What brought you to UPEI? Why did you choose to study here?

I initially chose to study at UPEI as a young high school student wanting to study veterinary medicine. Being from New Brunswick, I appreciated the many opportunities UPEI had to offer while being close enough to home. I was captured by promises of small class sizes, hands-on learning, and unique courses taught by professors who care. It was this type of learning that brought me and kept me on the Island over the years, and being at UPEI gave me the opportunity to uncover my passion for studying climate change.

What kinds of support have you received during your time here from UPEI students, staff, and faculty members?

During my time at UPEI I have taken advantage of many different student supports available to me, and I continue to access support from UPEI students and faculty alike. With the student-led creation of UPEI’s Climate Change and Adaptation Society, I have access to a community of like-minded students to help with anything from homework to understanding a complex climate issue.

"I was captured by promises of small class sizes, hands-on learning, and unique courses taught by professors who care. It was this type of learning that brought me and kept me on the Island over the years, and being at UPEI gave me the opportunity to uncover my passion for studying climate change."

What kinds of opportunities have you experienced because you're studying at UPEI, or because of the Island location?

Studying climate change at UPEI has given me so much fieldwork experience. The course content is designed to let students apply their knowledge from lectures in a hands-on way. Whether it be partnering with the Smithsonian Institution to set up a biodiversity monitoring plot, installing weather monitoring stations across PEI, or flying drones to collect data and create maps; you’re sure to get out in the field. Last summer, as part of UPEI's Work-integrated Learning program, I worked for Parks Canada with some fellow third-year climate change students under the supervision of the only Climate Change Specialist in the agency. We gained valuable work experience from projects like tree planting, species-at-risk monitoring, invasive species management, and a plethora of climate change-centered projects.

What's unique about UPEI, and Prince Edward Island, in your experience?

Compared to bigger cities or other locations that may be known for being “university towns”, I feel like both PEI and UPEI have that classic Maritime community feel. No matter the time or situation, people here really have a certain kindness about them; you can tell they really care.

What would you tell a high school student considering UPEI’s Applied Climate Change and Adaptation program?

If you’re interested in climate change and are looking for a more intimate learning setting with small class sizes and hands-on learning, UPEI's Applied Climate Change and Adaptation program is for you! I have found that this program facilitates an environment where it is easy to ask questions and dive further into topics that may interest you. The professors are always looking for our opinions and aim to give us work that looks at climate change in an engaging and meaningful way. As of right now, the program is definitely a hidden gem; not many know a lot about it!