ABBOTSFORD – The UFV Alumni Association held another Alumni Expert Panel Speaker Series with an event on the topic of Climate Change and Eco-Advocacy in the Fraser Valley, held at the UFV Abbotsford campus on February 18. Students, alumni, and guests heard insights from those who are working in various areas of sustainability, asked questions and networked.Watch the full video below.

Climate Change and Eco-Advocacy in the Fraser Valley: Thursday February 18

About the faculty host and panelists

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.

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.