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"Throughout my undergraduate studies, I became captivated by the quest for sustainable and equitable transitions in response to climate change. I hope to gain insights into how we can achieve these goals and contribute meaningfully."
Helena Debus
Resource and 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'm an MRM (thesis) candidate in Resource and Environmental Management within the Faculty of Environment at SFU. I was born and raised in Bonn, Germany, and settled in Canada in 2018. After the Summer 2024 term, I will finish my Resource and Environmental Management undergraduate degree. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I became captivated by the quest for sustainable and equitable transitions in response to climate change. I hope to gain insights into how we can achieve these goals and contribute meaningfully.
Why did you choose to come to SFU?
I chose to stay at SFU for a master's thanks to the outstanding faculty and graduate students in Resource and Environmental Management. Dr. Scott Harrison, in particular, inspired me to pursue this degree. Through working with Dr. Andrés Cisneros-Montemayor during the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 terms and getting to know his brilliant lab members, I decided to stay here at SFU and join his lab.
How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?
My proposed research will apply quantitative modelling to assess the effects of climate change on ocean industries in Canada.
What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?
Climate Change, Blue Economy, Quantitative Modelling
How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?
My son has contributed most extensively to my professional and academic development. Balancing the demands of an undergraduate degree while raising a baby and toddler and now preparing to start a master's program with a soon-to-be Kindergartener has been both challenging and fulfilling. This experience has taught me personal resilience, time management, and immense perseverance. It has also deepened my understanding of work-life balance and fueled my passion for building a sustainable future for the next generation.
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'm the recipient of an NSERC-CGSM award, the McElhanney Women in Stem Scholarship, the Flight 302 Legacy Award, the SFU Alumni Scholarship, and the Dueck Autogroup President's Scholarship. Together with a graduate fellowship, this funding has lifted some of the financial burdens of studying and living in Vancouver, allowing me to focus on pursuing my research.
Contact Helena:hdebus@sfu.ca