News
Certificate in Sustainability Awards: Call for Nominations
Students taking ENVS 401 are encouraged to apply.
Calling all citizen scientists: help classify polar bears
University of Saskatchewan (USask) researcher Doug Clark is launching a first-of-its-kind research project that will engage citizen volunteers to help advance knowledge about polar...
USask researchers use Fort McMurray model to develop ice-jam flood mitigation assessment process
The city of Fort McMurray, Alta., which has a lengthy history of flooding, is among communities adjacent to northern rivers across Canada that regularly confront the expensive prob...
Webinar: Professional Graduate Degree Programs Overview
The School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS) at the University of Saskatchewan offers full-time and part-time study options in several professional degree programs. These we...
Imminent surge in new COVID-19 cases in Saskatoon: USask wastewater data
Data collected by the University of Saskatchewan (USask) wastewater surveillance team shows Saskatoon’s COVID-19 case numbers are likely to increase exponentially in the next seven...
New agreement supports reconciliation and Treaty education at USask
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) through the Office of the Vice-Provost of Indigenous Engagement (OVPIE) and the Office of the Treaty Commissioner (OTC) signed a Memorandum o...
USask appoints new provost and VP academic
Dr. Airini (PhD) is joining the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) leadership team as the next provost and vice-president academic for a five-year term beginning on February 1, 2...
USask hackathon finalists tackle social impacts of climate change
SASKATOON – Three finalists for the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) first ever virtual hackathon have been announced and a public vote will determine the winner.
SENS researcher studying microplastics in surface water
How big of a problem is the issue of microplastics in our surface water?
From Rwanda to a world of opportunity for USask student
For Marie Grace Nirere, the decision to move to Canada for a graduate degree in the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS) was a diffi...
SENS Info Sessions: Graduate Programs 2021-22
The School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS) at the University of Saskatchewan cordially invites undergraduate students, early-mid career professionals, and interested commu...
SENS student savours success in master’s program
Shashank Kumar’s smile is contagious, his optimism, relentless. He credits this outlook to his parents, who instilled in him the philosophy that a positive attitude (no matter how ...
COVID-19 levels in Saskatoon’s wastewater point to upcoming increase in cases
New tool developed at the University of Saskatchewan to detect virus levels
Sexual violence prevention and response training released for USask community
Four sexual violence prevention and response training modules have been released and made available to students, faculty and staff at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).
Where the river flows: How a proud history of water research led USask to be ranked No.1 in Canada
With a stellar reputation that attracts top talent and partners from around the world, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) has been ranked number one in Canada for water resourc...
SENS researchers reaching out to Indigenous partners
Creating reciprocal relationships with Indigenous communities is an important focus for current and future research, according to a pair of internationally regarded professors in t...
USask tips: How to support wellness amidst COVID-19
World Mental Health Day, observed on Oct. 10, is an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health issues and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
Gary Merasty, SENS Senior Advisor, Indigenous and External Relations, in support of Orange Shirt Day
The SENS community came together on September 30 for a meaningful exchange marking Orange Shirt Day 2020.
USask’s Poelzer named to Senate advisory board
An internationally renowned researcher at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) has been named to the Independent Advisory Board for Senate appointments.
USask water scientist honoured with prestigious international lifetime achievement award
University of Saskatchewan (USask) hydrologist Jay Famiglietti has been awarded the 2020 Hydrologic Sciences Award by the American Geophysical Union (AGU) for outstanding contribut...
World-leading water scientists warn of ecological risks in global shift to monoculture crops and tree plantations
Conversion of large swaths of land to uniform tree plantations and single-crop species may lead to unintended consequences for the water cycle, putting ecosystems at greater risk f...
Royal Society of Canada honours renowned USask researchers Creed, Dalai
Two internationally renowned University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers have been recognized by the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) with prestigious awards that rank among the co...
SENS student researching polar bear-human conflicts
Katie Manning is putting her skills to work studying local knowledge of polar bear-human conflicts in northern Manitoba.
SENS announces Certificate in Sustainability award winners for the 2019-20 academic year
Three students were recognized this year in two categories for their creativity, leadership, and dedication to sustainability principles
SENS Student Association surprises faculty with inaugural teaching award initiative
The first-ever SENS Student's Choice Outstanding Teaching Award resulted in a tie, with Dr. Maureen Reed and Dr. Jim Robson voted the top two out of 10 total nominated faculty memb...
Three USask female faculty members honored by the Royal Society of Canada
SASKATOON – Two University of Saskatchewan (USask) faculty members—internationally renowned artist and sculptor Alison Norlen and historian Valerie Korinek—have been named Fellows ...
VP Indigenous Engagement statement on racism
Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann addresses the University of Saskatchewan campus community.
USask ranked No. 1 in Canada for water resources research and among top 100 globally in four subject areas
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is ranked first in Canada and 20th in the world for water resources research, according to the recently published 2020 Academic Ranking of Wo...
Dr. Ranjan Datta: The road to reconciliation
Dr. Ranjan Datta (PhD) believes everyone has a role to play in contributing to the ongoing reconciliation process in Canada.
USask project supports northern energy security
Imagine living in a remote community that is dependent on diesel generators or on an electrical grid that’s highly vulnerable to harsh winter storms. Or spending more than half you...
New USask app promotes potential economic value of planting carbon-storing shelterbelts
A unique new app developed by University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers offers agricultural landowners tailored information about the carbon offset value of planting shelterbe...
Statement from Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement on National Indigenous Peoples Day
The longest day of the year is now upon us. Saturday, June 20 is the summer solstice and the following day is National Indigenous Peoples Day. In reflection of this important day, ...
President’s statement and actions on racism
Racism and discrimination are experienced by members of the University of Saskatchewan community. Although we proclaim that we will not tolerate discriminatory or racist behavior i...
New Researcher Awards: USask honours exceptional MS and water researchers
Dr. Helen Baulch (PhD) and Dr. Charity Evans (PhD) are both also regarded as inspiring teachers and mentors, having both won the Provost’s Outstanding Teacher Award. And while acco...
USask celebrates virtual Pride Week
This year’s Pride Week format may have changed, but its importance remains the same for the University of Saskatchewan (USask) campus community.
Statement from Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement
Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann addresses the University of Saskatchewan campus community.
USask-led international film festival launches with PBS documentary featuring water expert Jay Famiglietti
SASKATOON – A six-week film festival and competition showcasing internationally acclaimed documentaries, features and independent shorts—including films by students from Saskatoon ...
USask asks community to help celebrate spring 2020 graduates online
SASKATOON – Graduation ceremonies and powwow at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) are a time to acknowledge academic achievements and a time to celebrate with family, friends ...
New Canada Water Agency to provide solutions for emerging water crisis—expert panel
The new Canada Water Agency—a mandated commitment of the federal government—will provide much-needed solutions to the emerging water crisis, according to Tom Axworthy, chair of a n...
SENS Nets Two Provost Teaching Awards
Dr. Jardine was recognized with the 2020 Provost’s Outstanding Teacher Award, and Mr. Jason Maillet was recognized with the 2020 Provost’s Graduate Student Teacher Award.
SENS Celebrates the End of Term
Despite a challenging end-of-term, student efforts shine front and centre.
Protecting migratory bird populations
May 11 is for the birds. Specifically, for migratory birds, as the United Nations declared May 11 World Migratory Bird Day to prompt awareness and actions that will protect these i...
USask announces tuition plans for the 2020/21 academic year
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is implementing a tuition freeze for 2020/21 for a majority of its programs due to the impacts of COVID-19 on students.
USask president delivers annual address
President Peter Stoicheff delivered his annual state of the university address to the General Academic Assembly (GAA), discussing COVID-19, the University of Saskatchewan and chang...
USask announces 2020 Images of Research competition winners
Organized by USask Research Profile and Impact, the sixth annual edition of the University of Saskatchewan (USask) Images of Research Photo and Imaging Competition is now over and ...
SENS PhD Student Mostofa Kamal Receives GSA's Mark Kroeker Exceptional Student Leadership Award
Kamal is being recognized as someone who demonstrates a readiness to take charge and to create new initiatives and opportunities for his peers.
GIWS research improving flood forecasting
When we hear about a river flood, we might assume there has been a heavy downpour or warm spring temperatures causing rapid snowmelt. Ice jams, however, are a significant contribut...
SENS collaborates with Mistawasis Nêhiyawak on flood projections
In the spring of 2011, following an extremely wet winter and heavy rainfall, the Indigenous community of Mistawasis Nêhiyawak was devastated by a major flooding event that was desc...
SENS Welcomes New Faculty Member Dr. Andrea Kraj
Dr. Kraj started in the School of Environment and Sustainability on March 1, 2020.
Dr. Greg Poelzer chosen as Co-Lead of the Fulbright Arctic Initiative
The Fulbright Arctic Initiative is a globally successful initiative that brings together a group of world-leading scholars and practitioners to address pressing issues facing North...
USask research projects with the City of Saskatoon awarded nearly $150K to target urban issues
SASKATOON – Measuring pharmaceuticals in Saskatoon’s wastewater, diverting food from the landfill to save money and the planet, and improving property assessment appeals are some o...
Launching and Navigating an Academic Career
A 1-day short course for senior PhD students, postdocs and early-career faculty. ***CANCELLED***
USask School of Environment and Sustainability partners with city to study storm water
Saskatoon’s storm water system has seen its fair share of odds and ends. Aside from the more typical paint, oil, and gas, operations staff report finding jewelry, car transmissions...
Climate change, pollution and urbanization threaten water in Canada
The water that replenishes groundwater, rivers and lakes is under threat from climate change, pollution and aging infrastructure.
USask students, staff lead Ugandan fundraising exhibit
For University of Saskatchewan (USask) master’s student Zoey (Pricelys) Roy, last year’s trip to Uganda was a life-changing look at the challenges people face half a world away.
New community centre opens on USask campus
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) has officially opened the USask Community Centre, located in Marquis Hall on the Saskatoon campus.
Creed leads new sustainability strategic plan
Tasked with creating a comprehensive sustainability strategic plan for the University of Saskatchewan (USask), Dr. Irena Creed (PhD) wasted no time in getting started.
SENS specialist seeks food solutions the world needs
For University of Saskatchewan (USask) computational biologist Dave Schneider, plant health ultimately comes down to an issue of food and economic security.
USask President statement on Iran plane crash tragedy
In the aftermath of the Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 crash, our hearts and thoughts are with the victims and their families, friends and acquaintances during this very...
Year in review: Top USask news from 2019
From groundbreaking research to breaking enrolment records, it’s been another banner year for the University of Saskatchewan (USask).
Executive Director (Interim) of SENS receives prestigious SETAC Fellows Award
The Distinguished Professor is one of 10 Canadian Fellows, 78 globally
USask water expert joins global call to action to protect global groundwater sources
SASKATOON – A group of international scientists and practitioners including University of Saskatchewan (USask) researcher Jay Famiglietti say we are not doing enough to protect and...
Canada falling short of UN’s Sustainable Development Goals: New report from water scientists
Canada could lead the world in helping to achieve water sustainability but is falling short of reaching the goals set out by the United Nations (UN), according to a new report from...
Health threat from blue-green blooms extends beyond single toxin: USask study
As blue-green algae proliferates around the world, a University of Saskatchewan (USask) researcher cautions that current municipal drinking water monitoring that focuses on a singl...
SENS Professor Irena Creed awarded honorary doctorate from SLU
Creed was one of seven new honorary doctors honoured at the ceremony that took place on October 5, 2019.
Jay Famiglietti: Inspiring communities
Whether it is at the White House or the United Nations, in the community or in the classroom, Dr. Jay Famiglietti (PhD) is committed to communicating the science of discovery.
Warmer, wetter climate benefits some birds as wetlands vanish
The grasslands of the Canadian Prairies are a hidden gem for bird watchers, with millions of migratory birds passing through the area each year.
USask SENS professor to receive honour of Distinguished Professor
Dr. Maureen Reed reflects on her early work as a feminist scholar at the end of a banner year filled with awards.
Climate activist Greta Thunberg and USask scientist John Pomeroy discuss glacier decline
At a stop on Oct. 22 during her ongoing trip across North America, climate activist Greta Thunberg met with University of Saskatchewan (USask) water scientist John Pomeroy at a USa...
USask education student is on pace for Paralympics
It’s been a remarkable last few years for Shelby Newkirk, but 2020 promises to be the best yet.
Toxic metals found in reproductive organs of critically endangered eels
Mystery of shrinking population may be linked to eels devouring their own skeletons.
ONEC Group joins USask consortium bringing renewable energy to remote communities
SASKATOON – A unique University of Saskatchewan (USask) research program that aims to address policy challenges and socio-economic barriers to renewable energy development in north...
How Canada can solve its emerging water crisis
Canadians can no longer be assured that our waters are abundant, safe and secure. As global temperatures continue to increase, our glaciers melt, permafrost thaws, river flows beco...
USask and World Water Day 2019
SASKATOON – The University of Saskatchewan (USask) will highlight World Water Day on Friday, March 22 with two special events, one local and the other international.
USask receives funding to reduce carbon emissions
SASKATOON—The University of Saskatchewan (USask), with the support of federal funding, will work to improve energy efficiency resulting in significant cost savings.
USask hosts planetary health conference
SASKATOON – The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is bringing the planetary health discussion and a number of expert keynote presenters to Saskatoon this week to examine the delic...
People of the Plan: Uplifting Indigenization
The work of influential individuals like Dr. Marie Battiste (EdD) is helping make the University of Saskatchewan (USask) a national leader in Indigenization.
Climate change a factor in Russian polar bear invasion
Prof. Douglas Clark, a researcher with the School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS), comments on how climate change and garbage disposal are impacting bear behaviour.
SENS student shares Indigenous perspective on climate change across Europe
Jocelyn Joe-Strack, a PhD student with the School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS), will soon embark on a 4-week speaking tour of Canadian embassies across Europe.
USask-led Global Water Futures gets U.N. recognition
The USask-led Global Water Futures has been designated as one of only three Regional Hydroclimate Projects (RHP) in the world by the GEWEX (Global Energy and Water Exchanges) proje...
Grizzly bears may take on new territory
SENS professor Douglas Clark discusses evidence that grizzly bears are expanding their range in northern Canada.
Stoking conflict between farming and conservation hurts everyone
Canada’s future prosperity will depend on effective environmental conservation and sustainable — and profitable — agriculture. Unfortunately, recent comments from former Saskatchew...
USask-led Global Water Futures launches six projects co-led with Indigenous partners
In a unique approach to improving water security through western science and Indigenous knowledge, the University of Saskatchewan-led Global Water Futures (GWF)—the world’s largest...
The global race for groundwater speeds up to feed agriculture’s growing needs
Water is becoming a scarce resource in many parts of the world. Water tables have been falling in many regions for decades, particularly in areas with intensive agriculture. Wells ...
USask study says more snow, earlier melt will challenge Arctic communities in future
University of Saskatchewan researchers with the Global Water Futures (GWF) program have provided the first detailed projections of major water challenges facing Western Arctic comm...
Research grants to USask advance Indigenous agriculture, safe water, reconciliation
Four University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers have been awarded more than $160,000 in Connection Grants by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council for projects ai...
Autism a blessing for dedicated SENS researcher
University of Saskatchewan (USask) researcher Dr. Lori Bradford (PhD) wants to help update social psychology for water and health-related problems in today’s vastly different world...
USask PhD student studying climate change in the Rockies
University of Saskatchewan (USask) hydrology PhD student Caroline Aubry-Wake has been busy studying the impact of climate change on glaciers in the Canadian Rockies.
Talking SENSe Fall 2018 newsletter
See the highlights from 2018 for the School of Environment and Sustainability in our fall newsletter.
Top 30 under 30: SENS alumni named as national sustainability leaders for 2018
Leah Luciuk and Palash Sanyal, both alumni from the School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS), were selected for Corporate Knights magazine’s list of top thirty sustainabilit...
SENS Executive Director's holiday message
Irena Creed, the Executive Director of SENS, reflects on this year's successes and her gratitude for the SENS community.
SENSSA: Student representatives find a home in SENS
“I love SENS because it feels more like a big extended family than a school,” said Viktoria Hinz.
EcoHack: Community-inspired innovation
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) recently hosted EcoHack, Saskatchewan’s first environment- and sustainability-focused hackathon.
New leader for USask’s leading-edge food security research program
Renowned plant molecular geneticist Dr. Andrew Sharpe (PhD) will lead the next phase of the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Plant Phenotyping and Imaging Research Centre (P2IR...
Government invests in USask nuclear innovation
With $3.6 million in new funding, the Saskatchewan Centre for Cyclotron Sciences (SCCS) at the University of Saskatchewan will renovate and equip its Innovation Wing to conduct lea...
Computer simulations may improve clean energy production
USask researchers' virtual simulations could help companies save time and tens of thousands of dollars for large-scale testing.<br/><br/>