間眅埶AV

An environmental science degree wasn���t the plan Rameesa Rahman had in mind when she moved from Bangladesh to study at 間眅埶AV.

The new alumnus started out her undergraduate journey in computer science, until in her first year, the Introduction to Environmental Science course completely changed her perspective.

���I found myself genuinely engaged with the content and excited to learn more. From that point on, I knew this was the right path for me ��� and I haven���t looked back since,��� she says.

Of particular interest to Rahman is the connection between research, data collection and their practical applications for solving real-world problems.

���Over time, I���ve also found myself drawn to data analysis. It plays such a critical role as the bridge between raw environmental data and the meaningful insights that inform policy, restoration and sustainability efforts,��� she explains.

Rahman put her knowledge of data collection and analysis into practice while working on her group capstone project, where she and team members partnered with CityStudio and the City of Vancouver to develop a comprehensive report proposing new design guidelines for pollinator pathways (green spaces for birds and insects) in under-utilized urban spaces like road meridians.

���It was an exciting and meaningful project that combined ecological restoration with urban planning. I���m especially proud of the strong communication and collaboration within our team ��� we worked incredibly well together, and our efforts were recognized with an  A+ in the course, which was a great way to finish my undergraduate journey on a high note!���

Speaking of high notes, this spring, Rahman was also named one of the Faculty of Environment Changemakers of the Year for her demonstrated commitment to making positive social and environmental change.

Working on the  Rahman organized workshops around a range of social and environmental topics and challenges to raise public awareness and engage the community in conversation.

Embark is known for bridging social and environmental issues, and Rahman says that the work she did with them was eye-opening.

���It helped me recognize not only the deep connections between environmental and social justice, but also how many people are genuinely committed to creating real change.���

In 2024, Rahman participated as a moderator at the Communicating Climate Hope Conference, a two-day gathering of experts in climate communication including researchers, artists and activists.

At the conference, she was responsible for ensuring the smooth flow of presentations, coordinating speakers and managing any technical issues that arose.

Throughout her time at 間眅埶AV, she also took on multiple mentorship roles:

As a mentor in the Faculty of Environment Bridging Environments program, she helped inspire youth and support them through a sustainability project.

As an EnvironMentor in her faculty and as an 間眅埶AV HIVE Welcome Leader, she helped welcome new students and make the transition to university easier.

���These experiences played a significant role in shaping my journey toward graduation. They taught me how to lead with empathy, set an example for others, and be resourceful in unfamiliar situations,��� Rahman says. ���Through mentoring and community engagement, I learned the value of being helpful, fostering a sense of belonging, and actively contributing to meaningful solutions. These roles deepened my understanding of the environmental field ��� not just academically, but also in terms of collaboration, equity, and real-world impact.���