Speaker Series

Join Sustainable MRU and Student Changemaker Network as we explore a variety of interesting topics throughout the year. Speakers and topics will be updated frequently so please check back. All sessions will be held from 12:00 to 12:50 pm in the Ideas Lounge in the Riddell Library and Learning Centre (with the exception of June 22).

There are currently no speakers or events scheduled. Please check back.

Archived Events

November 30, 2023 - Youth Engagement in Sustainability

Kaitlyn Squires (she/her) is a researcher with the EQuIS Research Platform and the Program Coordinator for Youth Challenge International’s Climate Futures Lab in Calgary. She is an alum of Mount Royal University, who majored in General Science (Biology and Geography) with a designation in Community Service Learning. An interdisciplinary researcher and community advocate at heart she has been able to work with many great organizations within the sustainability field, including Ocean Wise, Miistakis Institute, Alberta Council for Global Cooperation, and Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society.

This presentation will highlight the importance of engaging youth (ages 15-24) in sustainability and strategies for involvement.

This presentation has unfortunately been cancelled at this time.

Campus Sustainability Fair

October 18, 2023 | Individual activity times and locations listed below.

Held every October, Campus Sustainability Month is an international celebration of sustainability in higher education. Join us in making a positive impact on our campus and the world around us. All activities are free to attend and promise a day of inspiration, learning, and fun.

Terrarium building workshop (Registration Required)
- Presented by SAMRU and Sustainable MRU - Get your hands dirty and create your own mini ecosystem. Limited spots available, so be sure to register in advance! Location: Main Street.
Sustainability Forum (Registration Required)
- Review Agenda for the day
- Presented by the Bissett School of Business - Engage in discussions and perspectives to learn how researchers, practitioners, and students are working to solve the most relevant sustainability issues of the 21st Century. Location: B206.
Electric vehicle info session
- Get up close and learn all about electric vehicles at the East Gate. A representative from GoElectric will be onsite with an electric vehicle between 10am - 2pm.
Information Fair!
- Explore a range of sustainability-related information and resources on Main Street from 10am - 2pm.
Book Display curated by the MRU Library
- Visit the 4th floor of the Riddell Library & Learning Centre throughout October to discover a curated collection of books on numerous sustainability topics.

September 21, 2023 - Eco-Action and You: Embracing Intersectionality for Inclusive Environmental Solutions

Baneen Al-Sachit, a first-generation Muslim settler of Color, has a strong background in diversity, equity, and inclusion. She advocates for accessibility and inclusivity in science and sports, with research interests spanning eco-action, biological conservation, youth mental health, and BIPOC women's health.

Vanessa Bilan, certified as an Interpretive Hiking Guide, shares her passion for nature and conservation. With seven years of experience at CPAWS, she brings her expertise to this discussion.

This presentation introduces the concept of intersectionality within eco-action, encouraging individuals to bring all aspects of their identity to address the climate crisis.

12:00pm - 12:50pm
EL 1270 Ideas Lounge

Hosted by SustainableMRU & the Student Changemaker Network

June 22, 2023 - Alexandria Farmer: Celebrating Pollinator Week on Campus

An Outdoor Walking Tour

This engaging outdoor walking tour is presented by Alexandria Farmer, a renowned expert in the field with a B.Sc. and MSc., Instructor for the MRU Department of Biology, and member of the Alberta Native Bee Council.

During this event, you will have the opportunity to learn about MRU's commendable efforts in creating a native pollinator-friendly campus and The Plan Bee Project. This walking tour promises to be an enlightening experience for nature enthusiasts, students, researchers, and anyone interested in conserving our native bee populations. Gain a deeper understanding of the significance of pollinators while discovering practical ways to contribute to their preservation.

Meet at the Memorial Garden
12:00pm to 12:50pm

March 30, 2023 - Amy Spark: Careers in the Sustainability Sector
	Amy is an Environmental Professional (EP) who works as the Sustainability Coordinator at Bow Valley College. She loves finding and implementing practical solutions to our most pressing environmental challenges. In this presentation, she will talk about how to get into the sustainability sector, credentialing, and how to navigate this rewarding (yet sometimes challenging!) sector. EL1270 Ideas Lounge 12:00pm to 12:50pm Pizza will be provided
March 8, 2023 - Kathleen Johnson: How to create a Bird-Friendly Community
	Kathleen Johnson is a founding member of Bird Friendly Calgary and is co-founder and program lead for a local community science organization called “Calgary Urban Species Response Team” or “CUSRT”, founded in 2019. Inspired by the respected work of Fatal Light Awareness Program (“FLAP”) in Toronto and by Safe Wings Ottawa, Kathleen and her volunteer team at CUSRT survey the downtown area of Calgary searching for birds and bats that have struck windows or succumbed to other unnatural hazards. Supporting the work of Bird Friendly Calgary, CUSRT also teaches about the importance of native plants and urban habitat (even tiny spaces) to better support native wildlife. As a settler wanting to learn, it's important to Kathleen to be ever mindful of Truth and Reconciliation and of the ecological and cultural impact of our actions and of avoidable inaction. Kathleen is excited to share insights into the team’s efforts, ways to create a more sustainable bird-friendly home, business, campus, community and city through a few remarkably straight-forward (and fun!) actions we can all take! EL1270 Ideas Lounge 12:00pm to 12:50pm Pizza will be provided


February 7, 2023 - Jerry Gao from LEAF Environmental Products Inc	Jerry started LEAF in 2017 when he saw the urgency of the plastics pollution problem across Canada. He loves raising awareness through education and is actively involved in Canada's Federal Consultation for federal plastic regulations. In this presentation he will provide updates on the current domestic and international issues associated with plastic pollution and discuss solutions.