UVic Sustainabilty Scholars research celebrated

Making waves in the Capital Regional District and beyond

 The 17 Sustainability Scholars collaborated with elders, policy makers, ecologists, and rural and urban communities across the region and beyond, including the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation, Tsawout First Nation, the cities of Victoria, Duncan, Port Alberni, and Powell River and Galiano and Cortes Islands. Many projects focused on water – an especially urgent area of study given projected increases in drought, rainfall variability, and storm events in the Capital Regional District.

Paul Cabling, a 2025 Scholar and Civil Engineering graduate student, partnered with the Friends of Bowker Creek Society on the project, “1000 Rain Gardens." During his internship, Cabling helped research and construct rain gardens: landscape features planted with native species designed to absorb and filter rainwater from impervious surfaces such as driveways and rooftops. Through these efforts, Paul and his colleagues were helping to manage water flows throughout the region, protecting fish spawning beds and water quality in local creeks and oceans.

"I’m blown away by the range of impact and tangible outcomes that the 2025 Sustainability Scholars contributed to,” Cabling said. "I see the program continuing to support the next generation of human-focused sustainability researchers and professionals.”

Geography graduate student Lily Charette focused on related water-based climate concerns through her project, Bracing for Rain: A cross-municipal analysis of stormwater policy in the capital region in partnership with the Peninsula Streams Society. Charette emphasized the importance of “centering local knowledge” in research aimed at ensuring a resilient climate.

“Those who are the most connected to an area have the best understanding of how systems function and the unique challenges that local ecosystems are facing,” Charette said. “In academia, we are often producing research that is meant to further the knowledge of the academic community, but…struggle with connecting this research to concrete projects and actions. Through the SSP I felt like I was finally able to bridge this gap in my work and conduct community-based research that will directly inform local action and policy.”

Dr. Taryn Fournie, a Stormwater Management Analyst for the City of Victoria who attended the celebration, highlighted the importance of applied research experience for emerging professionals.

“Programs like the UVic Sustainability Scholars Program play an essential role in developing the next generation of water-management professionals,” Fournie said. “Urban stormwater quality is a complex challenge influenced by land use, infrastructure design, operational practices, climate variability, and community behaviours. Addressing these challenges requires people who can work across disciplines, handle complex datasets, and translate technical information into practical insights for policy and operations.”

A moment to celebrate future sustainability innovators

 The closing celebration brought together the region’s sustainability research community, including scholars, Indigenous, nonprofit, and government partners, along with university leadership. Attendees described the event as a key opportunity to recognize emerging talent.

For Kyle Armstrong, Executive Director of the Peninsula Streams Society, the closing celebration demonstrated “that our partnership is respected, and most importantly that the students and their work are genuinely valued.”

Armstrong noted that seeing their work used and appreciated by the community reinforced for students that their research was having real impact – an experience that he hopes will inform their future studies and professional practice.

Preparing for the future of sustainable innovation

For many participants, the Sustainability Scholars Program (SSP) serves as a launching pad, equipping them with skills in applied research, collaboration, and community-engaged practice that extend well beyond the internship period.

"The SSP strengthened my skills in integrating accessible technologies and monitoring programs for community groups," shared a recent Sustainability Scholar. "I hope to continue applying what I’ve learned to advance community-based science."

The 2025 closing celebration underscored UVic's commitment to research that creates real-world impact and to partnerships rooted in reciprocity and respect. Together, UVic’s support and the leadership of community partners help prepare future sustainability researchers to confront the challenges of a changing climate.

SSP Program Manager Laurel Currie shared that there was a strong sense of pride, gratitude, and optimism as the celebration came to a close. “I was deeply moved by the caliber of the projects these students produced and by the care and dedication shown by our community partners,” she said. “We are incredibly proud of the 2025 cohort and excited to see what future Sustainability Scholars will accomplish.”

The celebration served as a powerful reminder of what is possible when students, community partners, and the university work together in service of a more sustainable future.

“These types of programs are invaluable because they highlight the importance of reciprocity – communities offer mentorship and real-world challenges, while students gain experience and share their expertise,” added Thomas.