October 3, 2006 Source: :
http://www.brandonu.ca/news/article.asp?A_ID=1112 Elizabeth Dawson becomes Brandon
University's first Environmental Sciences
graduate BRANDON, MB –
Brandon University is pleased to announce that, in October 2006, Elizabeth
Dawson will become the first graduate of the Brandon University
Environmental Sciences program, which was introduced in September 2003.
Dawson will receive a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. Dawson, who grew up in Dauphin, Manitoba, transferred to Brandon University
after spending two years as a Biology major at Malaspina University-College
in Nanaimo, British Columbia. "Environmental Science is such a diverse field that draws on many
disciplines, including sciences and social sciences," says Dawson of her
decision to pursue the degree. "The multi-disciplinary program at BU allowed
me to pursue my interests in biological studies, geography, ethical and
social issues and resource management, while bringing these topics to a
common denominator—environmental conservation. It is a fascinating study
with many angles." Dawson completed her degree following the Biodiversity stream (students can
choose from this stream of specialization and two others: Resource
Management and Physical Sciences) of the BU program, which includes studies
of genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity, each of which is critical to
environmental protection. These areas of biological diversity are presently
a key focus of conservationists and have become central to environmental
policy and actions. While exploring scientific principles related to
environmental studies in ecology, zoology, botany, biogeography, and
conservation biology, Dawson developed her interests in the social end of
environmental issues. "The value of the environment and its constituents, whether they are human
resources or not, is constantly in question," she says. "Meanwhile, human
health and that of the environment are so intertwined, and yet we are wary
of taking preventative action against environmental degradation. There is
much work to be done to develop strategies with which humans can be
convinced that the environment is worthy of conservation. I am particularly
interested in resource management strategies that coincide with social
well-being." Since completing her degree, Dawson has moved to Victoria, B.C., where she
will pursue further studies and employment. She says she hopes to carry on
with environmental science in a graduate program, and is hoping to focus on
water resources or marine ecosystem management. She is also interested in
studying how environmental degradation is affecting the health of human
populations. "I want to thank the professors from many disciplines who contribute the
Environmental Science program at BU," says Dawson. "Their passion,
encouragement, and unique interests are inspirational to the students and
they do great work everyday. Also, a special thanks to Dr. David Greenwood,
who has poured himself into the Environmental Science program and made it
what it has become in light of its humble beginnings in 2003." The BU Environmental Science Program was designed to provide students with
skills and knowledge drawn from a range of different scientific disciplines,
and includes courses offered by the Applied Disaster and Emergency Studies,
Botany, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Mathematics and Computer Science,
Physics and Astronomy and Zoology departments at BU. In contrast to the
environmental studies concentration offered by the BU Geography Department,
all Environmental Science students receive a foundation in each of biology,
chemistry, geology or physical geography, and statistics, as well as the
opportunity to take elective courses from physics and non-science areas such
as economics and public policy. For more information on the Brandon University Environmental Sciences
Program, please go to:
http://www.brandonu.ca/academic/environmental/default.asp For more information, or to arrange interviews, please contact: Kelly Stifora
Communications Officer
Brandon University
Phone: (204) 727-9762
Email: communications@brandonu.ca - 30 -
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