Environmental Studies brings together geographers, physical scientists, social scientists, humanities researchers and artists whose innovative research seeks to advance sustainability and social justice. Using field-based science, policy analysis, critical social theory, planning skills, geomatics, and cultural and arts-based approaches, our researchers drive action to address the world’s environmental and urban challenges.
Current Research Projects
![Photo of Aedan Alderson](https://www.yorku.ca/gradstudies/environmental-studies/wp-content/uploads/sites/423/2023/11/Aedan-Alderson-1.jpg)
Building the capacity for accountable Irish-Mi'kmaq relationships through research. PhD student Aedan Alderson's research is working towards building capacity to create new links for allieship between the Mi'kmaq and the Irish.
![Photo of Deborah McGregor](https://www.yorku.ca/gradstudies/environmental-studies/wp-content/uploads/sites/423/2021/09/Deborah-McGregor.jpg)
Indigenous Climate Change Futures: Envisioning Well-Being with the Earth aims to define what it means to "live well" from a self-determined Indigenous perspective.
![Photo of Mary Williams](https://www.yorku.ca/gradstudies/environmental-studies/wp-content/uploads/sites/423/2021/09/Mary-Williams.png)
MES student Mary Williams research looks at restorative ocean farming: possibilities and pitfalls for addressing food security with Metlakatla First Nation
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Theses and Dissertations
Research within the Graduate Program in Environmental Studies is determined by the proposed projects presented by successful aspirants. Our students complete a thesis and/or dissertation, which then becomes published as "Electronic Theses & Dissertations" and sits as a public document within our institutional repository - YorkSpace.
Awards & Recognition
![Photo of Maureen Owino](https://www.yorku.ca/gradstudies/environmental-studies/wp-content/uploads/sites/423/2021/08/Maureen-Owino.jpg)
Maureen Owino was awarded prestigious Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship presented by the Government of Canada to support doctoral students who are conducting world-class research.
![Photo of Silvia Cristina Vasquez](https://www.yorku.ca/gradstudies/environmental-studies/wp-content/uploads/sites/423/2021/09/image.png)
Silvia Cristina Vasquez Olguin
2021 CALACS Outstanding Dissertation Award Winner - Dr. Vasquez Olguin’s outstanding dissertation examines shifting agrarian relations in Costa Rica by focusing on the ways in which socially-produced space and spatialized social relations unfold in two peasant settlements in the province of Guanacaste.
![Photo of Andrew Zealley](https://www.yorku.ca/gradstudies/environmental-studies/wp-content/uploads/sites/423/2021/09/Andrew-Zealley-edited-1.jpg)
Andrew Zealley’s PhD, titled “Risky Beeswax: Artistic Responses to the Biopolitics of HIV and AIDS” was awarded the 2020 Barbara Godard Prize for Best Dissertation in Canadian Studies.
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Learn More
The Graduate Program in Environmental Studies at York is an exciting environment to pursue innovative, socially engaging, career-ready education. Contact our Graduate Program Assistant to learn more.