Felix Giroux
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
Having had experiences in the private sector, with NGOs, and in government, I have found that the best space for me to ask critical questions and to have the resources to answer them is in academia.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
Thanks to student mobilization and activism, UBC has put forward a strong climate emergency plan with meaningful resources put towards climate justice.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
I was drawn in by my program's openness for transdisciplinary research and having an awesome and extremely supportive supervisor.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
Meeting the incredible folks working for and involved with the Centre for Climate Justice.
What aspect of your graduate program do you enjoy the most or are looking forward to with the greatest curiosity?
I love spending time with my cohort and meeting other students working around the theme of climate justice.
What do you see as your biggest challenge(s) in your future career?
The climate crisis and extreme inequality seriously put into question the foundations of a stable (academic) career for me.
How do you feel your program is preparing you for those challenges?
Being connected to other students who find ways to pair advocacy and academic work is extremely beneficial to preparing me for challenges.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
My experiences outside of academia have been very valuable. They serve me a lot for my research and for my advocacy work.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
I signed up to the pottery club and have found a new passion for pottery making. I'm planning to try out hip hop, scuba diving, and sailing lessons for next year!
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Identify and voice your needs to find your path. And try something beyond intellectual and academic work!
Outside of your academic work, what are the ways that you engage with your local or global community? Are there projects in particular that you are proud of?
I continue working on international advocacy and I continue being involved on boards of youth environmental organizations.
