MABRRI has an amazing team of Research Directors, Project Coordinators and Student Research Assistants! We value our team members as they help with ongoing projects and daily operational tasks.
Dr. Lauren Touchant, Research Director
Lauren is a Professor in the Department of Political Studies specializing in environmental and climate policy, disaster and emergency management, and municipal governance. She brings over 20 years of experience in governance and community development. Lauren currently leads research on climate policy in collaboration with Dr. Mbaye at Université Gaston-Berger (Senegal), as well as projects focused on municipal climate and energy policy, the governance of big data in municipalities, Truth and Reconciliation, and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit Peoples (MMIWG2S+). She recently co-edited Canada Water Agency: Multisectoral Issues of Law and Governance (2023) and 30 Climate COPs Later (2025).
Dr. Matthew Bowes, Co-Research Director
Matthew Bowes is one of MABRRI's Co-Research Directors and a professor in the Geography department and Global Studies Program at VIU. Matt is a human geographer interested in human dimensions of natural resource management, social and cultural geography, environment and behaviour and outdoor recreation, parks and tourism. The overarching theme in much of Matt's work is sustainability.
Dr. Pam Shaw, Co-Research Director
Pam is one of MABRRI's Co-Research Directors at Vancouver Island University. Pam has more than 35 years of experience in land use planning and facilitation, and is currently researching human/nature connections. She brings ideas, connections, and experience to the research team.
Graham Sakaki, Regional Research Institute Manager
After moving from Vancouver to Nanaimo in 2011 to further his education at VIU, Graham has been involved with MABRRI since it was established in 2014. Graham oversees the management of the research institute including partner engagement and project development. Graham is also responsible for securing and administering research funding, financial administration of research grants and service contracts, supervision of staff, resource management, planning, reporting, and knowledge mobilization. His educational background includes a master’s degree in Community Planning, a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Geography and diploma’s in both Forestry and Hospitality.
Sydney Boyachek, Project Coordinator
Sydney completed her Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of New Brunswick and her Master of Science in Biology at Acadia University. Her academic and professional experiences have focused on aquatic fish ecology and invasive species management. Sydney is excited to bring her background in research to MABRRI as a Project Coordinator and contribute to the Ecological Accounting Process projects.
Ariel Verhoeks, Financial Coordinator & GIS Specialist
Ariel is a graduate from VIU’s GIS Diploma program and is MABRRI’s GIS Specialist and Financial Assistant. After graduating in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies and Geography, she decided to further her education and enroll in the diploma program. Alongside MABRRI, she is excited to be working on the spatial analysis components of MABRRI’s projects. Having lived in Nanaimo her whole life, she believes that working with the MABR and with the MABRRI team is a wonderful opportunity for her to do hands-on work in her home region.
Mandy Fraser, MABR Governance Officer (On leave)
After graduating from VIU with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 2019, Mandy transitioned from a student employee into the role of MABR Coordinator. Mandy manages the MABR’s internal and external communications, coordinates community engagement events, and facilitates Roundtable meetings and community forums for the MABR. Mandy is grateful to be working and collaborating as a guest within unceded Qualicum, Snaw-naw-as, Snuneymuxw, K'ómox, Tseshaht, Hupacasath, and Ditidaht territories, in which the MABR is situated within.