Students earn Queen Elizabeth scholarships for overseas research
Six VIU students are on three-month international internships in West Africa to help address climate change issues and risks.
The group of Political Studies students are participating in the Canada-Senegalese Climate Leadership Program with funding provided by the Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship program.
The scholars will spend 80 days in Saint-Louis in the Republic of Senegal working with students from the University Gaston Berger to study the impact of climate change on women, fishermen and climate refugees.
Saint-Louis is a significant African city and region with a history dating back to 1450. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Several small villages in the area no longer exist and parts of Saint-Louis is also at risk of flooding from the Senegal River and rising ocean levels.
The QES program was established in 2012 to celebrate and honour The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The endowment makes international experiences possible for post-secondary students to have an opportunity to advance their studies and research and develop their leadership and civic engagement skills through global collaborations.
Jessica Lee is putting her technical skills to work in her research project.
“Using satellite mapping and GIS tools, I will assess the extent and severity of coastal erosion around Saint-Louis, where tourism and fishing are major industries,” explains Lee. “I will also work with local communities to conduct interviews and focus group discussions to understand the lived experiences of those impacted, especially women. This experience will bolster my ability to bridge scientific data with local knowledge in future policy development efforts and help me engage in climate advocacy efforts worldwide.”
Kate Mooney says climate change is a pressing issue and she wants to be part of finding solutions.
“I hope to develop my skills in the field of public policy and gain new perspectives on how to tackle universal issues,” says Mooney. “Part of a personal project I am developing and implementing through the program involves disaster management and how this affects people with disabilities, and I would love to continue my work in this area after graduation.”
Sifa Mukenge’s interest in climate policy stems from a course she took in disaster management last semester.
“I’m excited to deepen my knowledge and gain practical experience in the field both locally and internationally,” she said. “My role involves collaborating with students from our host university to study disaster risk reduction strategies in the region, as well as local climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.”
Henry Sipos believes the experience in Senegal will serve as a strong foundation for his future academic endeavours and professional goals. After completing his undergraduate degree at VIU, he plans to pursue a master’s in architecture, with a focus on sustainable, adaptive and space-efficient design.
“The knowledge I will gain about climate impacts, particularly in coastal regions and working closely with local communities and Indigenous populations in Senegal will be directly applicable to similar challenges in Canadian coastal communities, such as those on Vancouver Island, where I live,” he says. “My personal project is an online website designed to equip residents of Nanaimo to meaningfully participate in a circular economy. The project is based on Kate Raworth’s Doughnut Economy framework which reimagines the economy, taking into consideration social foundations and the ecological ceiling.”
Sarah Mei Lyana hopes that through their research and engagement they will be able to make real-life impacts on the community and can make a difference. She adds the experience will enhance her leadership skills.
“I have been involved in student politics through my educational experience and would like to step into a more permanent role in assisting student governance.”
Mikayla Carson applied to become a QES Scholar because she wanted to take part in meaningful international research that blends policy, sustainability and community impact.
“The program’s emphasis on cross-cultural learning, collaboration and real-world policy engagement aligns with both my academic goals and personal values,” she explained. “I hope to gain a deeper understanding of climate adaptation from a grassroots perspective and grow as a researcher and global citizen. I’m especially excited to engage in cross-cultural learning and reflect on how public policy can be more inclusive, equitable and responsive to real-world needs.”
Political Studies Professor Dr. Lauren Touchant emphasizes the program’s ability to enhance students’ resumes by providing invaluable experiences.
“This initiative offers students a unique opportunity to build professional skills and develop leadership abilities,” she said.
Blog photo caption: VIU 2025 QES scholars from left: Sara Mei Lyana, Sifa Mukenge, Mikayla Carson, Kate Mooney, Henry Sipos, Jessica Lee.