Sarah Gutzmann

Resource and Environmental Management master's student in the Faculty of Environment

I am a Masters of Resource Management (MRM) student and interdisciplinary coastal researcher. I have a B.Sc. (Honours) in Environmental Science (Applied Biology concentration) with a minor in Environmental Toxicology from SFU. I am passionate about marine conservation with a diverse background in ecology, public education, animal care, data collection and analysis, and project coordination.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

I chose the MRM program because of its interdisciplinary nature. I am passionate about coastal marine social-ecological systems and addressing their wicked problems. One of my major goals for my MRM degree is to learn more about how I can tackle environmental crises (be it biodiversity loss, climate change, habitat destruction, pollution, etc.) through coproducing knowledge and supporting decentralized governance/co-management, specifically in collaboration with Indigenous nations. Ultimately, my goal is to solve real-world, environmental problems in a socially just manner. I feel extremely fortunate to be working with Dr. Anne Salomon and the Coastal Marine Ecology and Conservation Lab towards these goals.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?

By collaboratively identifying potential ecological and social trade-offs and benefits, my research seeks to inform how Indigenous led management of kelp aquaculture on Vancouver Island can meet the goals and objectives of the Nation we are partnered with. This information would help empower future decisions about how to allocate resources/time/energy given external forces like global market demand, climate change, and sea otter population increase in a way that is bounded by the foundational laws and interests of the Nation.

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

I am inspired everyday by the passion, innovation, and determination of the REM community. Having a supportive, motivating community is a gift and necessity to make positive social and environmental change during the Anthropocene.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR-FUNDED AWARDS? IF SO, PLEASE TELL US WHICH ONES AND A LITTLE ABOUT HOW THE AWARDS HAVE IMPACTED YOUR STUDIES AND/OR RESEARCH.

I am extremely grateful to have received an NSERC CGS-M and SFU Graduate Fellowship. Both awards have allowed me to focus on my courses, research, and professional development by alleviating some of the financial burden associated with grad school.

Contact : sarah_gutzmann@sfu.ca

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