Climate change impacts put enormous stress on water resources management and drinking water supply. My research focuses on understanding and prediction of climate change impacts and hydrological change in coastal BC, specifically Lions Bay, a community whose water resources relies on an ungauged catchment.
Research Description
Climate change impacts put enormous stress on water resources management and drinking water supply. Climate change is likely to increase water demand while shrinking water supplies. This trend would challenge water managers to meet the needs of growing communities and sensitive ecosystems. My research focuses on understanding and prediction of climate change impacts and hydrological change in coastal BC, specifically Lions Bay, a community whose water resources relies on an ungauged catchment. As severe drought conditions occurred in summer 2015, securing drinking water supply for future under climate change became a priority for the Municipality. My study will contribute toward decision making on environmental policy and forecast of reliable water supply.
What does being a Public Scholar mean to you?
To me, being a public scholar gives me a great honor and privilege to pursue my PhD while my research is not limited to theoretical objectives and has a direct benefit for the community. I am excited to be a part of the public scholar’s program because it allows me to focus on my research and take an advantage of the networking opportunities that PSI provides.
In what ways do you think the PhD experience can be re-imagined with the Public Scholars Initiative?
The Public Scholars Initiative challenges PhD students to move out of their comfort zone in academia and learn valuable transferable skills through conducting practical research project when they try something new. The PSI program re-imagines the quite solitary PhD experience into the more engaging experience with opportunities for growth and development.
How do you envision connecting your PhD work with broader career possibilities?
My PhD project is not limited to purely academic research but is planned to provide a great opportunity for me to gain hydrological fieldwork experience. The fieldwork experience can broaden my career pathways because having practical experience is well-appreciated in the industry. More importantly, this experience will help me to better understand hydrological processes, which in turn can enhance my modeling knowledge.
How does your research engage with the larger community and social partners?
The Municipality of Lions Bay is the main beneficiary of the outcome of my research project. The outcome of the project will be used in water resource management decisions in Lions Bay which will have a direct impact on its residents. It should be noted that Lions Bay is an ungauged watershed and its water policies need to be regulated with respect to climate change mitigation measures.
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
Investigating climate change effects on hydrological forecasting has always fascinated me. In doing so, I gained a passion for research. I enjoy that each day this poses a new set of challenges and that I am always gaining new knowledge.
Why did you choose to come to British Columbia and study at UBC?
I believe the UBC reputation and its world ranking will always be one of the contributors to my future success. Also, UBC houses world-leading scholars in different disciplines and particularly in Civil engineering which gives me a great opportunity to expand my knowledge. Lastly, the UBC campus is so beautiful, and Vancouver is a wonderful place to live for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors!
Being a public scholar gives me a great honor and privilege to pursue my PhD while my research is not limited to theoretical objectives and has a direct benefit for the community.
