News
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 a...
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 Ea...
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” numbe...
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 e...
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 ...
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 surprisin...
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 w...
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 ...
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...
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, accor...
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 equ...
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 ...
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 202...
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 reso...
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 adv...
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 ne...
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 o...
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 ...
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 res...
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, Gov...
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 1,40...
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...
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 A...
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 w...
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 ...
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...
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 underst...
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 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 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...