Courses

Overview: The Water Pathways research cluster at the University of Toronto Scarborough invites applications for three Water Pathways Postdoctoral Fellows to start in fall 2023 (before December 1st). The Water Pathways Postdoctoral Fellowship program aims to enable creative collaborative research in aquatic sciences that blends curiosity-inspired questions with applied research to meet the needs of First Nations, conservation authorities, not-for-profits, local governments, and grassroots community water groups. The three positions are for two years with a salary of $60,000 plus benefits as well as $5000 annually for research and travel. Proposals that explicitly link two or more Water Pathways affiliated labs or work with external partner(s) will be prioritized.

About the Water Pathways Research Cluster: The water quality problems in Ontario are difficult and multi-faceted, demanding an interdisciplinary approach. Hence the Water Pathways cluster brings together an interdisciplinary team combining innovative approaches to environmental fluid mechanics of lakes and rivers (Mathew Wells), the changing dynamics of frozen lakes (Laura Brown), the winter ecology of freshwater fishes (Bailey McMeans), environmental ecosystem and climate change modelling (George Arhonditsis), watershed hydrology and contaminants (Carl Mitchell), biogeochemistry of lake sediments (Maria Dittrich), conservation physiology of aquatic animals (Cosima Porteus), aquatic invasive species and habitat restoration (Nicholas Mandrak), complex mixtures of chemical stressors, including microplastics in aquatic systems (Chelsea Rochman) and community science/stewardship, water and environmental justice and support for First Nations water governance (Bonnie McElhinny), to enhance the impact, reach, and implementation of transformative solutions to water quality, and our relationship to water. By combining physical and social science perspectives this cluster will be bigger than the sum of its parts and aims to make transformational change.

As a Water Pathways Postdoctoral Fellow, here is what you can expect from us:

Mentoring and support for you in your research, teaching, outreach and career goals
Opportunities to establish connections and links with our partner organizations
Opportunities to participate in collaborative working groups through the Water Pathways

As a Water Pathways Postdoctoral Fellow, here is what we expect from you:

Establish your own independent research program
Contribute to building a dynamic and collaborative research community in the Water Pathways research cluster by attending lab meetings, seminars and mentoring students
Contribute to collaborative interactions with our research partners and with water
stakeholders and rights-holders, including support for funding applications;
Organize and lead a monthly discussion group or lead a workshop

We welcome applications that broadly align with the following five themes – potential applicants should carefully discuss ideas for projects with potential faculty mentors before submitting a proposal.

Theme 1. The changing nature of winter in lakes. (Wells, Bailey, Brown, Porteus, Dittrich)
Winter is a season that defines Canada, yet monitoring of water quality has historically only been done in the summer growing season. Hence very little is known about processes that occur during the rest of the year and particularly in winter. Key questions to resolve are (a) how does winter nutrient loading influence the subsequent summer eutrophication, (b) what is the influence of changing ice duration and thickness on summer dissolved oxygen levels and eutrophication, and (c) how do shorter vs. longer winters affect fish growth and reproduction.

Theme 2. Eutrophication and fate of loaded nutrients. (Arhonditsis, Mitchell, Dittrich)
With an expanding population in Ontario, it is critical to protect water quality. We need to better understand the sources and pathways of nutrients, such as phosphorus, nitrogen, sulphates and carbon, to determine how nutrient loading drives eutrophication and water quality within and between systems, and how these cycles will change in a warmer climate.

Theme 3. Aquatic invasive species. (Mandrak, Bailey, Porteus)
Many aquatic invasive species (AIS) are now present in the Great Lakes basin. To focus on proactive, preventative measures, an urgent question is how to best predict when and where invaders are likely to establish under current and future climate conditions. We also need to know how invasive species change food-web dynamics in aquatic ecosystems. The release of aquatic invasive species in urban areas (e.g. in storm-water ponds) and their subsequent entry into the wild are emerging issues.

Theme 4. Waterborne contaminants. (Rochman, Porteus, Wells, Mitchell, Dittrich)
Emerging contaminants, such as microplastics and car tire fragments, are ubiquitous in rivers and lakes. Salinity levels are steadily increasing due to applications of de-icing road salts. We need to identify the sources of these contaminants, determine how they are transported, and what concentrations are of serious concern to aquatic animals, our ecosystems and human health.

Theme 5. Water sovereignty and water stewardship. (McElhinny)
In addition to identifying key strategies for mitigation of negative impacts, in this theme we are interested in research on effective forms of water protection which focus on supporting, educating, building and drawing on communities who engage in day-to-day stewardship, restoration, policy and other forms of political and social change. We also are interested in research on and examples of Indigenous approaches to governance of and relation with the water, robust forms of consultation with Indigenous nations, in alignment with UNDRIP, treaties and human rights law, and best strategies for building just coalitions and forms of solidarity around, with and for the water.

Eligibility:

Potential applicants should have (or be close to completion) a PhD in the broad area of Aquatic Sciences, Environmental Studies or related fields and will be required to produce proof of completion prior to commencing appointment. Completion does not mean graduated, but rather satisfying all requirements for graduation, usually meaning submission of a final approved dissertation following the PhD defense.
Applicants can be a citizen of any country, but international applicants must meet Canadian immigration requirements.
Applicants must have secured the support of a Water Pathways affiliated faculty member who would promote their application (see the ten professors listed at https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/labs/water/people/) and partially fund the fellowship.

Application components:

Research statement with a description of past research accomplishments and proposed research including potential Water Pathways faculty mentors (2 pages)
An updated CV
A short statement from potential Water Pathways faculty mentors supporting the proposal, and describing how it fits into the goals and long-term vision of a sustainable Water Pathways program (<1 page). The supervisor’s statement would confirm support, identifying benefits that the applicant would bring to their research program, resources available to the applicant and any other considerations. The supervisors’ statement can be e-mailed separately, directly by supervisor to the adjudication committee (m.wells@utoronto.ca and cosima.porteus@utoronto.ca).
A brief description of the proposed workshop, seminar or discussion group series the Fellow would lead (1 page or less)
Copies of 2 publications (preprints are welcome)
Contact information for three references

Application processes:
• To apply, please submit application components as a single PDF by August 31st 2023 (email to m.wells@utoronto.ca and cosima.porteus@utoronto.ca, with subject line “LastName-Water Pathways-Fellowship-application”):
• Decisions will be made by September 15th

Past Opportunities

Call for Student Applications:

Dean’s Fund for International and Indigenous Initiatives

Indigeneity, Sustainability, and Food: An Interdisciplinary Perspective through Field Study with the Centre for Engaged Learning Abroad (CELA), Belize

May 4 – May 12, 2019

For students in: Caribbean Studies, Equity Studies, Environmental Studies, Geography, Human Biology, Indigenous Studies.

Overview: Students will participate in an experiential learning program on indigeneity, sustainability and food under the guidance of Dr. Filiberto Penados, faculty, Centre for Engaged Learning Abroad (CELA) and adjunct professor, Indigenous Studies, UofT. Activities include visiting farms, community organizations, historical sites and attending talks to learn about sustainability issues related to indigeneity and food. On returning to UofT, students will work with the New College Food Equity Coordinator to plan a series of food events on themes covered in their CELA activities.

Please note that this opportunity involves a commitment to attend an orientation day to familiarize students with Belizean society and history, outline learning objectives for the trip and initiate student conversations across the participating units. The orientation will be scheduled in late April. Students are also required to attend a Safety Abroad session, prior to departure. All students must travel together, leaving Toronto Saturday, May 4, returning Sunday, May 12.

Funding:

The total cost for airfare, housing, airport transportation, daily transportation, meals, internet access, and the administrative fee will be covered with support from New College and the Dean’s Fund for International and Indigenous Initiatives. Students are expected to contribute $200CAN from other sources such as college travel grants, student union awards and/or personal resources. Students are also responsible for costs related to VISAs, health insurance and vaccinations (if needed).

Student Selection:

Students will be selected based on their relevant course work and demonstrated interest and experience relevant to the program themes: indigeneity, sustainability and/or food.

To apply: Application should be submitted by email to Nancy Dragicevic, New College Program Support Officer: nc.progsupport@utoronto.ca

The deadline for applications is Wednesday, March 6, 2019.

The CELA application consists of the following components:

a covering letter that includes three statements (a) why you are interested in participating in the program (150 words maximum); (b) your relevant background for the program (150 words maximum); (c) a statement confirming your commitment to activities prior to and following the CELA visit;
a print-out of your ROSI Academic record;
a resume;
your student number;
the names and email addresses of two academic referees;
and if applicable, any previous funding you have received for an international student experience

Students may be asked to participate in a brief interview, as part of the selection process.

Call for Student Applications:

Dean’s Fund for International and Indigenous Initiatives

Aabiziingwashi Jiimaan (Wide Awake Canoe) Build with and in Wahnapitae First Nation

June 30 – July 15, 2018

For students in: African Studies, Anthropology, Caribbean Studies, Environmental Studies, Geography, Human Biology, Indigenous Studies, Women and Gender Studies.

Overview: Students are invited to apply for an experiential learning program in which they will build a birchbark canoe in and with Wahnapitae First Nations, under the guidance of Mike Ormsby, an experienced Anishnaabe canoe builder, artist, social worker and outdoor educator, and with language instruction from Jenny Blackbird (Nehiyaw-Finnish/Canadian) and Albert Owl (Anishinaabe). Activities will include harvesting materials, canoe-building, introduction to Anishinaabemowin language, stories and teachings about water and canoes, and visiting local areas of environmental importance (visits to old growth red pine forest at Wolf Lake, local sacred sites with elders, and visits to hydroelectric sites to consider their impact on environment and on traditional canoe travel routes).

Students’ travel, accommodation and food expenses will be covered by the Dean’s Fund for International and Indigenous Initiatives (DFIII)/Arts & Science/University of Toronto. Incidentals and park fees will be covered by students.

Instructors:

Bonnie McElhinny is Principal of New College and Associate Professor, Anthropology and Women and Gender Studies. Dr. McElhinny directs Great Lakes Waterworks @ New College, with the support of a Faculty of Arts and Science Teaching and Learning Grant. This initiative focuses on decolonial, feminist, queer and anti-racist approaches to environmental justice, with a focus on water. Its projects include designing and re-designing a cluster of courses on the Great Lakes, research and teaching collaborations with community partners, designing experiential learning opportunities for students, and curating public events.

Jenny Blackbird (Nehiyaw-Finnish/Canadian) is a multidisciplinary artist, hand drummer, singer, fashion designer, and jingle dress dancer. Jenny works with Ciimaan/Kahuwe’yá/Qajaq, an Indigenous language initiative of the Centre of Indigenous Studies that supports the University of Toronto community in the study and everyday use of Indigenous languages. She also volunteers at Aboriginal Legal Services as a community council member and advisory committee member, as well as a community Auntie for the Giiwedin Anang program.

Mike Ormsby is an Anishinaabe artist, craftsman, writer, storyteller, outdoor educator, and canoe builder. He builds birch bark and wood canvas canoes. Mike signs his work as W’ dae b’ wae, the Anishinaabe name given to him by the late Elder Art Solomon. The meaning of w’ dae b’ wae is “he or she is telling the truth, is right, is correct, is accurate.” Mike’s family is from Curve Lake First Nation. Mike began by facilitating a canoe building program in Fort Severn on Hudson Bay restoring wood canvas Freighter canoes with local First Nations youth. To date Mike has worked on over 20 birch bark canoe builds; he has built seven bark canoes entirely on his own.

Albert Owl is from Sagamok Anishnaabek First Nation. Anishinaabemowin or Ojibwe is his first language. He works in the Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) language as a translator and interpreter. Albert also facilitates full immersion Anishinaabemowin workshops, such as he has for the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation. Recently Albert began working with the Toronto District School Bpard. “I especially like the expressions on children’s faces when they are learning the language. I first studied writing Oijbwe language while going to Cambrian College in Sudbury then obtained my Ojibwe Language Teachers Diploma at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. I have translated story books such as “The Drum Story” published by Reality Media. Other stories that I’ve worked on include “Niibaakomh, The Recreation Story and The Dream Catcher Story”.

Student Selection:

Students will be selected for participation based on their relevant course work and demonstrated interest and experience in Indigenous, decolonial, environmental and water- related issues. They will also need to describe a commitment to at least one activity or public presentation upon their return.

Selection includes a commitment to attending a pre-departure orientation session. In this session, students will review program goals, itinerary and assignments; participate in a short workshop on reflective writing; to hear a presentation from former ICM students on their experience with a comparable canoe build in Oahu. It will also include a Safety Abroad session and an orientation session that will offer a brief introduction to Anishnaabe society and history and politics, including land, water and logging debates in the area. Students will be asked to share their experiences upon return in public presentations as part of Great Lakes Waterworks events in their home departments or New College, especially at World Water Day events.

Eligible students must not have already received funding for an Arts & Science international opportunity including 398 REP, ICM, DFIII (formerly DIIF) or CFHU.

Students must be in good standing in the Faculty of Arts of Science at the University and Toronto and currently enrolled in an academic program at the time the proposed activity takes place.

To apply: Students should submit applications by Feb. 28 to nc.principal@utoronto.ca

The applications should include the following: (1): a CV/resume, which includes the names and contact information for two referees, (2) an informal transcript, (3) a cover letter in which the applicant includes 3 statements: (a) statement (no more than 200 words) describing why the student wants to participate, (b) a statement (no more than 100 words) describing related experiences (in classes or outside of them), (3) a statement (no more than 100 words) of how the student will disseminate knowledge gained from the experience upon returning to U of T. Students may be asked to participate in a brief interview, as part of the selection process.

Call for Student Applications:

Dean’s Fund for International Indigenous Initiatives

Indigeneity, Sustainability and Food: An Interdisciplinary Perspective through Field Study with the Centre for Engaged Learning Abroad (CELA), Belize

May 5 – May 13, 2018

For students in: Caribbean Studies, Equity Studies, Environmental Studies, Geography, Human Biology, Indigenous Studies

OVERVIEW: Students will participate in an experiential learning program on indigeneity, sustainability and food under the guidance of Dr. Filiberto Penados, faculty, Centre for Engaged Learning Abroad (CELA) and adjunct professor, Indigenous Studies, UofT. Faculty Supervisor/U of T/New College is Dr. Bonnie McElhinny (tentative). Activities include visiting farms, community organizations, historical sites and attending talks to learn about sustainability issues related to indigeneity and food. On returning to UofT, students will work with the New College Food Equity Coordinator to plan a series of food events on themes covered in their CELA activities.

FUNDING: The total cost for airfare, housing, airport transportation, daily transportation, meals, internet access and administrative fee will be covered with support from New College and the Dean’s Fund for International and Indigenous Initiatives. Students are expected to contribute $200CAN from other sources such as college travel grants, student union awards and/or personal resources. Students are also responsible for costs related to VISAs, health insurance and vaccinations (if needed).

STUDENT SELECTION: Students will be selected based on their relevant course work and demonstrated interest and experience relevant to the program themes: indigeneity, sustainability and/or food.

TO APPLY: Students in their 3rd or 4th year of study are eligible. Preference will be given to students returning to UofT for the fall, 2017. First preference is given to students who have not already received university funding for an international student experience. Selected students must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the departure date.

The CELA application consists of the following components:

a covering letter that includes three statements (a) why you are interested in participating in the program (150 words maximum); (b) your relevant background for the program (150 words maximum); (c) a statement confirming your commitment to activities prior to and following the CELA visit;
a print-out of your ROSI Academic record;
a resume;
your student number;
the names and email addresses of two academic referees;
and if applicable, any previous funding you have received for an international student experience

Students may be asked to participate in a brief interview, as part of the selection process.

Applications with the subject heading, CELA 2018 Application, should be submitted by email to Nancy Dragicevic, New College Program Support Officer: nc.progsupport@utoronto.ca

The deadline for applications is Monday March 5, 2018.

Student Groups

Ontario Water Works Association University of Toronto Student Chapter

The OWWA Student Chapter (OWWASC) at the University of Toronto is a student-run group that was established in 2005. The Chapter provides students with opportunities to learn about the water industry through networking events, socials, technical seminars, and plant tours. Visit their website here.

Leap U of T

Leap UofT is a student activist group committed to climate justice. Leap U of T is based around the principles of the Leap Manifesto, a call for a just transition to a sustainable future (www.leapmanifesto.org). Currently, Leap U of T’s focus is on relaunching the fossil fuel divestment campaign at U of T.

water.org University of Toronto Chapter (WOUTC)

Water.org is an international non-profit organization aiming to dissolve the barriers between people and access to safe water and sanitation. For over 25 years, Water.org has been fighting the water crisis by implementing innovative and sustainable solutions, recognizing that charity alone is insufficient. What makes Water.org unique is that they seek sustainable financial solutions, such as their Water Credit initiative. As a student chapter, our overall mission is to raise awareness of Water.org and the global water crisis to the students of the University of Toronto St. George campus. Our vision is to become a prosperous, secure, and passionate club that has informed the majority of students on the St. George campus about the water crisis. Through this club, we hope to motivate other current and prospective students to get involved in solving the water crisis.

Research

Technoscience Research Unit

Water Research with University of Toronto Engineering

New courses are added every semester at St. George, Mississauga, Scarborough campuses. Please visit again soon as course calendars and departmental offerings are updated.

Courses

Current Field Opportunities

Call for Applications: 3 Two-Year Post-Doctoral Fellowships with the Water Pathways Research Cluster

Past Opportunities

Call for Student Applications:

Call for Student Applications:

Call for Student Applications:

Student Groups

Research

ANT6033 Course Trips to the Humber River:

ANT6033 Course Trips
to the Humber River: