News
USask wastewater testing for COVID-19 sets the standard
Oh, the stories wastewater streams can reveal about life in a community.
USask researchers angling to protect fish from chemical contamination
SASKATOON – Chemicals widely used in everyday life end up in wastewater that flows to rivers and lakes, potentially causing serious impacts to aquatic life.
USask researcher’s cutting-edge buoy aims to secure water source for Regina and Moose Jaw
SASKATOON – A strong partnership between University of Saskatchewan (USask) researcher Dr. Helen Baulch (PhD) and the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant is bringing cutting-edge m...
USask graduate student fosters innovation in energy and food security
University of Saskatchewan (USask) School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS) student Anne Brigitte Lim is investigating solutions to global food crises and the use of alterna...
USask moves forward with microcredentials
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is advancing its microcredential pilot program early in 2022 to create more opportunities for flexible access to lifelong learning that will ...
Dr. Maureen Reed honoured with Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award from U Waterloo
“I’m humbled to receive this award,” Reed said. “I would not be here today without the cumulative efforts of my research community, including my students, colleagues, mentors, and ...
SENS student, Kanwar Mutti, places second in USask EcoHack
Kanwar Mutti, a second-year Master of Sustainable Environmental Management (MSEM) student in the USask School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS) is making big plans for tackl...
SENS graduate makes most of remote learning opportunity
Born and raised in Toronto, Diego Orellano worked in the retail sector throughout his undergraduate degree in biology and continued working with a luxury brand after graduation.
USask research aims to identify how ‘thirsty’ forests affect water availability
Understanding when, how and where plants get water has major effects on farming and forestry in Canada
SENS Info Sessions: Graduate Programs 2022-23
The School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS) at the University of Saskatchewan cordially invites undergraduate students, early-mid career professionals, and interested commu...
USask researcher participates in national water survey as part of oil sands research
Scientists are studying ways for plants and their associated microbes to clean up wastewater from oil sands operations.
Climate change, energy security and accessible education top of mind for SENS leader
With a five-year mandate ahead of him at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS) Executive Director Dr. Karsten Liber (PhD) is focus...
City and USask study rubber tire-derived chemicals in stormwater
The City of Saskatoon and the University of Saskatchewan (USask) recently collaborated on a study to determine if chemicals that leach from rubber tires are entering the stormwater...
Building an everlasting bond
After millions of dollars in support spanning decades, Ron and Jane Graham’s hearts have never strayed far from the University of Saskatchewan (USask). The prolonged distance from ...
Young Innovators: USask researcher aims to empower Indigenous youth
Project uses social media and website platforms to connect youth with traditional cultures and peers.
USask researchers and the City of Saskatoon discover drug, chemical concentrations in wastewater treatment plant
SASKATOON – The identification of the presence of recreational drugs and industrial chemicals in Saskatoon’s wastewater system are just two of the discoveries coming from a Univers...
SENS Student Association announces the 2021 winner of the second annual Student's Choice Outstanding Teacher Award
Dr. Graham Strickert was the student body’s top choice out of eight nominated SENS faculty members.
Young Innovators: USask researcher explores water economy on the Prairies
In the Prairie provinces, where agriculture is a fundamental industry, water is an essential ingredient in the recipe for a healthy economy.
Agricultural Rebound Phenomenon: USask researchers warn of increased water demand on the South Saskatchewan River Basin
SASKATOON – As farmers adopt high-tech irrigation systems to manage water use for economic, conservation, and environmental reasons, University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers ...
Managing water supply in changing times
When talking about future water issues, Dr. Jay Famiglietti (PhD) says there are two main concerns: Population growth and climate change.
USask’s research facilities and technology state-of-the-art
When it comes to advanced technology and specialized research centres, the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) cluster of extraordinary equipment and unique facilities is unmatche...
Introducing the Graduate Certificate in Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Action
Earn a 3-course post-graduate certificate that provides proven, concrete strategies to enhance the capacity of your organization to assess your vulnerability and adapt to climate c...
SENS announces Certificate in Sustainability award winners for the 2020-21 academic year
Three students were recognized this year in two categories for their resourcefulness, leadership, and dedication to sustainability principles.
PhD graduate in search of more for Ecuador
For Dr. Veronica Santafe Troncoso (PhD), a 2021 PhD graduate from the University of Saskatchewan (USask) School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS), her doctorate is the culmi...
USask and City of Saskatoon named to Smart Cities list for wastewater projects
SASKATOON – The University of Saskatchewan (USask) and the City of Saskatoon have been honoured for their collaborative wastewater monitoring project that advances environmental an...
SENS Welcomes New Faculty Member Dr. Oscar Zapata
Dr. Zapata started at the School of Environment and Sustainability May 1, 2021.
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...
President’s update on fall planning
In early March I expressed optimism and confidence about a significant increase to in-person, on campus programming for the September Fall 2021 Term. Although COVID-19 case counts ...
SENSSA Webinars Announcement
The School of Environment and Sustainability Student Association (SENSSA) has organized some webinars for the Campus community. All are welcome.
USask ranks among the world’s best universities for sustainability and social impact
For the second year in a row, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) ranked in the top 100 overall and even higher in select categories in The Times Higher Education (THE) rankings...
National Graduate Course & International Workshop: Isotope Tracers in Catchment Hydrology
This course runs May 10-14th, 2021, online/live Streamed Registration NOW OPEN.
'The continents are drying out:' New USask research shows troubling water trends
A pair of satellites collecting detailed measurements about Earth’s gravitational field are giving researchers an unprecedented look at the state of the planet’s water—and the resu...
USask president delivers state of the university address
For the second year in a row, University of Saskatchewan (USask) President Peter Stoicheff delivered his annual state of the university address to the General Academic Assembly (GA...
SENS Celebrates: International Transgender Day of Visibility
A Q&A with USask’s Pride Centre Coordinator Rene Clarke touching on the trans, non-binary, and LGBTQ2S experience on campus and beyond.
Launching and Navigating an Academic Career
A free 2-day short course for senior PhD students, postdocs, and early-career faculty.
New USask research takes aim at improving water security, gender equity, and international co-operation
SASKATOON – A multidisciplinary research team from the University of Saskatchewan (USask) has been awarded $289,000 for a project to develop water security solutions that contribut...
New course announcement: Fundamentals of Climate Change Vulnerability Assessments
Registration is open for this course running from April 6, 2021, to May 14, 2021.
SENS Celebrates: International Women's Day
SENS faculty and adjunct members share their thoughts regarding gender equity in academia and beyond.
Certificate in Sustainability Awards: Call for Nominations
The School of Environment and Sustainability is pleased to invite nominations for two awards for students pursuing our Certificate in Sustainability, to be submitted on or before A...
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...
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 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...
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