Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences, Ecology (Co-op) • University of Guelph
Bio
Jeremy has recently developed a database of financial incentives for decarbonization. This was during a time of great self-discovery, and so, he would like to thank Achieve Sustainability for the opportunity to work limited contract-hours, whilst producing good work.
Jeremy graduated from the University of Guelph in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences, majoring in Ecology, and earned a Certificate in Business in tandem. His passion laid in the sciences, and he was able to advance his knowledge strongly on climate science, ecosystem science, and ecology. Technical skills were tested, in the lab, and in the field. Course work was interdisciplinary in nature. Often, projects looked at environmental issues from social and economic lenses as well. Also finding a knack for business and believing policy to be an important tool for change, Jeremy took electives in environmental economics, law & policy, business management, and information systems, among else.
Jeremy completed three internships while attending the University of Guelph. The first was at the Region of Peel, holding the position of Assistant Technical Analyst. This position lay in Waste Management and Infrastructure Development, that is, Jeremy’s primary role was to ensure that new infrastructure would accommodate good waste services. This was done by ensuring compliance of Design Standards through review of Site Plans and other technical drawings, providing feedback to applicants online, and with the aid of city planners. During his time at the Region of Peel, Jeremy produced an environmental scan of other municipality’s waste management systems and wrote extensively on the Region’s own waste management system, including programs and infrastructure, and their Roadmap to a Circular Economy. Jeremy held the title of Project Lead in his second internship, wrapping up a four-year field study on the contributions of bedding plants grown by Ontario greenhouses to pollinator protection in urban areas; a collaborative research project between the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs, and the University of Guelph. Jeremy was just happy to study bees.
Jeremy’s final internship was with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, as Junior Policy Analyst. Like his previous internships, Jeremy was able to apply an analytical eye while realizing just how much there was to sustainability beyond the science and environmental aspect. Primarily, Jeremy’s role was to research, compile a report, and present internally on sustainable sourcing commitments and initiatives related to climate change, water, and biodiversity, but Jeremy also took it upon himself to research, and was eventually given the opportunity to report, on sustainability reporting frameworks for his team.
Jeremy has volunteered in his field. Following a course of personal interest, in watershed management, Jeremy completed a research assistantship with a professor, analyzing the changing role of Conservation Authorities under new provincial legislation (Bill 229), and wrote a policy analysis paper on the topic. Jeremy was not happy to hear of the recent approach which certain political leaders have taken in avoiding zoning designations and the public’s right to consultation in fast-tracking new developments. On a more positive note, Jeremy is keen to contribute to advancing sustainability in his school community and enjoys open discussion on sustainability topics with peers.
Outside of sustainability, Jeremy has paddled with and coached the University of Guelph Dragon Boat Club. Jeremy was not happy with the “give it your all-or-nothing” mentality that was developed in the club, and has since focused on finding his inner peace. In his spare time, Jeremy likes to say he is going to work out almost as much as he does, is a horror film aficionado, and a foodie.