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Sustainability

sustainability

In order to teach about sustainability and sustainable practices, the following authors shared their experiences with embodying sustainability. This includes working in environmental research positions, how to implement sustainable practices at home and at work, and how to discuss sustainability with your coworkers, family and friends. By becoming more sustainable in our day-to-day activities, we can slow the depletion of natural resources that help individuals, society and the environment thrive.

Student on laptop with field and trees in the background
Blog
How Sustainable Website Building Can Create More Green Jobs

One area in which green jobs and skills are the most commonly under-utilised is website development. Discover how sustainable website building is the secret to creating a greener, more eco-conscious digital world. 

Windmills
Blog
What to Expect from an Energy Systems Research Co-op Work Term

I’ve spent the last eight months working an SFU research group on fulfilling projects focused on identifying barriers and opportunities to vehicle electrification in BC. What is research work like, and should you consider pursuing a research position?

Vancouver Chinatown
Blog
Spill the Tea: Gentrification of Vancouver Chinatown

This short video-documentary was created in hopes to represent a diversity of voices of Chinatown. As the neighbourhood has become more polished, more people came to the local stores and restaurants. Yet, those developments also drove up the rent, pushing out many businesses which have existed in the area for decades.

A portrait of Hanna at a conference, with a nametag on.
Blog
Finding a Place in the Fight for Climate Justice

Read Hanna Araza's piece on her experience with SFU's Semester in Dialogue program to learn about how you can involve your passions with your work! 

The new sustainable energy engineering campus in Surrey
Blog
What Is Sustainable Energy Engineering Co-op Like? Hear From Two Senior Students!

Curious about what Sustainable Energy Engineering co-op is like? Hear from two Senior SEE students, Danielle Arciaga & Kia Brownridge about their co-op experiences as they near graduation. 

A women smiling at the camera
Blog
Yulia Dmitrieva: Working with Fuel Cell Systems While On Co-op

MSE co-op student, Yulia, describes her interesting job as a Mechanical Engineer at Cellcentric. Cellcentric is a fuel cell organization whose mission is to “bring together 30 years’ worth of extensive experience in developing safe and efficient world-class fuel cell systems. By using hydrogen in our fuel cells, we create energy without emitting anything but pure water.”

Multiple icebergs on the ocean
Blog
Changemakers: How Much Impact Can You Actually Have as a Co-op Student?

The climate is changing, global health is threatened, injustices are prevalent, and you want to do something about it. Well, how much impact can you actually have as a co-op student? Here’s what Brennan found out during his work term at the BC Council for International Cooperation.

Danielle Arciaga Portrait
Blog
First-of-its-Kind Engineering Program Readies SFU Students for Emerging Green Industries

Second-year engineering student Danielle Arciaga faces a tough decision once she graduates from Simon Fraser University—which emerging green industry should she choose: clean tech or smart cities?

white windmills against a beautiful sunset
Blog
Saving the Environment - One Co-op at a Time!

Soroush Jafaryvahed set out to learn something new every day on his co-op with Ballard Power. The experience taught him that just because you are only with a company a short time, as as student, doesn’t mean that you can’t make a lasting impact.

A researcher's hand touching lab equipment
Blog
The Lowdown on Microplastics | Part Two

Graduate student, Stephen Chastain spent two co-op terms conducting research into microscopic pollution in our oceans. Here, he shares what he learned about this pressing issue and its global implications. 

The author stepping off a helicopter
Blog
76th Parallel North: An Incredible Summer with Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

Join Yee Ting on an adventure into the wilderness as they take us on an armchair journey into working with the INAC’s Resource and Land Management team. Read on to find out what Yee Ting's co-op position entails and how they gained real life experience in the field. 

the author conducting a water sampling in Katzie Slough, holding a sample bottle and smiling at the camera
Blog
Who, What, Where, When and Why? Working for a Non-Profit

To anyone out there considering working for a not-for-profit organization, I want to share the lessons I learned at Watershed Watch with you. 

photo of author smiling while holding a pipette and a test tube, working in a lab
Blog
The Proverbial Foot in the Door | Part One

Feeling stuck on the outside of the job market looking in? Need experience for a job but a job for experience? Read how one Master of Resource Management candidate made his way out of “the trap”.

Tegan kayaking with a co-worker
Blog
Conservation, Kayaks and Turtles

For her second co-op, Environmental Science student Tegan Gallilee-Lang ventured out to the Greater Vancouver Zoo to assist the Fraser Valley Wetlands Wildlife Project. Read about her adventures on the job and her new animal friends!

Scott Beaupré smiling portait
Blog
The Unconventional Job Hunt: Creating Your Own Co-op Opportunities

In five years at SFU, engineering physics undergrad Scott Beaupré landed three co-op job positions and four research projects without ever dropping off a résumé. Find out how! 

Author standing in front of mountainous background
Blog
Things You Learn Journeying (Close) to the Top of the World

Nowhere are the dire effects of climate change more apparent than in the Arctic. Join Sarah as she recounts her 3-week expedition at the top of the world and the 3 invaluable life lessons learned along the way. 

A yougurt bowl
Blog
Healthy and Sustainable Meal Ideas

Sustainable SFU put together some amazing recipes that not only taste great, but can help you stay healthy - all while using sustainability-friendly products.

Therese Mah headshot
Blog
Comic: How Co-op Helped Me Seize the Dreams I'd Left Behind

Therese believed her interests in art and environmentalism were too daunting to pursue as careers. She locked those dreams away... until co-op unlocked career opportunities that fused her studies with her passions. Check out her comic!

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