Climate change presents unique challenges in the Fraser Valley. Join faculty host Pat Harrison and guest panelists at an afternoon to bring together alumni, faculty and students to share their stories and learn from one another about how they experience the effects of climate change and how to be an eco-advocate in your community.

Thurs, Feb 18
2:30pm to 4:00 pm
B101, Abbotsford campus

About Pat Harrison:
Pat Harrison is a Professor of Biology in the Faculty of Science at the University of the Fraser Valley and the Chair of the UFV Centre for Sustainability. Pat grew up in Missoula, Montana (USA) and loved the outdoors.  He always knew he wanted to be a biologist.  Pat received his first degree in zoology and became a park ranger in 1970.  As a park ranger in Mount Rainier National Park, he became fascinated by the variety of fungi that flourished in the park.  Pat returned to graduate school to study the ecology of fungi.  After graduate school, Pat taught at UBC for 17 years before joining UFV’s Biology Department in 2003. Pat has been the recipient of many awards related to environmentalism, sustainability and service. Most recently, Pat was awarded the 2015 UFV Dean of Science Award and the 2015 Outstanding Service Award from the Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC.

Guest Panelists:
Sheena Adams, BGs ’11 – Sheena holds a Bachelor of General Studies from UFV and currently works in Inuvik, Nunavut as the Regional Energy Project Coordinator at Arctic Energy Alliance.

Alyssa Bougie, 4th year BSc (Biology) student – Alyssa works as the Sustainability Coordinator Assistant for UFV Facilities Management and as a community coordinator for the Solve It! UFV Community Innovation Challenge. Alyssa has been nominated for the 2016 Green Leader of Tomorrow award from the Abbotsford-Matsqui Rotary Club.

Andrea Gielens, BSc ’02 – Andrea completed a Bachelor of Science in Conservation Biology from UFV, as well as a Master of Science degree in ecology, evolution, systematics and population biology from Royal Roads University. She is currently studying Geographical Information Systems at Penn State University, and working as a wildlife biologist. Andrea’s work mostly involves species at risk conservation programs, including habitat assessment, restoration, monitoring and captive management for release programs. Andrea has received two Outstanding Achievement in Conservation Awards from the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Silver Salamander Award from the Canadian Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Network for her contributions to the Western Painted Turtle conservation program.

Jillian Hanson-Carlson, BSc ’13 – Jillian completed a Bachelor of Science in Physical Geography from UFV and she also holds certifications in LEED AP BD+C and inspection of erosion and sedimentation control. Jillian works as a Green Building Coordinator at Light House Sustainable Consulting.

Ashleigh Yakemchuk, BA ’15 – Ashleigh graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Geography from UFV and is working as the Principle Investigator at the Agricultural Center of Excellence in Sustainability. Ashleigh was the winner of the 2015 Green Leader of Tomorrow award from the Abbotsford-Matsqui Rotary Club.