Edmund Strachan

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

Tell us a little about yourself, including what inspires you to learn and continue in your chosen field

I am a black cis-gendered, able-bodied male who has been raised on the stolen and rightful lands of the Anishinaabe people and currently resides on the stolen and rightful lands of the Coast Salish people. I am an aspiring black ecologist who advocates for environmental equity and the protection of sensitive ecosystems and species that reside within those ecosystems. What inspires me to continue to learn is the growing need for environmental science as we try to mitigate the impacts of climate change within our regions. It is my hope that my research can contribute to the creation and implementation of such strategies.

Why did you choose to come to SFU?

I chose SFU because of the excellent graduates the university was producing in my field. Graduates from SFU tend to have an interdisciplinary background with a plethora of skills.

How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?

My research is focused on carbon accounting within managed peatlands that have been impacted by fire. The goal of this research is to determine when a peatland moves from a carbon source to sink.

What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?

Carbon, Peatlands, Soil Science

How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?

I believe all my experiences during my time at SFU have contributed to my academic and professional development. The courses within the REM program provide a broad spectrum of concepts that are applicable in a professional setting.

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 have received the NSERC CGS-M award. It has been extremely helpful with funding my research and assisting with my continued studies at SFU.

What have been the most valuable lessons you've learned along your graduate student journey (or in becoming a graduate student)?

The most valuable lesson I have learned within this journey is to commit and trust in the process. Graduate school is difficult, but extremely rewarding. Always try to apply yourself to new challenges.

How do you approach networking and building connections in and outside of your academic community?

My tactic to approach networking is to make yourself available to others. This involves getting out of my comfort zones and actively approaching and communicating with those outside of my social group and areas of research.

What are some tips for balancing your academic and personal life?

Always prioritize your mental health first. Secondly, aim to complete assignments and tasks in advance.

If you could dedicate your research to anyone (past, present and/or future), who would that be and why?

I would dedicate my research to all the people in my life who helped me become the person I am today.

Contact Edmund:edmund_strachan@sfu.ca

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