Sustainability Scholars
Sustainability Scholars was founded by the University of Alberta and the City of Edmonton (municipal government). Since 2015, it has grown to include close to a dozen municipal, corporate and institutional partners.
These partnerships create unparalleled opportunity for graduate students to share their ideas and innovations, and to also learn best practices from working professionals. The program is designed to develop University of Alberta graduate students' professional aptitudes, especially in sustainability-related career fields, including climate change and the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Scholars have worked with municipal governments, NGOs and other organizations on climate action plans, energy improvements in affordable housing, wildlife tracking, groundbreaking energy storage, green building standards, and more. These projects enable our graduate students to apply their hard-earned knowledge to real-world challenges. As a result, real progress is made to shift the Edmonton area toward sustainability and climate resilience.
Meet some of our Scholars
Real Solutions, Real World Experience
By Maryam Akbari
Many of us tend to make excuses to remain in our comfort zone while considering the challenges of trying new things, and I was no exception. However, I know that only through embracing new challenges can one continue to learn and grow as an individual. So, when my research led me to find out about the Sustainability Scholars program, my adventurous soul was an asset!
…And I’m so glad I applied! Through Sustainability Scholars I had many life experiences that were a first for me: a first successful job interview, first work experience, and a first official research project for a municipal government.