Identifying birds and invasive plants, monitoring for calling amphibians at night, and exploring Trent’s 11 on-campus Nature Areas were all highlights of Master of Bioenvironmental Monitoring & Assessment (M.BEMA) student, Emily Turner’s summer as she completed a four-month internship with the University’s Campus Planning & Development team. 

M.BEMA is a one-year, course-based program that provides students, like Emily, with a theoretical foundation in biological monitoring and assessment in an environmental context, and practical work experience through a four-month placement. 

“The M.BEMA courses exceeded my expectations as they did not just teach me the theories and ideas but also got me to apply the knowledge I gained through assignments that are applicable to the real world and careers in this field,” says Emily. “I loved the four-month placement because I knew it would give me that real-world field experience I could learn from and add to my résumé.” 

Contributing to Trent’s campus vision

Trent’s commitment to the stewardship of the Symons Campus lands is outlined in the 2021 Trent Lands and Nature Area Plan, the University’s vision for thoughtfully and respectfully integrating the natural and built environment and Indigenous Traditional Knowledge while addressing some of the campus and community’s most pressing needs. Working alongside Jennifer Clinesmith, director of Campus Planning & Development, and Ali Giroux, Trent’s land stewardship coordinator, Emily contributed to several key campus initiatives under the Lands Plan.  

“We tailor each placement to the season, our work plan, and the educational level and learning needs of the student,” explains Jennifer, adding that Emily is the team’s second placement student. “As an M.BEMA student, Emily comes to us with a lot of knowledge and analytical skills, which compliments the work we are doing in the field.” 

Among other tasks, Emily has been conducting field surveys of species at risk and invasive plants in the Nature Areas, monitoring wildlife movement to inform road mitigation measures, and collecting baseline environmental information at the future University-Integrated Seniors Village site. Her work will help inform the Nature Areas management plans, as well as the systems level plan for the University Green Network – a connected natural system that encompasses the Nature Areas and Trent’s diverse green spaces and productive landscapes. 

“The primary goal is to provide students with experiential learning and the necessary skills to enter the environmental workplace,” adds Ali. “This is a competitive field and practical training will give Trent students a competitive edge.” 

Finding her calling

Learning as much as possible from her supervisors about conducting field surveys, identifying different plant and animal species and key protocols has inspired Emily to pursue a career as an environmental consultant when she graduates. 

“I have loved my placement and I am so happy that I got the opportunity to work with the Campus Planning & Development team,” she adds. “It was the perfect blend of field and office work to give me experience in both aspects. The fieldwork has been my favourite and supports my aspiration of working outdoors surrounded by plants and animals. I love how each fieldwork adventure lets me see parts of the Nature Areas that no visitor would typically see!” 

Providing students with learning and research opportunities on the land is one of the goals outlined in the Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan, and the Campus Planning & Development team looks forward to welcoming more co-op and placement students, particularly those in the Indigenous Environmental Studies/Science and Indigenous Studies programs, in the future.  

Learn more about Trent’s competitive co-op streams and experiential learning opportunities through Careerspace.