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Growing up in Brookfield, just 20 minutes from campus, and playing Jr. A hockey for the Truro Bearcats, the Faculty of Agriculture was a natural fit for Ben Fraser, but it was his love for the outdoors that led him to the Environmental Science program.

“Initially, I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do for a career,” Ben said. “But the Environmental Science program seemed like a good fit for someone who loved the outdoors as much as I did.”

Ben balanced academics with a demanding athletic schedule, playing three years with the Jr. A Bearcats and later suiting up as captain for his hometown Jr. B Elks. His hockey journey didn't end there—today, he’s behind the bench as a coach with the Fundy Thunder U16AAA team in Truro, a role he finds both rewarding and meaningful.

In 2021, Ben’s career path took an unexpected turn when he began working in forest fire protection with the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables alongside foresters and technicians based in Middle Musquodoboit.

What started as a seasonal position quickly grew into a passion, as he became a member of the province’s elite Type 1 firefighting team. His firefighting deployments have taken him across the country—including Newfoundland, the Yukon twice, British Columbia, Jasper National Park and Tantallon, NS. He’s currently on deployment at Canada’s largest active fire near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

“I love this job,” Ben says. “Every summer brings something new. I never know where I’ll end up or what stories I’ll come back with.”

Ben has also been recognized for his academic contributions, receiving the Karen Meek Memorial Scholarship, the Ira L. Rhodenizer Memorial Scholarship and The Joyce Family Foundation Agricultural Bursary. He is also the recipient of the University Medal in Environmental Science earning the highest average in his program.

“In environmental sciences – where complex challenges demand interdisciplinary solutions, the ability to communicate ideas clearly is essential,” said Assistant Professor Dr. Paul Manning.  “Ben is a careful and conscientious student, who consistently demonstrates this important skill. It was such a pleasure to have Ben in class!”

As he looks ahead, Ben is keeping his options open. While firefighting has captured his heart, he’s also considering a future in government—perhaps with the Department of Agriculture or Environment—or even continuing his studies through a master’s or PhD program.

“There are a lot of paths I could take,” he says. “But whatever comes next, I just hope it’s as enjoyable and rewarding as the one I’ve had at the AC.”