the students. Finally, I found that the class sizes in the ERS program were typically smaller. This made Trent University's ERS program a lot more appealing to me. With having smaller class sizes it aloud a lot more interaction time between the students and the professors. The professors were very approachable and usually available to the students if assistance was required.
M. Al-Maskari 4 yr B.A. in ERS 2004 HMR Environmental Engineering Consultants
T. Allison 4 yr B.Sc. in ERS, Biology 2000 Habitat Biologist, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
R. Barnhart 3 yr B.A. in ERS, Native Studies 1975 Senior Policy Advisor, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
D. Bringham 4 yr B.Sc. in ERS, Biology 1991 Senior Environmental Scientist, DST Consulting Engineers Inc.
M. Cant 4 yr B.A. in ERS 2004 Manager, Solid Waste, TSH
J. M. Cheechoo 4 yr B.Sc. in ERS 2003 Old Growth Organizer, Rainforest Action Network
R. Colley 3 yr B.A. in ERS 1999 Project Manager, Quantum Remediation Inc.
G. H. Copp 3 yr B.Sc. in ERS, Biology 1978 Dr., Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences
Comments: My current duties include the management and implementation of applied and fundamental research to inform policy on non-native freshwater fishes in the UK. An important part of this research is undertaken in collaboration with Prof. Michael G. Fox (Biology/ERS), which helps keep the link with Trent alive. My fond memories of Trent led me to establish the UK Chapter of the Trent Alumni Association, which meets up in London about 2 or 3 times a year. So, if you are coming to London, then let me know (eMail contact via the Trent Alumni pages, UK chapter) and we will try to organise a meeting to celebrate your visit.
M. Cowley 4 yr B.A. in ERS, Canadian Studies 2000 Research Assistant, Biodiversity Convention Office, Environment Canada
S. Cox 4 yr B.Sc. in ERS 2006 National Park Warden, Parks Canada
Comments: After graduating, I applied on the national competition for National Park Wardens in the fall of 2006 and was accepted to the 12 week Recruit Warden Training Program. After 3 months of ecosystem science, public safety, law enforcement, environmental assessment, wildlife immobilization and forest fire management training, I was posted to Terra Nova National Park of Canada on the east coast of Newfoundland.

As a warden in Terra Nova, I am:
-managing the Atlantic Salmon counting fence and sport fishery on the Northwest River,
-gathering scientific data for ecosystem monitoring programs,
-monitoring park wildlife populations
-evaluating park infrastructure for wildfire risk,
-writing environmental assessments for park projects,
-participating as a member of the park's Initial Attack forest-fire fighting crew,
-responding to human/wildlife conflicts by: trapping and chemically immobilizing "problem" wildlife and aversive conditioning
-conducting ground and marine search and rescue operations,
-responding to motor vehicle collisions on the Trans-Canada highway,
-cleaning up pollution spills on the highway and along the coastline,
-investigating violations of the Canada National Parks Act,
-and patrolling the park's Atlantic Ocean coastline for public safety, poachers, whales and even icebergs!

Every day at work brings something new, and the opportunities to work in national parks across the country in a variety of roles are seemingly endless.

My time at Trent will always be something I'll always cherish. The ERS program and faculty provided me with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in my new career. The scary thing is: the class I liked the least (ERSC 220) actually turned out to be the most useful in terms of the work I'm actually doing. Go figure!

If any ERS students out there are interested in becoming national park wardens I'd highly recommend it not as a career but a life adventure!

B. Currie-Alder 4 yr B.Sc. in ERS, International Studies 1999 Policy Analyst, International Development Research Centre
E. Davey 4 yr B.Sc. in ERS, Biology 1997 Director, Environmental Affairs, non-government organization
Comments: I graduated in May of 1997 and so far the joint honours degree in Environmental Resource Science and Biology has allowed me to work for the Federal Government and public interest groups. Currently I am the Director of Environmental Affairs for a non-government organization in Fort McMurray, Alberta. My staff and I work with the government (Provincial and Federal) and the regions resource developers (i.e. oils sands, conventional oil and gas and forestry) to address the ongoing cumulative environmental effect issues. The education I received at Trent was top notch and it definitely has helped me get where I am and will continue to provide a solid base for my future career choices. Thanks Trent!
P. Eves 4 yr B.Sc. in ERS, Geography 1995 Human Resources Manager, Centre for Sustainable Watersheds
Comments: Immediately after graduating, I was employed on a contract basis with the Ministry of Environment & Energy in Kingston, Ontario. At the end of my contract, I returned to school at Sheridan College for the Human Resources Management post-graduate program. Since that time, I have been employed in various Human Resources roles. Currently I am a Human Resources Manager working in the environmental not-for-profit sector and have been actively recruiting environmental science / studies graduates!
R. Fyke 4 yr B.A. in ERS 1994 Environmental Programs Coordinator
Comments: My degree has been extremely useful to me in obtaining employment in the environmental field. Since graduating I have been employed in the environmental field in a variety of capacities for over 10 years.
D. Gelderland 4 yr B.Sc. in ERS 1998 Environmental Superintendent, Placer Dome (CLA) Limited - Campbell Mine
R. Goodwin 4 yr B.Sc. in ERS, Biology 1989 Sr. Environmental Scientist, Kodiak Environmental Limited
Comments: Trent ERS program is fantastic. Because of the flexibility, you can tailor your education to your area of interest. My specific interest was in contaminants and distribution/toxicity in aquatic systems. Although my work is now primarily related to soil and groundwater contamination and not aquatic systems, my education is critical to my work. I have worked in enforcement of environmental regulations with the Ministry of Environment (MOE), I have worked on investigations of drinking water and wastewater systems, assessment of air quality (indoor air and stack emissions), and now primarily investigations of soil and groundwater contamination through borehole drilling, soil sampling, groundwater monitoring well installations and monitoring.
P. Gudnason 4 yr B.Sc. in ERS 2001 Master's student, Trent University
Comments: Trent's ERS program provides for great breadth in the exposure to academic fields. From Chemistry to Philosophy, there are unique courses through almost any cross-listing of departments that you can imagine. A number of part-time professors are actually part-time because they are currently quite busy in their own environmental interests, so hands-on exposure is directly available as well. That is not to say the full-timers were sitting down either. Tom Whillans is a fellow that cannot hold still, as he is involved in approximately 25 special interest groups.
H. Hall 3 yr B.A. in ERS 1997 Office Manager, Sierra Legal Defence Fund
K. Harris 4 yr B.A. in ERS 1995 Environmental Campaigns Officer, Body Shop, U.K.
A. Hathaway 4 yr B.A. in ERS, Canadian Studies 1997 Environmental Coordinator, IBM Canada Ltd.
Comments: The ERS program at Trent provided me with a great background for my current job.
P. Heeney 4 yr B.Sc. in ERS 1995 Supervisor, Ontario Ministry of the Environment
G. Johnson 4 yr B.Sc. in ERS, Biology 1999 Environmental Scientist, SEACOR Environmental Inc.
J. Kenney 4 yr B.A. in ERS, Canadian Studies 2004 Policy Analyst, Alberta Environment- Oil Sands Environmental Management
Comments: I am now a policy analyst with Alberta's Ministry of Environment- Oil Sands Environmental Management Division. I play a critical role in supporting policy issues related to air, climate, land and water management for Canada's fastest growing industrial project. Much of my time is dedicated to developing a policy landscape that will enable carbon capture and storage.
While not dealing with that issue, I am working on the development of a cumulative effects management system and environmental assessment transformation project. Oh, and I am also working on the development of an emissions management framework for Alberta's Industrial Heartland (where the upgrade the bitumen to a synthetic crude oil).

Very exciting job and many great opportunities. Much of which I can attribute to my learnings at Trent University and in particular Dr. Stephen Hill, who supervised my undergrad thesis--opening so many new and exciting career paths.

N. Klenavic 4 yr B.Sc. in ERS, Biology 1999 articling student, Ontario Superior Court of Justice
N. Korchuk 4 yr B.Sc. in ERS, Biology 1990 Science Facilitator, Let's Talk Science
T. Latty 4 yr B.Sc. in ERS, Biology 2002 Ph.D. candidate, University of Calgary
K. Lawford 4 yr B.Sc. in ERS, Chemistry 1999 Registered Midwife, Midwives of Stoney Creek
Comments: My background in ERS and chemistry is so helpful as a midwife. Society/science/medicine is learning more and more about the impacts of our environment on our health.
K. MacDonald 3 yr B.A. in ERS 1997 Watershed Planner, South Nation Conservation
T. McDonald-Lee 4 yr B.A. in ERS, Women's Studies 1999 Minister
Comments: Minister might sound odd for an ERS grad - but my degree gave me a background for eco-theology!
K. McClintlock 4 yr B.Sc. in ERS 1997 Jr. Environmental Engineer, D.L. Services Inc.
M. Miner 4 yr B.Sc. in ERS, Biology 2000 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, County of Oxford
C. Nelson 4 yr B.A. in ERS 1994 Senior Policy Analyst, Environment Canada
Comments: Briefing senior management and supporting public policy decision making require solid analytical and communication skills. The ERS program was very helpful in these and many other facets.
E. Reid 3 yr B.Sc. in ERS, Biology 1985 Wildlife Biologist, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
Comments: My ERS/Biology degree from Trent provided me with the template for meaningful life-learning and employment in the interdisciplinary field of environmental con
K. Reimer 4 yr B.Sc. in ERS, Geography 1989 Senior Project Specialist, ENSR International
Comments: My joint ERS/Geog degree benefited me immensely in developing my skills necessary for consulting. The topics covered in courses like aquatic toxin, hydrology, soils, carcinogenesis, and others have been most helpful for many projects I have worked on in consulting. For example my understanding of the behaviour of metals in water (ground or surface)with change in pH, to understanding groundwater flow were developed here initially. Many thanks go to professors such as Chris Metcalfe and Jim Buttle (for getting me started in this field). Karl Reimer, P.Eng.
D. Rogers 4 yr B.A. in ERS, Political Studies 1996 Associate Lawyer, Hacker Gignac Rice
Comments: While my career path has taken me away from environmental issues to my current work as a commercial litigation lawyer, my interest in environmental policy has remained strong and I have volunteered with several environmental and conservation organizations. Currently, I am a director for the Friends of the Wye Marsh, which operates an environmental education centre (the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre).
J. Schmidt 4 yr B.Sc. in ERS 2002 Research Technician, University of Calgary
Comments: My current duties are so varied, it's hard to know what to include! I currently "manage" the hydrology research group at the University of Calgary under Dr. Masaki Hayashi. My role exists primarily to assist professors and students in achieving their research goals by: coordinating and completing field work, running and maintaining the lab, ordering equipment and supplies, ensuring QA/QC on data, troubleshooting equipment and situations, training field assistants, public relations, etc. etc. My experience with ERS at Trent was tremendous! I gained so much experience simply by having had the opportunity to diversify my degree with a huge range of courses. The small classes especially helped my interpersonal and communication skills and has made me very comfortable with interacting with many different people from many different backgrounds. Close contact professors and support staff gave me the hands-on experience to increase my analytical research and troubleshooting skills.
P. Siwik 4 yr B.Sc. in ERS, Biology 1995 Fisheries Biologist, Alberta Sustainable Resource Department
B. Stephens 4 yr B.Sc. in ERS, Geography 2001 Planning Ecologist, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
A. Timms 3 yr B.Sc. in ERS 1994 Mr., Intern member, Ontario Association of Architects
S. Tomlinson 4 yr B.Sc. in ERS, Geography 1998 Coordinator, International Polar Year, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
B. Toms 4 yr B.Sc. in ERS, Biology 2004 Species at Risk Recovery Technician, Canadian Wildlife Service
Comments: I am currently employed providing technical assistance in the species at risk recovery program for Atlantic Canada. As well as managing the logistics of running a field research camp on an offshore island I carry out field research with my co-workers. We work to monitor and conserve the Roseate Tern, Piping Plover and the Harlequin Duck. My ERS degree at Trent allowed me to take many courses related to Conservation Biology including an Honours project in Biology. This allowed me to pursue my desired career path while also receiving a rounded education in environmental science.
M. Twiss 4 yr B.Sc. in ERS, Biology 1987 Associate Professor of Biology; Director, Great Rivers center; Clarkson University
Comments: The ERS program gave me a well-balanced background in both science and the policy/social implications of environmental science that allows me to look objectively, and often subjectively, at how humans interact with the natural environment.
D. Weightman 4 yr B.Sc. in ERS 1998 Secondary School Teacher, Mayfield Secondary School
A. White 4 yr B.A. in ERS, Comparative Development 1990 Wildlife Outreach and Education Officer, Environment Canada
K. Wilson 4 yr B.Sc. in ERS, Biology 2005  
Comments: I am barely getting started with my post-graduate career but I have already had two great jobs based on the experience I gained in the Trent Environmental Science and Biology programs. The first was a summer term as a water quality technician s assistant for a conservation authority, where I used all the techniques for lake and stream sampling that I learned in Limnology including benthic identification. Then I moved into an internship position at a Department of Fisheries Laboratory, where I participate with fish ID, sexing, and aging, to complete a habitat impact study. Who knows where I will end up next or what I will be doing once this internship is done, but so far I have been able to stay happily employed in field science related jobs.
S. Wilson 4 yr B.A. in ERS, International Studies 1995 Project Officer, Montreal Protocol Bilateral Program, Environment Canada
D. Wolters-Sword 4 yr B.Sc. in ERS, Biology 1997 Energy & Environmental Technologist, Hastings & Prince Edward District School Board
Comments: Having a joint major has allowed me more versatility in job opportunities. I have found work in the biology field (doing research, field studies) as well as in the environmental field (current position dealing with government regulations and education)