Every academic year will bring new opportunities and experiences for our students, and this one was no expception. In October, our students had the opportunity to participate in a unique Solvathon with renowned climatologist Dr. Michael E. Mann, to tackle the growing challenges of misinformation surrounding environmental issues. Widespread misinformation on critical issues facing society is an unprecedented threat to governance and democracy. It is exemplified in public discourse on the most pressing environmental problems of our time. Our students need to be prepared for this challenge.
聽 Preparing students for real-world challenges is part of our School鈥檚 mission. This fall, for the first time, BSE students had internships with Environment & Climate Change Canada. We have ideas for other experiential learning opportunities that will come to fruition soon鈥攊ncluding new team projects for our capstone course, ENVR401, and expanded collaborations with Quebec-based environmental agencies. Our faculty and students continue to exhibit creativity and innovative thinking in conducting cutting-edge research.聽
The School will continue to grow in its influence and capacity to meet the needs of society. We will train the next generation of environmental scholars to address an array of global challenges.聽 Our mission is to provide an interdisciplinary education that empowers students with the training necessary to address complex environmental challenges. I thank our faculty, staff, and associate members for their dedication to this mission.