Bachelor of Environmental Science and Studies - Olivia Gaetz
When I first applied for the BESS program, I had no idea how valuable my experience at Trent would be. After taking two environmental education courses, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in environmental/outdoor education. I started working at Ontario Parks each summer as a naturalist and program educator. I was able to enhance the programs that I teach by applying new knowledge and experience gained during the academic year at Trent.
As a TSE student, I was given opportunities to make meaningful change in my community. In 2020, I was elected as a member of the executive team of the Trent University Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration. In this role I worked with fellow executive members to coordinate salamander migration walks to support their safe movement. Upon observing high numbers of salamander mortality, I worked with one other student, the Trent Lands Stewardship Coordinator Ali Giroux, and assistant professor Dr Tom Hossie to propose and implement a curb modification project to reduce amphibian mortality on campus. The success of this project led to a community-based research (CBR) project with Giroux, Hossie, and Dr Kaitlyn Fleming, to investigate the state of herptile biodiversity on campus. We designed our own survey protocol to collect data from Trent Nature Areas and proposed mitigation strategies to better support herptile biodiversity.
The wetland ecology and management course offered field trips to various wetland types in the Kawartha region. We learned about the ecological and cultural importance of these ecosystems and the role we can play in protecting them. Wetlands have by far become my favorite ecosystems. In applied biomonitoring, my classmates and I conducted aquatic and terrestrial sampling for the U-Links. Seeing our research used in the community is incredibly rewarding.
Throughout my time at Trent, I’ve developed a deeper connection to and understanding of the environment. I realized a passion for environmental education and herptile conservation. I have made long-lasting friendships with my peers, and connections with my professors. I hope to build upon my experiences at Trent to continue learning and teaching about the environment.
Olivia graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Environmental Science and Studies in June 2024.