USask researcher works with Amazonian youth to protect tropical forests
An ongoing project at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is looking to create sustainable change by partnering with local youth.
For the love of fish: Five questions with USask’s Markus Hecker
Dr. Markus Hecker (PhD), professor in the School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS) and member of the Toxicology Centre at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), is no stranger to the Canadian Research Chair (CRC) program.
USask researchers navigating complex systems to preserve Prairie wetlands
New research looks at the numerous impacts of wetland drainage.
USask-led international partnership for sustainability education receives unprecedented funding
From South Africa to the Saskatchewan countryside, University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers are revolutionizing how we educate the next generation – and ourselves.
International USask collaboration discovers environmental impacts of soft plastic fishing lures
Soft plastic fishing lures are becoming more and more popular among anglers as a more natural-feeling and economically-friendly option – but a recent collaborative international study suggests there may be environmental risks to consider when using them.
SENS faculty member receives university’s international research award for his community-based work in Latin America
Dr. James Robson (PhD) is being recognized for his decades of community-based research throughout Latin America. His work currently focuses on engaging rural and Indigenous youth in land management and sustainable development.
USask researcher celebrated for work in complex water-human systems
Dr. Saman Razavi (PhD) received the Walter L. Huber Civil Engineering Research Prize from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) for bridging hydrology, data sciences, and socioeconomics.
USask researchers discover swath of previously undocumented polar bear dens
Scientists from the University of Saskatchewan (USask) have identified several polar bear dens while performing grizzly bear research.
New USask initiative combines applied theatre, environmental science and social science
An international research project spearheaded by a transdisciplinary team at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) will examine options for climate mitigation and adaptation among communities who face water insecurity.
USask researcher selected as the 2025 Darcy Distinguished Lecturer
University of Saskatchewan (USask) hydrogeology professor Dr. Grant Ferguson (PhD) will be traveling across the globe in 2025 to deliver lectures on innovative groundwater research after being named the National Groundwater Association’s (NGWA) Darcy Distinguished Lecturer.
USask partnership with Ukraine advances global conservation efforts
A University of Saskatchewan (USask) research partnership is embracing ties with Ukraine to address global ecosystem health – a challenge further complicated by the Russian invasion.
Pioneering paths to a sustainable future: honouring Black excellence in sustainability
SENS student and Vanier Scholar Gilbert Adum's journey has taught him the importance of collaboration and the willingness to listen and learn from others, including Indigenous Peoples.
Award recognizes USask researcher’s commitment to the public good
Dr. Markus Brinkmann’s (PhD) internationally celebrated investigations into the compounds found in public waterways tell an important story about the health of humans and the environment, and are in-part why he has been awarded the James J. Morgan Early Career Award by the American Chemical Society (ACS) in the ACS Journal of Environmental Science & Technology (ES&T).
USask climbs worldwide sustainability rankings
SASKATOON – The University of Saskatchewan (USask) has risen in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability, cementing its position as a top-100 institution globally taking on the world’s greatest environmental, social and governance issues.
SENS student Laliberte-Pewapisconias represents Canada at Y20 Summit
A University of Saskatchewan (USask) scholar adds valuable Indigenous perspective to work on climate change and disaster risk reduction.
USask strengthens research partnerships with University of Bonn
A delegation from the University of Saskatchewan (USask) travelled to the University of Bonn (UBonn) in Germany as part of an ongoing commitment to develop joint research projects between the institutions.
Avoiding conflicts with bears requires new thinking
In a new article in The Conversation and an interview that followed, SENS faculty member Dr. Douglas Clark (PhD) calls for a paradigm shift in research seeking to understand how climate change affects northern bears and their conflicts with humans.
The toxin detectives at the University of Saskatchewan
When coho salmon in the Pacific Northwest came floating downstream belly up after waiting for rainfall that would enable them to swim to their spawning grounds, scientists were puzzled. The cause for this mass mortality event was not immediately obvious – and the resulting uncertainty hampered mitigation efforts.
USask water researcher earns prestigious recognition as new RSC scholar
SASKATOON – Dr. Helen Baulch (PhD) has been announced as a new member of the Royal Society of Canada’s (RSC) College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists — a prestigious achievement celebrating excellence in research.
USask-led project develops guiding principles for community-engaged research
An international research group working under the auspices of the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) chair in Biocultural Diversity, Sustainability, Reconciliation, and Renewal, has developed a set of foundational principles to help guide and enhance community-engaged sustainability research.
USask research team receives $250,000 for groundbreaking investigation into Saskatchewan wetlands
An interdisciplinary team of University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers received a quarter of a million dollars from the New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) Exploration stream to do a comprehensive investigation of aquatic insect exports from the wetlands in the Prairie Pothole region.
Certificate in Sustainability award winners for the 2022-23 academic year
Two awards recognize five students for their leadership, creativity, and application of sustainability principles in course work and beyond.
Internationally acclaimed USask Toxicology Centre celebrates 40th anniversary
From a single room in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine to a world-renowned research facility, the evolution of the Toxicology Centre has made a lasting impact on USask.
Theatre, art, and water security central in international USask exhibition
A team of USask artists and students are travelling to Prague, Czech Republic to help represent Canada in an international art exhibition and competition.
USask a leader in higher education sustainability rankings
SASKATOON – The University of Saskatchewan (USask) has earned a top-100 worldwide rank in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, with top-20 rankings in two key areas.
University of Saskatchewan teams up with Saskatoon to trap, analyze trash headed for river
Team is beginning a 2-year pilot project.
SENS Distinguished Professor's TEDx talk calls for universities to teach the "art of making change"
SASKATOON - School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS) Distinguished Professor Maureen Reed's talk at the recent University of Saskatchewan TEDx event urges universities, in an era of unprecedented global change, to think deeply about how and what they teach sustainability students.
Rethinking the global water cycle: research examines mystery behind ancient groundwater
SASKATOON – New research out of the University of Saskatchewan (USask)’s Global Institute for Water Security (GIWS) is calling on hydrological researchers to reconceptualize the Earth’s water cycle.
Indigenous student achievement: seeking sustainability
As Sydney Kuppenbender sits down to tell her story, she begins by introducing herself in Michif, the traditional language of the Métis.
USask team shares passion for achieving sustainability goals
Just six months into her job as the first Chief Sustainability Officer at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), Janelle Hutchinson has discovered a “wonderful and shocking” number of people across campus already engaged in sustainability-related work.
SENS Undergraduate Certificate in Sustainability Sees Internship Program with Federated Co-operatives Limited Enter Second Year
After a successful launch to the program last year, another undergraduate student studying sustainability will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and develop practical experience through an internship with Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL).
USask’s Terry Fonstad to lead GIWS as interim director
SASKATOON – Dr. Terry Fonstad (PhD) has stepped into the role as interim director of the Global Institute for Water Security (GIWS) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) until the end of June.
Groundwater warning in California a wake-up call for Canada: Famiglietti
A team of scientists who pioneered methods to observe changes in global groundwater stores over the past two decades using a specialized NASA satellite mission has made a surprising discovery about the aquifers that supply California’s Central Valley region.
USask hydrologist passionate about teaching and research
Dr. Jeffrey McDonnell (PhD), a faculty member in the School of Environment and Sustainability and associate director of the Global Institute for Water Security, has been honoured with the title of distinguished professor.
Unlocking the secrets of the freeze-thaw cycle: USask research looks at cold spots and cold moments
SASKATOON – Hydrological research on the Prairies can be a challenge when the water is locked up in ice for almost half the year.
Four new USask Vanier Scholars demonstrate excellence in research and leadership
SASKATOON – University of Saskatchewan (USask) doctoral students Gilbert Adum, Lindsey Boechler, Cody Koloski, and Pezhman Zolfaghari Didani have been named 2022 Vanier Scholars.
USask hydrologists, beamline scientists named highly cited researchers
Two University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers at the Global Institute for Water Security (GIWS) and two senior beamline scientists at USask’s Canadian Light Source (CLS) have been named to Clarivate’s 2022 Highly Cited Researchers list.
Brinkmann focuses on advancing USask toxicology research profile
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) made Dr. Markus Brinkmann (PhD) an offer he couldn’t refuse. This when he was being tempted by an overture from a German university to return home with his young family to pursue his toxicology research program.
USask No. 9 in Canada, in top 100 universities globally in new sustainability ranking
SASKATOON – The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is among the top tier of all universities in tackling the world’s biggest environmental, social, and governance challenges, according to the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings: Sustainability.
USask appoints new Toxicology Centre director
University of Saskatchewan (USask) has appointed Dr. Markus Brinkmann (PhD) as director of the globally renowned Toxicology Centre, effective Sept. 1, 2022.
USask honours faculty members named distinguished professors
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) honours professors from across campus for their exceptional achievements in research, scholarly or artistic work.
Sophisticated tools enable USask researchers to advance water security, human health
SASKATOON – Three University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers have been awarded $430,000 in total by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to help purchase cutting-edge equipment that will advance research aimed at reducing environmental and health-care burdens for Canadians.
USask team’s dorm monitoring project shows passive COVID-19 sampling effective: paper
SASKATOON — The University of Saskatchewan (USask) research team that developed a low-cost, effective method to monitor seven student residences for COVID-19 has published a paper describing the scientific groundwork laid for the process whose results compared well with city-wide sampling in Saskatoon.
USask among top 100 globally in water, veterinary and environmental engineering sciences
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) has three top-100 placements among more than 5,000 universities worldwide assessed by the independent ShanghaiRanking Consultancy for its 2022 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS).
USask researcher aids partners, remote communities in expanding Canadian biomass industry
Transitioning away from traditional energy sources opens the door for environmentally friendly, plant-based options such as bioenergy, where renewable plant and industry waste resources can be used to provide clean and efficient heat, energy, and transportation fuels.
USask researchers explore how floods and droughts are challenging science and society globally
SASKATOON – Floods, droughts, and other water-related disasters are some of the costliest natural events that occur in Canada and around the world. Even with significant global advances in science and infrastructure designed to predict and manage such extreme disasters, many communities still face major societal and economic impacts when these events occur.
USask Canada Research Chairs to use Indigenous knowledge, stories to create social impact
Two University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers have been awarded a total of $1.2 million in funding through the federal government’s Canada Research Chair program to support new insights into Indigenous storytelling and Indigenization in engineering programs.
Discovery of ‘young’ deep groundwater tells surprising tale: USask researcher
SASKATOON – The findings of a recently published study of ancient groundwaters have important implications for such practices as carbon sequestration and deep underground storage of waste from nuclear power and oil and gas production, says University of Saskatchewan (USask) researcher Dr. Grant Ferguson (PhD).
USask researcher partners internationally to hone students’ skills to tackle global sustainability issues
SASKATOON — Dr. Maureen Reed (PhD) of the University of Saskatchewan (USask) and her colleagues want to transform the mentorship of sustainability scholars and practitioners — the people who tackle issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, poverty, and water security.
Major USask awards honour researchers for significant contributions
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) has announced its four major annual awards that recognize significant contributions to knowledge or artistic creativity by members of its research community.
SENS announces Certificate in Sustainability award winners for the 2021-22 academic year
The Undergraduate Certificate in Sustainability Awards recognize students for their resourcefulness, leadership, and dedication to sustainability principles.
Q&A with SENS alumna Allison Henderson
Allison Henderson, SENS alumna (PhD ’14), was the first SENS PhD graduate. Now employed as a Wildlife Ecologist and Human Dimensions Specialist for the Ministry of Environment, Government of Saskatchewan, Henderson has come full circle in the academic cyle. Now, she has joined SENS as a PhD committee member in an adjunct role.
SENS MWS alumnus Palash Sanyal recognized with USask Alumni Achievement Award
Water was, and still is, life for Sanyal. Recognizing the value of the resource has led the USask award winner to dedicate his life to its protection.
USask ranks 58th among 1,400 universities worldwide in advancing sustainable development
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) tied for 58th place in the 2022 Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact overall rankings, which measured the success of more than 1,400 universities around the world in advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
USask researcher investigates Prairie superstorms
Scientists are long past the point of debating whether climate change is happening—the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report was crystal clear: to keep the 1.5°C limit increase agreed to in Paris within reach, humanity needs to cut global emissions by 45 per cent this decade or face horrific consequences.
SENS Celebrates: Indigenous Achievement Week
Danielle Poulin, Jordan Koe, and Natasha Tinis were awarded for their resilience, leadership and academic excellence.
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 April 8, 2022.
Keeping the lights on in Canada's North
USask program offers a transformative opportunity through renewable energy for Indigenous people
SENS Celebrates: International Women's Day 2022
To mark International Women’s Day 2022, SENS interviewed alumni ambassador Lorelei Ford (MES ’17). Lorelei talks about her job at the Water Security Agency, her discipline around work-life balance, and who inspires her.
USask wastewater COVID detectives’ paper is a roadmap for other scientists
University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers set up a wastewater monitoring program that’s become the province’s sole reliable source for data on the prevalence of COVID-19. Now they have published a paper that provides a blueprint for other scientists to emulate their work.
USask research finds substance derived from tire debris is toxic to two trout species
Every time it rains, fish living downstream of storm drains are exposed to pollutants, including the tire-derived compound 6PPD-quinone, in the runoff. Recently, this substance has been linked to massive die-offs of coho salmon across the West Coast of the United States.
The dollars and ‘sense’ behind wetland conservation: USask research
A team of University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers has built a tool designed to estimate a value for wetland services to help farmers, land planners and policy makers understand the benefits of wetland conservation in agriculture.
Seven USask alumni honoured with Achievement Awards
SASKATOON – The University of Saskatchewan (USask) has announced the 2022 winners of the Alumni Achievement Awards, one of the university’s highest honours.
USask selects three new signature areas of research
Researchers embrace exploration — responding to emerging questions and needs as they arise in the pursuit of new knowledge. The renewal process for the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) signature areas of research is taking place with this spirit of responsiveness in mind.
USask researcher named fellow by distinguished American science organization
University of Saskatchewan (USask) researcher Dr. Jeffrey McDonnell (PhD) has been named a fellow by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
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 monitoring equipment to Saskatchewan to advance lake science and safeguard drinking water for 260,000 people.
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 alternative energy sources.
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 enable learners to develop competencies required by evolving industries and communities.
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 the support of my family. I am thankful that I get to do work that I love, with people who make the learning and the process enjoyable. This award is possible because of the many folks who have collaborated with me and supported me along the way.”
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 tackling waste reduction as an entrepreneur when she graduates from her program this December.
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 community members to learn more about our full-time and part-time degree and certificate programs offered in the 2022-23 academic year (starting September 2022).
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 focused on global issues that matter most.
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 system. Water that enters storm drains, through snowmelt or rain runoff, flows into the South Saskatchewan River.
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 campus precipitated by the global pandemic has only deepened the bond of USask’s most generous donors and their beloved alma mater.
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 University of Saskatchewan (USask) and City of Saskatoon research partnership.
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 suggest policymakers should enact measures to curb an “agricultural rebound phenomenon” that increases water demand over time.
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 unmatched among Canadian universities.
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 change.
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 culmination of personal, professional, and academic life experiences to date.
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 and human health—one of 50 international projects named to the 2021 Smart 50 list.
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 webinars will provide you with program overviews and the opportunity to ask questions of our program directors.
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 are currently high in Saskatchewan, we remain confident that, with the rapid deployment of vaccines and the support of the Ministry of Health and the Chief Medical Health Officer, our continued planning for a more open Fall Term can proceed.
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 of universities around the world for their social and economic impact, and for taking action to combat climate change and its impacts.
National Graduate Course & International Workshop: Isotope Tracers in Catchment Hydrology
This course runs May 10-14th, 2021, online/live Streamed Registration NOW OPEN.