MESC Funded Master's Positions

Project Description 

The Environment & Society Research Group and Canada Research Chair in Human-Environment Interactions at The University of Winnipeg is looking for a creative student who will be eligible to enroll full-time in the Master in Environmental & Social Change program at The University of Winnipeg (MA or MEnv) starting September 2024. The successful candidate will develop a thesis project focused on forest governance models that promote increased inclusion of adaptation and mitigation strategies into how public forests are managed in Canada. The student will carry out qualitative or mixed methods research to examine how forest governance is enabling or hindering the adoption of long-term perspectives in forest management that impact climate resilience. This is an NSERC funded position.

Qualifications and Support

The successful candidate will have a 4-year bachelor’s degree (honours preferred) in a related field of study (e.g., Environmental Studies, Environmental Resource Mgt., Forestry, Geography, Indigenous Studies, Northern Studies), a track record of academic excellence, strong English writing skills, and be committed to teamwork. Experience working with Indigenous communities and/or participatory community-based research is preferred. The successful candidate will receive a competitive 2-year funding package and be eligible to access support for direct costs of research.

How to Apply
Serious applicants will email Dr. Ryan Bullock, Canada Research Chair in Human-Environment Interactions (r.bullock@uwinnipeg.ca) with the subject line “MESC - FOREST” with:

1. an updated CV;
2. transcript(s) (unofficial acceptable);
3. a research writing sample (e.g., senior undergraduate thesis or course project report);
4. and a brief statement of interest in the above-described research project, research supervisor, and the MESC program

In conjunction with The University of Winnipeg’s employment equity and diversity policy, the ESRG is committed to achieving, retaining and supporting a diverse research team and to ensuring each member has access to opportunities to develop their potential. We recognize that a diverse lab membership and equitable structures improve learning and research environments and lead to better research. We actively encourage applications from equity-deserving groups and folks who work respectively, constructively and collaboratively.  

Project Description

The Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Stress Lab (Desforges Lab) at the University of Winnipeg is looking for a motivated MSc student to work on a project focused on polar bear and ringed seal teeth analysis starting May or September 2025. The MSc project is fully funded by a Research Manitoba grant to Dr. Desforges. The successful candidate will use digital image analysis to measure annual growth layer groups in polar bear and ringed seal teeth and apply statistical models to explore relationships with biological data collected from each animal as well as relevant environmental data on habitat change over time.

Qualifications and Support

Suitable candidates will have a 4-year bachelor’s degree (honours preferred) in a relevant field, such as biology, environmental science, wildlife management, or similar. The main project tasks involve analyzing digital photos of tooth cross-sections and use of statistical modeling approaches. The candidate will also get hands-on training on how to prepare teeth samples for staining and imaging. When possible, the candidate may get opportunities for field-work associated with marine mammal research in the Arctic. The successful candidate will have experience and/or interest in research and data/statistical analysis using R, proven academic excellence, and strong English writing skills. The successful candidate with receive a competitive 2-year funding package with direct support for professional development (e.g., conferences, publications, etc.). Students will also be encouraged to apply to internal and external funding opportunities to support their research projects and career advancement. The candidate will benefit from co-supervision and collaboration with world leading experts in Arctic marine mammal ecology, including at Environment and Climate Change Canada (Dr. Evan Richardson) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (Dr. Steve Ferguson, Dr. David Yurkowski).

How to Apply

Serious applicants that clearly meet the above qualifications should email Dr. Jean-Pierre Desforges (j.desforges@uwinnipeg.ca) with the subject line “MSc polar bear teeth” and include:

1. An updated CV
2. Transcripts (unofficial acceptable)
3. Statement of interest in the research project and description of qualifications

The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), National Government of the Red River Métis, has a number of programs aimed at monitoring the impacts of human activities on ecosystems across the National Homeland, including the Red River Métis Knowledge Data Catalogue and the Red River Métis Citizen Science Program. However, in order to better advocate for Red River Métis Citizens and Harvesters when the cumulative effects of proposed projects have the potential to impact their exercise of Red River Métis rights, there is a need to understand where and when this monitoring is sufficient and where it needs to be enhanced. This project aims to develop a cumulative effects framework which is comprehensive, regionally-specific and responsive to arising community concerns.

We invite expressions of interest for a student who will be eligible to enroll in the Master in Environmental & Social Change program at The University of Winnipeg (MSc or MEnv stream) starting September 2025. The successful candidate will work with the MMF to undertake an analysis of past, present and reasonably foreseeable development projects, natural disturbances, and climate fluctuations on waters within the MMF’s 7 Regions. The main focus of the project will be the development of a living database that allows MMF to understand what data and capacity exist to understand and assess cumulative effects across Manitoba. The development of the database will be guided by facilitated workshops with MMF Youth and Knowledge Holders to ensure it is informed by Red River Métis perspectives. The student will lead the collation of existing biophysical data and Red River Métis traditional knowledge around observed changes and areas of concern focusing largely on streamflow, water quality and aquatic ecosystem health data, with flexibility to include other vulnerable environmental components.

Qualifications and Support: We seek an enthusiastic and dedicated colleague with a 4-year Bachelor degree (e.g., Geography, Environmental Science, Biology, Natural Resource Management). The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate how their background and goals fit with the graduate opportunity. The successful candidate will receive guaranteed funding support for two years. This project is a collaboration between the MMF and the University of Winnipeg, and thus both will be involved in the selection of the successful candidate. Preference will be given to qualified Red River Métis applicants, and they are encouraged to self-identify on their cover letter.

How to Apply: Expressions of interest can be sent to Dr. Nora Casson, Canada Research Chair in Environmental Influences on Water Quality and Associate Professor in the Department of Geography (n.casson@uwinnipeg.ca). Your email must include your 1) updated CV, 2) transcripts (unofficial acceptable at this time), and 3) a brief statement outlining why you are interested in this opportunity. Please include “Cumulative Effects MESC Position 2024” in the subject line of your email.

Project Description 

This research project aims to support community-centered energy resilience initiatives in Churchill, Manitoba, focusing on sustainable heating solutions. Working with a team of energy coordinators, the successful candidate will explore the human dynamics surrounding the implementation of innovative energy technologies (such as installations of air-source heat pumps in remote housing) and how the community interacts with them.

This research project builds on work designed to apply renewable energy technologies by bringing in community engagement, emphasizing how user experiences and educational outreach can enhance energy program effectiveness. The student will engage with Churchill residents to gather insights on local energy needs, helping shape policy and advocacy efforts around sustainable energy solutions that best serve remote communities like Churchill. 

Qualifications and Support

The preferred candidate will have a 4 year bachelor’s degree (honours preferred) in a related field of study (e.g., human geography, environmental studies, northern studies, etc.), demonstrated interest (through academic and/or volunteer work) in the energy transition, and an ability to do field work in a remote location. Experience with qualitative research is highly valued. The successful candidate must have strong English writing and verbal communication skills. 

This position is funded through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. The successful candidate will receive a competitive 2-year funding package and be eligible to access support for direct costs of research.

How to Apply

Please prepare a resume, your transcripts, and a two-page statement of interest explaining your interest and experience with the energy transition. 

Please follow the grad studies application process for vetting by the MESC Prgram Committee.

Project description:

The Paris Agreement emphasizes the importance of global collaboration in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through carbon markets. The COP26, held in Glasgow in 2021, established a framework to operationalize carbon markets and create pathways for voluntary cooperation among parties in implementing their nationally determined contributions (NDCs), aimed at achieving higher climate ambition. As a follow-up, India announced a carbon credit trading scheme (CCTS) in 2023 that creates the institutional framework for a national market for carbon trade. The scheme allows the creation of a national-level mechanism where interested parties can obtain credit certificates by registering their projects that meet requirements set for reduction or avoidance of greenhouse gas emissions.

Drs Alan Diduck and Kirit Patel are seeking two highly motivated graduate students to join the “Carbon Credits and Renewable Energy in India” research project at The University of Winnipeg. The project involves analyzing the policy framework governing carbon credits and renewable energy in India and supporting opportunities for communities in Gujarat and Karnataka to help advance the green transition. Specifically, the project will examine the proposed national carbon credit trading scheme, the efficacy of involvement in the global voluntary carbon market, and national and state incentive mechanisms for the production of renewable energy. The project will also explore opportunities for enhancing local communities' knowledge and skills to participate effectively in state-promoted projects and establish their own energy and carbon credit projects. 

We invite expressions of interest for a dedicated student who will be eligible to enroll in the Master of Environmental & Social Change program at The University of Winnipeg (MEnv or MA) starting September 2025. The successful candidates will join the Carbon Credits and Renewable Energy in India project to conduct their thesis research in India (preferably in Gujarat, and Karnataka).

Qualifications and support: 

The successful candidate will have a related 4-year bachelor’s degree (e.g., Environmental Studies, Environmental Law, Public Policy, International Development). Previous experience working or studying in India is a definite asset. The successful candidate will have a track record of academic excellence and strong English writing skills. The successful student will receive funding support for two years, plus support for direct costs of research and conference participation.

How to apply:

Expressions of interest can be sent to Dr. Kirit Patel (k.patel@uwinnipeg.ca), Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences. Please send your 1) CV, 2) transcripts (unofficial acceptable at this time), 3) writing sample (e.g. senior level undergraduate thesis or course project report or academic publication), and a brief statement of interest regarding your proposed research. Please note only successful candidates will be contacted.

Project Description

The Environment & Society Research Group and Canada Research Chair in Human-Environment Interactions at The University of Winnipeg have partnered with scholars and organizations across Canada through CANSTOREnergy: Seasonal storage of renewable energy - to develop renewable energy storage technologies in northern and southern Canadian climates. Canada possesses a large capacity for renewable energy sources; however, these renewable energy sources are subject to wide seasonal variations, making energy production out of sync with energy demands. Equitable, long-duration storage systems are needed to address this problem and to contribute to decarbonizing the power system in Canada. To achieve positive and equitable energy transformations, the development of energy technologies must be participatory, support community-led visions and plans, and be developed collaboratively with those that will be affected by these technologies – communities, industries, and other interests. The successful student will carry out qualitative or mixed methods research to assist this interdisciplinary research team by studying governance structures and processes to engage the public in sustainable energy transitions.  The successful student must be eligible to enroll full-time in the Master in Environmental & Social Change program at The University of Winnipeg (MA or MEnv) starting September 2024. This position is funded through the New Frontiers in Research Fund.

Qualifications and Support

The preferred candidate will have a 4-year bachelor’s degree (honours preferred) in a related field of study (e.g., Environmental Science, Environmental Resource Mgt., Ecology, Biology, Geomatics), a track record of academic excellence, strong English writing skills, and be committed to teamwork. Experience working with Indigenous communities and/or participatory community-based research is preferred. The successful candidate will receive a competitive 2-year funding package and be eligible to access support for direct costs of research.

How to Apply

Serious applicants will email Dr. Ryan Bullock, Canada Research Chair in Human-Environment Interactions (r.bullock@uwinnipeg.ca) with the subject line “MESC - CANSTOREnergy” with:

• an updated CV;
• transcript(s) (unofficial acceptable);
• a research writing sample (e.g., senior undergraduate thesis or course project report); and
• a brief statement of interest in the above-described research project, research supervisor, and the MESC program.

In conjunction with The University of Winnipeg’s employment equity and diversity policy,

the ESRG is committed to achieving, retaining and supporting a diverse research team and to ensuring each member has access to opportunities to develop their potential. We recognize that a diverse lab membership and equitable structures improve learning and research environments and lead to better research. We actively encourage applications from equity-deserving groups and folks who work respectively, constructively and collaboratively.

Project Description 

Qualifications and Support

How to Apply

Project Description 

Canada is teeming with lakes, streams and wetlands. Clean, healthy fresh waters support biodiversity and provide extensive health, economic and cultural benefits to Canadian communities. However, rates of climate change in northern boreal regions are among the highest of anywhere on Earth. Rising temperatures, changes to precipitation and declining snow cover will fundamentally alter how water and chemicals move through the environment, and could threaten our valuable aquatic resources.

We invite expressions of interest for a student who will be eligible to enroll in the Master in Environmental & Social Change program at The University of Winnipeg (MSc) starting September 2025. The successful candidate will work with an interdisciplinary team to explore how rising temperatures, shorter winters and changing precipitation patterns alter watershed carbon cycling in boreal catchments. Depending on the interests and background of the student, the project will involve a combination of field work, lab work, data analysis and/or mathematical modeling.

Qualifications and Support

We seek an enthusiastic and dedicated colleague with a 4-year Bachelor degree (e.g., Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Forestry, Geography, Earth Science). The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate how their background and goals fit with the graduate opportunity. The successful candidate will receive guaranteed funding support for two years, plus support for direct costs of research and conference participation. The incoming team member will also have access to the CFI-funded Water Quality Analysis Lab at UWinnipeg.

How to Apply

Serious expressions of interest can be sent to Dr. Nora Casson, Canada Research Chair in Environmental Influences on Water Quality and Associate Professor in the Department of Geography (n.casson@uwinnipeg.ca). Your email must include your 1) updated CV, 2) transcripts (unofficial acceptable at this time), and 3) a brief statement outlining why you want to join our team. Please include “MESC Position 2024” in the subject line of your email.

Dr. Ed Cloutis is seeking students to complete Masters of Science theses in the following project:

• Preparation for Canada's first lunar rover mission. This project involves spectroscopic (reflectance/Raman) analysis of lunar samples, meteorites, and terrestrial analogues, to enhance development of the rover mission and to understand the geology of the south pole region of the Moon.

Successful candidates will have a related 4-year bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and be eligible to enroll in the Master of Environmental & Social Change program at The University of Winnipeg starting September 2024.

Expressions of interest should be sent to Dr. Ed Cloutis (e.cloutis@uwinnipeg.ca), Department of Geography. Please send your (1) CV, (2) transcripts (unofficial acceptable at this time), and (3) a brief statement of interest regarding your proposed research.

Dr. Ed Cloutis is seeking students to complete Masters of Science theses in the following projects:

• Biological potential of icy bodies in the solar system. A number of icy bodies in the solar system (particularly asteroid Ceres, the jovian moon Europa and the saturnian moon Enceladus) may harbour subsurface oceans and conditions conducive to life. This project will involve a combination of laboratory spectroscopic studies of icy moon analogues and samples from appropriate terrestrial sites. The long term goal is to enable our participation in future missions to these bodies.

Successful candidates will have a related 4-year bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and be eligible to enroll in the Master of Environmental & Social Change program at The University of Winnipeg starting September 2024.

Expressions of interest should be sent to Dr. Ed Cloutis (e.cloutis@uwinnipeg.ca), Department of Geography. Please send your (1) CV, (2) transcripts (unofficial acceptable at this time), and (3) a brief statement of interest regarding your proposed research.

Dr. Ed Cloutis is seeking students to complete Masters of Science theses in the following projects:

• Martian astrobiology. This project involves spectroscopic analysis of geological samples from terrestrial Mars analogue sites to support analysis of data from the current NASA Perseverance and future ESA Rosalind Franklin mission, with a focus on the utility of Raman spectroscopy for surface investigations.

Successful candidates will have a related 4-year bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and be eligible to enroll in the Master of Environmental & Social Change program at The University of Winnipeg starting September 2024.

Expressions of interest should be sent to Dr. Ed Cloutis (e.cloutis@uwinnipeg.ca), Department of Geography. Please send your (1) CV, (2) transcripts (unofficial acceptable at this time), and (3) a brief statement of interest regarding your proposed research.

Mapping Pathways to Rocky Cree Territory

The Asiniskaw Íthiniwak (Rocky Cree) of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation have lived in the Churchill River drainage since time immemorial, developing an intimate knowledge of the region’s watercourses, plant and animal life. This knowledge is passed to future generations through oral traditions including place naming.  Place names convey spiritual significance and tell the story of the peoples’ history and relationships. Due to centuries of incursions, many of their place names were lost – ‘mapped out’ of existence by colonial surveyors or submerged by flooding for hydro development.  The NCN community at Nelson House in northern Manitoba would now like to recover their place names, share this knowledge widely in the community, and project this knowledge outward as a statement of their territorial heritage. 

This project assists the Nelson House NCN by providing research support to their community effort of recovering place names.  It will answer the following questions:

• What are the historical roles of place names and place naming in Rocky Cree culture and what roles do they have today?
• What are the tools, methods, and technologies available for collecting and representing traditional Cree place names and incorporating them into geospatial systems, many of which build on the same colonial methods used to erase and re-map local Indigenous territory?
• What tools, methods, and technologies are available to the NCN members to access land and stories now submerged by hydro development?
• What Indigenous spatial traditions exist that can inform and aid the project underway?

Expressions of interest are welcome from potential graduate students wishing to complete a master’s thesis (M.A. or M.Env) on any or all of the topics above.  Students will work closely with community members in Nelson House and will be aligned with University of Winnipeg graduate students on a companion Rocky Cree history project.

Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in geography, anthropology, Indigenous studies, or a related field.   Experience conducting primary/field research, working independently, or completing a major undergraduate project will be an asset. The successful student will receive funding support for two years, plus support for direct costs of research and conference participation.   All applicants must meet eligibility requirements to enroll in the Master of Environmental & Social Change program at The University of Winnipeg.

Expressions of interest can be sent to Dr. Matt Dyce (m.dyce@uwinnipeg.ca), Department of Geography.  Please include the following

• A resume or CV
• A transcript - unofficial is fine!
• An expression of interest in some aspect(s) of the project

Preference will be given to Nelson House community members, Cree students, and First Nations and Indigenous students.