May 1, 2024
Imran is a second-year undergraduate student working towards completing a specialist in physical geography, a major in environmental sciences and a minor in geographical information systems. As a passionate champion for all things sustainability, he has completed IMI's Certificate of Completion in Global Sustainability. Imran currently volunteers with the Institute for Management & Innovation as a Sustainability ambassador, recently volunteering at the STTPA Conference and Sustainability Week. He has a deep appreciation for the outdoors and is passionate about community service. He has volunteered with beach and park clean-ups within his community and he works part time at an Integrative Health clinic. Outside of work and school, Imran enjoys taking care of his vast indoor plant collection, listening to music and painting.
What do you love most about studying at UTM?
For me there are three key reasons why I really love studying at UTM. The first is how green and secluded the campus is. There are so many green spaces and areas that are great for de-stressing. In 2023, U of T was named the most sustainable university in the world by the QS World University Rankings, and as someone who studies environmental sciences and physical geography, it's so important to me that my institution is taking huge steps towards a greener future. The second thing I love about UTM is the community. The clubs and departments bring such a sense of community and belonging to many students here at UTM. For me, it was specifically IMI and the Sustainability Ambassador team that have impacted me so greatly. The third thing that I love about studying at UTM is my program. It offers so many learning opportunities, including hands-on, and off-campus experiences. I’m currently working towards completing a specialist in physical geography, major in environmental sciences, a minor in geographical information systems (GIS) and a certificate in sustainability. It’s these opportunities and experiences that my program offer that foster a great learning environment, and allow me to tackle many learning streams at once, this is further boosted by the amazing communities on campus.
You're a very active member of the Sustanability Ambassador team at IMI - What does this work mean to you?
The Sustainability Ambassador team is such a crucial part in my campus life and experience. The team, along with IMI, foster a culture and environment where volunteering and doing meaningful work becomes a thing of ease, allowing me to be more involved. The work that we do is incredibly important to me. Whether creating learning experiences for others or creating spaces for the exchanging of ideas and thoughts on sustainability and climate change, it allows me to be involved and see change form in real time. Not only that, this work allows me to help change the narrative on sustainability and help remove the stigma that surrounds it. I believe that like many I shared the same belief that the topic of sustainability and climate change was too overwhelming. I quickly learned that this is not the case, and it’s programs like these that introduce people to sustainability in a way that leaves students hopeful for the future.
What sparked your passion for sustainability?
It began with the introduction of traditional ecological knowledge and Indigenous knowledge. I read three books: Braiding sweet grass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, Gathering Moss by Robin Wall Kimmerer and Traditional ecological knowledge edited by Melissa K. Nelson and Dan Shilling. These opened my eyes, and my world to brand new type of knowledge and inspired me to create deeper connections with our lovely planet and everything it encompasses. It also revealed how backwards our way of thinking is as these “consumers” .
What do you do in your spare time?
My spare time is something very important to me as it's the time for me to de-stress and decompress. Because of that I make sure that it is jammed packed with the all the things I love doing. Currently most of my spare time is dedicated to my two new kittens (Lilo & Merlin). I also enjoy collecting for my 30-specimen (and growing) mineral collection, as well as my indoor plant collection which has amassed 25 samples. I also love a challenging hike – longest I've accomplished was a 60km, 12 hour climb on Mount Ucka in Croatia.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In the next five years, I see myself finishing my undergraduate studies. I also see myself graduating from the MScSM program and applying for a PhD program.