Wendy Hicks
TSE Showcase
Wendy Hicks
Course Instructor | Environmental & Resource Studies Program | Trent University Alumna 04'
Wendy Hicks is a course instructor in the Trent School of the Environment’s Environmental and Resource Studies Program, as well as in the Political Studies and International Development Studies departments. She has been teaching at Trent since 2010. She began her career in the practice of law, and also worked for both the federal and provincial governments as a lawyer and policy analyst, dealing with environmental, natural resource, and international trade policy. This background informs her teaching. She began teaching while enrolled in the PhD program in Political Science at the University of Toronto and has also taught courses at Wilfrid Laurier University.
Beyond the university, Wendy is passionate about raising Monarch butterflies, tending her pollinator gardens, and sharing her macro photography images to inspire people to live in harmony with nature.
Courses
- Canadian Environmental Policy (ERST-POST-CAST 3120H)
- Critical Environmental Thinking (ERST-CAST 2525H)
- Green Politics (POST-ERST 3030H)
- Environmental Science and Politics (ERST-POST 2100H - online, summer)
Research & Teaching Interests
Wendy’s research investigates intersections between Canadian environmental law and policy, the political economy of science, federalism, and international investment agreements, as well as the evolution of environmental norms. She is passionate about helping students understand the complex interactions between politics, economics, and law. She is currently working on a research project that compares environmental policies in Canada and Taiwan, and in particular the roles of indigenous communities in influencing environmental policy-making.
What are you most excited for your students to learn or experience in your course(s)?
Wendy is most excited to inspire her students to think critically about environmental issues, and to use what they learn in her courses to make a real difference. This includes applying an environmental political economy lens to reveal the complexities of environmental problems and potential solutions. Difficult problems require creative answers. She wants to give her students hope, and help them develop the tools they need to find and implement the answers.
Highlights of Teaching in Trent School of the Environment
Wendy's highlights since joining TSE include the relationships she's built with former students who are now friends and colleagues. It's rewarding to see them working passionately to solve environmental issues around the world.
“I enjoy the interdisciplinary lens that many students bring to my classes, and their passion for environmental work. I have the opportunity to hear their ideas and to teach them to question everything, even me!”- Wendy Hicks
Benefits of Learning at Trent School of the Environment
Trent students have the privilege of learning from people who care about their learning. They can develop deep and lasting relationships with instructors who see them as real people and want to help them thrive. They are encouraged to question and think critically, and to consider alternative perspectives.
Advice for Trent School of the Environment Students
Use your time at Trent wisely, to study broadly and deeply. Look for connections between things that may at first appear unconnected. Keep your mind open to new possibilities, and don't lose hope. To quote Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” And to quote me, always consider "who decides?"