The 2023 International Graduate Student Forum was held in Puerto Montt, Chile from December 13-15, 2023, co-hosted by our newest IIES member, Universidad San Sebastián. Each year, the forum allows graduate students from IIES member universities to meet and discuss environmental research from various perspectives. Students were invited to give a short overview of their research accessible to people from different research backgrounds. We had a total of 46 participants at the workshop from 5 different institutions spanning 4 countries.
In addition to the student presentations, we also had a field study facilitated by Professor Neil Stuart from the University of Edinburgh on-site at the Universidad San Sebastián where students were able to get hands-on experience with Global Positioning Systems (GPS) for environmental studies.
Image: Professor Neil Stuart (University of Edinburgh) leading a session on GPS for environmental studies
The session comprised of an accessible introduction to GPS for field studies, group data collection outside (using handheld GPS devices), and a final data analysis session. Students learned about GPS basics, accuracy, waypoints and tracks, exporting data, and common mistakes made with GPS and how to avoid them.
Later, we had a group session on Integrating Indigenous Knowledge with Science into Policy, which was facilitated by Professor Asaf Zohar, Professor Mark Dockstator, and Dr. Jennifer Dockstator. They discussed ways in which to consider and be sensitive to Indigenous practices and land acknowledgement when conducting research in sensitive areas or working with Indigenous peoples.
Image: Professor Asaf Zohar (Trent University) engaging in a graduate student discussion during a session on Integrating Indigenous Knowledge with Science into Policy
We learned about the importance of community and how to look at environmental studies from a difference perspective. Students and faculty were able to collaborate and discuss different ways in which communities are important for environmental research.
On the final day of the forum, the students were taken to beautiful Lake Llanquihue in Puerto Varas where Professor Marcelo Lagos from Universidad San Sebastián demonstrated the instantaneous measurement of conductivity, temperature and suspended solids using digital meters. It was a chilly day due to the high winds, but we made the most of it!
Image: Professor Marcelo Lagos (Universidad San Sebastián) leading a session on measurement of conductivity, temperature and suspended solids using digital meters
We finished off the forum with a group panel, facilitated by Professor Douglas Evans, which focused on conducting research in an international setting. We heard from a few professors from around the world and learned about the differences in approaches taken globally. Students were able to engage in discussions with the group and get insight on what obstacles they may face and how to overcome them.
Overall, we had a productive few days of learning, discussions, and hands-on experience which allowed students to network and collaborate with other students and staff from different parts of the world. We look forward to our next graduate student forum in 2024!
If you’d like to hear more, check out some articles written by the workshop participants:
Kyle Reyes – Master’s Student
Pearl Finkelzon – Master’s Student
