JD Candidate, Thompson Rivers University 

Natasha’s Question: What is the role of chemistry in environmental remediation processes?

Keystone Title: Fitzsimmons Creek, Whistler Canada: Statistical insights to the predictive variables of Creek discharge

Abstract: The purpose of this research is to better understand how Fitzsimmons Creek, located in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, will be affected by climate change. This study focuses on the predictive variables of river flow and how they are impacted by climate change and influenced by other factors such as air temperature which dictates whether precipitation falls as rain or snow.

What are some of the Concentration Courses you took?
Linear Algebra

Calculus 1 & 2

Organic Chemistry 1 &2

Physics 1

Computer Programming

Environmental Engineering

Inland Waters

Experiments in the Earth and Environmental Sciences

Statistic 2

How do you feel Quest prepared you for your current endeavors?
I feel Quest prepared me in pushing me out of my comfort zone many times through my 4 years, and I do not feel intimidated or scared or nervous heading into law school. I feel I have been put through some challenging courses in my concentration and foundation courses and my work ethic will translate to my future studies. I am not afraid to voice my opinion when appropriate and I no longer see asking questions or clarification as a weakness but a strength in an individual, as Quest thrives in the process of questions.

What did you do for your experiential learning block?
I went to Vernon BC, and worked with Environment Canada at Water Survey Canada. It was an amazing experience. I did mock field work in the shop and then was able to do it actually in the field. My last field day I was able to run all measurements on my own which I felt proud of making as I was guided by such a supportive and helpful supervisor.

I took Environmental Engineering in May 2015 and it wasn’t exactly a field course however we did several field trips seeing first hand what our projects were about; We had done a project looking at the remediation of Britannia Mine and then we were able to get a full tour of the facilities and see how our projects compared.