News

Dr. Melanie Zurba, assistant professor will be stepping into the role of graduate coordinator for the School for Resource and Environmental Studies, effective July 1, 2021. She has been with SRES in a cross-appointment with the College of Sustainability since 2018.

“We’re excited to have Melanie step into the role; she is a strong researcher with a deep commitment to student mentoring. She will serve them well,” says SRES director and associate professor, Dr. Michelle Adams.

Zurba’s research focuses on projects that are developed and implemented in collaboration with communities. She has worked collaboratively with Indigenous communities in Canada and abroad on several projects which focus on co-management of species at risk and protected areas, food sovereignty, shared forest tenure agreements and renewable energy systems. In addition to her research and teaching in both SRES and the College of Sustainability she mentors and supervises many graduate students through the Community-Engaged Environmental Lab.

Zurba is looking forward to further expanding her mentorship and service to SRES students and colleagues as SRES’ graduate coordinator.

"I really enjoy supporting grad students in finding resources and clear pathways to their goals. This role also enables me to learn more about the research of my colleagues through the students they supervise," says Zurba, "I hope to be a graduate coordinator that finds solutions for students and colleagues"