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Welcome to the IIES Alumni Directory

The IIES Alumni Directory is your dedicated space to stay connected with the global network of participants, contributors, and collaborators who have been part of IIES events, forums, and courses. Here, you’ll find a searchable directory of past members — complete with contact information, bios, and participation history — making it easy to reconnect with peers or discover new connections across our worldwide community. An interactive map showcases the geographic reach of IIES alumni, while testimonials and articles from fellow participants offer insights, reflections, and inspiration. This will serve as a communication hub, giving alumni a platform to share updates, opportunities, and conversations long after the events have ended. Whether you’re looking to rekindle a connection or explore the global impact of IIES, this space is built to keep the community alive and growing.

Become an Alum

What are the benefits?

Strengthens Global Connections

Keep in touch with people you met at IIES events and build new relationships across borders.

Supports Ongoing Collaboration

Find potential partners for research, projects, or shared interests through a trusted network.

Amplifies Alumni Voices

Share your journey, achievements, and insights to inspire the next generation of IIES participants.

Showcases Global Reach

The interactive map and profiles highlight the truly international footprint of IIES and its vibrant community.

Encourages Lifelong Engagement

Stay updated, involved, and informed — because the IIES experience doesn’t end when the event does.

Alumni Directory

Search members based on last name below.

Huy Dang

Associate Professor, Trent University

Helene Engler

PhD Candidate, University of Edinburgh

I am a PhD candidate at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. My research project focuses on understanding the cycling and mobility of the trace metal manganese in Scottish drinking water reservoir systems. During my PhD time I have attended 2 IIES forums. In 2025 I received the QES scholarship through IIES, which enabled me to spend 3 months at Trent University in Canada, working with Professor Andrew Vreudgenhil and his group on understanding metal speciation and distribution in reservoir sediments.

Douglas Evans

Professor Emeritus, Trent University

Jennifer Fedak

PhD Candidate, Trent University

I attended the IIES in Southern France in 2026, my research follows the trajectory of restoring urban turf into a functional meadow after site preparations take place, to inform both initial and adaptive management choices. This includes looking at the stress/strain gradient hypothesis, priority effects, and the efficiency and long term effects of using either tilling or herbicide, on long-term restoration goals.

Margaret Graham

Professor, University of Edinburgh

Check back soon for an updated list.

Ella Kinart

Master's Student, Trent University

I am a first year MSc student at Trent University studying environmental toxicology and chemistry and food sovereignty under the supervision of Dr. Mary-Claire Buell and Dr. Jean-Francois Koprivnjak. I attended my first IIES Science and Policy Workshop and Graduate Student Forum this year in France. I am very grateful for this experience, and hope to participate in future events.

Huy Dang

Associate Professor, Trent University

Sarah Nelson

Laboratory Technologist, Canadian High Arctic Research Station

I am a former Trent University student. I had the great opportunity to attend IIES events as both an undergrad and graduate student. I attended the events in China (2018), South Korea (2019), and Vietnam (2022), the online forum in 2021, and listened to many of the great online lecture series during that time. I have recently started a job as a lab tech at the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS).

Farah Noun

IIES Program Coordinator, Trent University

Check back soon for an updated list.

Past Participant Articles

Scott2

Crossing Continents, Expanding Horizons: A 100-Day Journey in Vietnam

Scott Stebbing recounts his research abroad experience through the Queen Elizabeth Scholars program. Scott, an MSc student from Trent University, was given the opportunity to travel to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to work with Dr. Quang Khai Ha at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology.
Chetwynd Osborne

From Student to Teacher: An Alum’s Journey Forward

From Student to Teacher: Chetwynd Osborne shares how his experiences with the IIES helped shaped his future in environmental science.
Helene Engler

From Highlands to Maple Leaves: My Queen Elizabeth Scholars Exchange

I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and the QES program has been the perfect platform for this. I was awarded the opportunity to come to Trent University in Peterborough (Canada) through the QES scholarship during the final year of my PhD at the University of Edinburgh (Scotland).
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Testimonials

"Attending the IIES 8th Annual Graduate Student Forum was an incredible experience. I appreciated the opportunity to connect with fellow researchers from diverse backgrounds and disciplines through activities like academic speed introductions, field collection of wastewater, and co-design workshops on sustainable water stewardship. The forum's diverse sessions provided valuable insights and sparked meaningful discussions. The excursion to Blyde River Canyon was a highlight. Overall, the forum provided valuable opportunities for networking, learning, and growth."
Tinyiko NkunaMaster's Student | University of the Witwatersrand
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"I am grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in the 9th Annual Science & Policy Workshop in South Africa. It was an enriching and inspiring experience—seeing so many great minds focused on research and the resolution of socio-environmental conflict was truly inspiring."
Thiare Carrasco-DelgadoMaster's Student | Universidad San Sebastián
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"Coming for the conference, I was hoping it was going to be just another lecture on environmental sustainability and the way forward. However, this conference went a long way to broaden my understanding of how every attempt I make as a researcher to combat problems facing our environment actually matters and that I’m not just a young scientist but an agent of change. This indelible exposure and experience that I had over the past few days has enlightened my academic and career path even more!"
Shepherd BaidooMaster's Student | University of Ghana
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"The conference was an enriching and well-coordinated experience that provided valuable insights into multi-interdisciplinary approaches to sustainability and development. I particularly appreciated the diversity of topics, the quality of presentations, and the opportunity to engage with scholars and practitioners from various backgrounds. I learned new frameworks for community-based research, gained fresh perspectives on integrating policy and practice, and built connections that I believe will lead to future collaborations. The conference reaffirmed the importance of collective dialogue in shaping responsive and inclusive development pathways."
Dr Zukiswa RobojiSenior Lecturer | Walter Sisulu University
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"I strongly recommend the annual IIES Science and Policy Workshop to anyone that is interested in environmental science. This workshop provides a unique and welcoming platform to broaden your perspective on various environmental issues. Additionally, it offers an outstanding opportunity to enhance academic connections, engage in networking, share knowledge, collaborate, and pave the way for future prospects."
Neda DalirAssistant Researcher | University of Edinburgh
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"It was great to learn and get re-inspired by all that is being done in academia. It is also beneficial to share knowledge and experiences, and how people react and connect to the research being conducted in an interdisciplinary and international way. I would highly recommend to anyone interested to get involved with IIEs and continue to learn, share and co-create on an international scale. I hope to stay connected with this organization after I graduate."
Pearl FinkelzonMaster’s Student | Trent University
Pearl Finkelzon
"The IIES provided an amazing representation of the global and interdisciplinary research that graduate students in environmental research are doing. I hope that the IIES continues to grow, because I believe that international discussions that take place in these workshops and forums are important in developing solutions for our environmental challenges."
Kyle ReyesMaster’s Student | Trent University
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“It was a wonderful experience attending IIES meetings wherein we had the opportunity to interact with other experts in the diversified fields, encouraging multidisciplinary research collaboration and fruitful scientific discussions.”
Amit BhatnagarAssociate Professor | University of Eastern Finland
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“The IIES provided me with an amazing opportunity to attend my first international research meeting. This was a great platform to share my research and receive feedback from a diverse group of scientists. It has allowed me to cultivate a new network of connections, which I plan to utilize in my professional career moving forward.”
Steven ChowPhD Candidate | Johns Hopkins University
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“This event was an enriching instance, the collaboration and common interest of each professional to be a contribution; from their different fields and specialties in environmental matters is amazing. Being part of these instances of dialogue and learning demonstrates our commitment to contribute to the generation of knowledge that contributes to the fight against climate change.”
AnonymousIIES Participant | 9th Annual S&P Workshop
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“The experience of attending the 9th Annual Science & Policy Workshop was truly enlightening. I had the opportunity to engage with fellow researchers from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, and the exchange of ideas was both stimulating and inspiring. The various activities, including research presentations, interactive workshops, and discussions on pressing global environmental issues, provided valuable insights and sparked meaningful conversations. The conference's interdisciplinary approach and collaborative atmosphere helped me gain new perspectives and approaches to my own research. Overall, the experience was enriching and motivating, and I look forward to applying the knowledge and connections gained to my future work.”
AnonymousIIES Participant | 9th Annual S&P Workshop
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