Grad mixes classroom and experiential learning at O.U.R. Ecovillage

A summer camping trip in Haida Gwaii brought political science student Kat Zimmer an unexpected epiphany. “I was surrounded by natural beauty, and I thought, my academic life must reflect my passion for the outdoors,” remembers Zimmer. That moment became the catalyst for a change in her academic career. “I didn’t know about the environmental studies program and that it could also be political,” says Zimmer, “I was so excited that I could bring politics and the environment together.”

As an environmental studies/political science student, Zimmer was able to blend her love of nature with her academic studies. Four years later she is now finished her undergrad degree and looking to the future.

“I want to do a master’s degree in environmental studies. I looked at other universities, but UVic has what I want in a program and campus culture.”

One of her most memorable experiences at UVic was the summer she spent at the O.U.R. (one united resource) Ecovillage located at Shawnigan Lake. At first she was at the ecovillage as part of a directed studies course; then she was hired and stayed on for the rest of the summer. Her task was to make the permaculture program more accessible to university students.

“Permaculture is about systems that support each other, inputs and outputs, with very little waste,” she explains. “There is a synergy to the environment, and one can apply that to human systems as well.”

Because of her work, the School of Environmental Studies is seriously considering a partnership with the ecovillage for the delivery of a permaculture field school.

Zimmer came to UVic from Cranbrook after attending the College of the Rockies. She immediately connected with the size of the campus and the friendly, approachable community.

“In my time at UVic I have seen the university through many different lenses,” says Zimmer. “I have been on student government boards, worked as a server and held a co-op job in the Office of Campus Planning and Sustainability. The university is such a welcoming, caring community.”

She thanks her professors Dr. Duncan Taylor and Dr. James Rowe for their vision and support during her degree program. She is hoping to start her master’s program under the supervision of Taylor. She says she was also supported by Helen Kobrc in the Co-op and Careers Office.

“I feel so privileged,” says Zimmer. “I had such amazing support from faculty, co-op and the Office of Campus Planning and Sustainability.”