Wednesday, July 26, 2017 | By Lindsay Cashin
Water and Environment Student Talks (WEST) had its fourth annual conference from June 11-13, 2017 at the AMS Student NEST with great success. Over 60 students, professors, and young professionals from seven countries gathered to share research, knowledge and interest in water-related fields.
The conference began with an environmental and cultural tour of UBC, allowing attendees to mingle prior to educational presentations. This year’s amazing crop of student presenters was complemented by a keynote address from Jeff Carmichael (Metro Vancouver), a panel discussion, and international academics from the Water MAGIC program. An audience favourite was the Pecha Kucha session, featuring fast-paced and succinct content.
At the poster session wine and cheese, students and young professionals shared posters, socialized, and enjoyed live music. Emily Froese won the Jim Atwater Poster Prize, as well as the poster scavenger hunt competition. WEST closed at Nuba restaurant in Kitsilano where presentation prizes were awarded to Shona Robinson and Tessora Young (Canadian Association on Water Quality awards) and Luis Galindo (People’s Choice award).
If you’re a grad student who would like to get involved in planning next year’s conference, please contact info.WEST 2017@gmail.com.
west-conference.ubc.ca
Story contributed by Sylvia Woolley, WEST Conference Chair