MABRRI is excited to introduce our current Student Research Assistants (RAs) of Vancouver Island University. Our Student RAs support all aspects of project work and we could not do what we do without them!
Adrian is currently a graduate student completing a Master of Community Planning at Vancouver Island University. An experienced placemaker and community engagement facilitator, Adrian’s passion is in co-designing and activating vibrant, socially equitable and environmentally sustainable parks and public open spaces. As an avid climber, hiker, mountain biker, (terrible) surfer and general outdoor recreation enthusiast, Adrian spends a significant amount of time in parks and natural areas of varying scale.
Desarae is a fifth year BSc student majoring in Biology and minoring in Psychology. Having always loved the diversity and natural beauty of the west coast, Desarae moved to Vancouver Island from Alberta in 2017 and has been captivated by the island ever since. Her studies at VIU have allowed her to explore her passion for the biological sciences and deepened her commitment to conservation efforts. New to MABRRI this year, Desarae will be working on the Forage Fish and Timing Windows projects as a Research Assistant. She is excited to gain some valuable research experience, participate in local conservation initiatives, and contribute to the future of sustainability alongside the dedicated MABRRI team.
Emma is a graduate student in the Master of Community Planning program at VIU. She completed her undergraduate degree at Simon Fraser University with a major in Resource and Environmental Management and a certificate in Urban Studies. Emma grew her love for the field of planning through her work and volunteer experience in a municipal planning role prior to starting school at VIU. Emma’s research interests include development planning and the importance of public engagement within the planning process. At MABRRI, Emma is working as a Research Assistant on the Town of Qualicum Beach Development Review Process Project.
Holly is a current Master of Community Planning student at Vancouver Island University. She completed her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Victoria with a major in economics and minor in public administration. Holly’s work is characterized by her ability to make meaningful contributions as a member of a professional team, with a high regard for the needs of her clients, colleagues, and members of the public. Her interests include urban design, public engagement, and local government policy. At MABRRI, Holly is excited to be a part of The View from 2117 project, analyzing how local governments can integrate the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Reserve designation into their policies.
Even as a lifelong resident of Vancouver Island, Holly still has a lengthy list of landscapes and towns to explore.
Jonina is a fourth-year student majoring in Geography and minoring in Indigenous Studies at VIU. She has lived on Vancouver Island and surrounding smaller islands her entire life and is an aspiring naturalist who is knowledgeable in our local flora and fungi. She hopes to use her education to help increase climate resilience in rural/remote communities. Jonina is new to MABRRI this year and will be working with the Campbellton Neighbourhood Association and the City of Campbell River to help finish the new Campbellton Action Plan.
Mailyn is a graduate student in the Master of Community Planning program at Vancouver Island University. She completed her undergraduate degree at Simon Fraser University with a major in Communication, minor in Sustainable Development and certificate in Sustainable Community Development. Mailyn is passionate about environmental issues and hopes to build livable communities that improve the quality of life. Mailyn is joining MABRRI as a Research Assistant on the Town of Qualicum Beach Development Review Process.
Nisha is currently a graduate student in the Master of Community Planning program at VIU. She finished her Bachelor’s in Architecture at MSAJAA, Anna University, in India. She developed an interest in Urban design and Planning whilst competing in Urban design competitions in Architecture school and meeting local planners and designers. She later volunteered at an alternative community building project which strengthened and expanded her interest in the field. She comes from a culturally-rich country with a diverse history and her interests in the planning field have been influenced by her experiences in India and the stark contrast of learning about planning in Vancouver Island, while working for MABBRI as a Research Assistant. Engaging in varied projects in the past few years, her interests in the planning field grew to include Multicultural planning, New Urbanism, Sustainable Community building, Permaculture design and Earthen Architecture.
Pooja is a second-year student pursuing Master of Community Planning at VIU. She previously completed her Bachelor in Planning from Amity University, India. Before starting the MCP program, Pooja worked as a team leader for Ministry of Social Development for improving accessibility in the public buildings of Delhi, India for Persons with Disabilities. She also worked as an analyst dealing with green building certification and Environment Impact Assessment for public and private buildings in Delhi, India. She has a PG Diploma in Geoinformatics. Being passionate about urban planning and urban transformations Pooja has always tried to acquire related knowledge through education and experience in the field. Her area of interests are community planning, parks and recreation planning, climate change and resilience, urban policy, and urban transformations.
Pooja is working for MABRRI as a Research Assistant on the Development Review Process, as a partnership with VIU and the Town of Qualicum Beach.
No bio has been provided at this time.
Sam is a first-year student in the Resource Management Officer Technology (RMOT) program at Vancouver Island University. He is passionate about protecting our natural resources, fish, and wildlife for many generations to come. In August 2021, Sam decided to quit his job as a masonry foreman and move to the Island in search of a new career in Natural Resource Law Enforcement. He is avid outdoorsman who enjoys fishing, backcountry camping, climbing, mountaineering, backcountry skiing, wildlife photography and traveling to remote destinations on his motorcycle. Sam is new to team at MABBRI, however, he is very excited to be participating in various conservation projects and hopes to not only gain valuable experience, but also, make a lasting impact among his community.
Shirley is currently a Senior Interior Design Major. She grew up with a love of art and architecture, leading her to explore the design of interior space and the community. She takes joy in benefiting peoples' lives and incorporating sustainable design elements into her projects. In addition to arts, she enjoys skiing and snorkeling. At MABRRI, Shirley is working as a Research Assistant on the KFN First Nation Community and Interior Design Project.
Vladis recently completed his Bachelor of Arts in Geography program (VIU Urban and Social Sustainability Stream) and will be continuing his studies at a graduate level (VIU Remote Sensing and Advanced GIS program). Vladis has a keen interest in mapping and GIS applications, and is currently assisting the MABRRI team with various GIS tasks. In his spare time, Vlad enjoys spending time in nature, traveling and playing rugby. He is excited to be a part of the MABRRI team and is looking forward to contributing to its projects. Vladis values a chance to acquire new skills and to learn from his colleagues at MABRRI.