Improving the World Through Science
Trent University’s collegial atmosphere inspires Ph.D. candidate Verena Sesin to advance science globally
Whether she’s organizing a student science symposium, serving on various University-wide committees representing graduate students, or working with grad students around the world to share research online, Verena Sesin always keeps one goal in mind: Using science to make the world a better place.
Ms. Sesin, a Ph.D. candidate in the Environmental and Life Sciences (ENLS) graduate program, says she’s highly motivated to be involved in extra-curricular activities at the University, and has even joined global initiatives through the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) because she wants to advance science on many fronts.
“Whether we’re battling a pandemic, improving air quality or keeping harmful pesticides out of our food systems, science is crucial to improving the world,” she says.
Through SETAC, a not-for-profit professional organization comprising roughly 5,300 people in more than 90 countries, Ms. Sesin has joined a global interest group that focuses on the effects of chemicals on plants, as well as a committee that enhances the experience of early-career scientists. Ms. Sesin’s contributions to the organization was recently recognized with a presidential citation.
“It’s a big society and I am fairly new, so I’m extremely honoured to be recognized for my efforts and to know that my contributions are appreciated,” she says.
Drawn to Trent’s world-class reputation
Ms. Sesin hails from a small town in Germany and enrolled at Trent’s School of the Environment due to its world-renowned reputation as the university of choice for future environmental leaders.
“Trent’s facilities are second-to-none – growth chambers, boats, high-end chemistry labs and a world-class Water Quality Centre,” she adds.
Since arriving on campus in 2017, she has found Trent to be a friendly, supportive and welcoming school that offers sizeable scholarships and a collegial atmosphere leading to collaborations across departments.
She wasted no time getting involved and her achievements include serving as environmental commissioner of the Trent Graduate Students’ Association, spearheading the interdisciplinary Trent Graduate Students Symposium and co-organizing an International Graduate Student Online Seminar Series.
Linda Cardwell, ENLS program coordinator, says Ms. Sesin is a wonderful asset. “We are very proud of her and she has done some amazing things here during her tenure as a Ph.D. candidate,” Ms. Cardwell adds.
Trent offers inside look at government science
As Ms. Sesin looks ahead to graduation in 2021, she says she would be happy with a career in academia, industry or government, as long as she’s using science to advance decision-making or develop policies that protect the environment.
She already has the advantage of insight into government workings through Trent’s unique partnership with Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF).
The MNRF science group is housed on campus and, like many Trent students, Ms. Sesin has the benefit of being co-supervised by both Trent and MNRF professionals.
“This has really given me deeper knowledge into government laws, regulations and policies,” she says. “And I also benefit from already having a relationship with government scientists.”
Learn more about Trent’s School of the Environment and the Environmental and Life Sciences graduate program, which is training professionals in the 21st-century issues of water quality, sustainability, environmental contaminants and infectious diseases.