Bachelor of Science (Hons.), Psychology, Neuroscience& Behaviour, Minor in Anthropology • McMaster University
April 2022 - Congratulations to Vicky Boyd, Nya Lazarus-Munnick, Natalie Biringer, Kaitlyn D'Lima, Dorottya Kiss and Jananee Savuntharanathan for First Place in the Rain It In competition! The team's winning submission/proposal was the implementation of permeable pavement and bioretention cells at Hermitage Park (Ajax, ON), an area adjacent to a flood-vulnerable cluster.
Bio
Vicky graduated from McMaster University with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour with a minor in Anthropology. She then worked as an archaeological field technician during which she gained a deep appreciation for different cultures and saw firsthand the impacts humans have on the environment. To further explore her interests in the relationship between people and the planet she attended Fleming College where she earned an Advanced Diploma in Ecosystem Management Technology.
Vicky takes pride in being an environmental steward for her community. She has volunteered for shoreline cleanups, land restorations, and tree plantings. She credits her experience of sitting on the steering committee for a sustainability-themed conference as one of her most rewarding and inspiring. The planning and preparation for the conference amounted to a months-long process, and holding a leadership role meant that Vicky was involved every step of the way. In particular she was responsible for arranging the keynote event of the conference – a prominent environmental activist and the screening of her documentary film.
Pursuing a more sustainable lifestyle is a goal of Vicky’s. Whenever she can, she tries to incorporate earth-friendly choices into her personal life through her diet, skincare and cleaning products, and spending habits. Her values of environmental and social responsibility have been driving forces in her professional endeavours. Seeing the need for waste reduction, she consulted with municipalities, institutions, and other organizations on their waste management practices to help them realize their waste diversion potentials. More recently, she produced microgreens for her local community at an organic vertical farm using sustainable agricultural practices. There, she witnessed the practicality of a business committed to the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit. Going forward, she wants to help organizations with their sustainability initiatives.
Vicky enjoys being outdoors with her friends and family. Her favourite activities are hiking, kayaking, cross-country skiing, and backcountry camping. One day she plans to complete the entire 890 km of the Bruce Trail from Niagara to Tobermory.
Vicky's MScSM Internship: Maple Leaf
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Vicky's Research Poster
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