Master of Environmental Management Spotlight Series: Pui Yu Lam
Author: Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Management
Posted on Jun 8, 2026
Category: Faculty of Forestry and Env Mgt
From planting trees to monitoring endangered species, last summer was all about protecting the Nashwaak watershed!
Last summer, I had the incredible opportunity to work as a Summer Watershed Steward with the Nashwaak Watershed Association Inc. (NWAI), as part of my internship for my Master of Environmental Management (MEM) program. The job responsibilities included, but were not limited to, tree planting, habitat assessment, water quality monitoring, and forest/property site assessments. The internship ran from May to August 2025.
One highlight was contributing to Species at Risk surveys, including Bobolinks, Wood Turtles, and Bank Swallows - crucial work for tracking habitats and populations of endangered species. I also conducted water quality monitoring with other coordinators and summer staff along the Nashwaak River for the last two months of my internship. It was important to keep an eye on the temperature, pH value, dissolved oxygen , etc., of the river.
Working with the NWAI was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me, and I gained a lot from it. I understood how scientific monitoring links to real-world conservation decisions. The survey skills that I learnt really helped me build the foundation for my future environmental management career. I also got the opportunity to analyze the data using QGIS. This experience strengthened my skills in QGIS and applied the ArcGIS techniques I learned during my studies, helping me connect classroom knowledge to real-world conservation challenges.
Most importantly, I was fortunate to work with an inclusive, friendly, and energetic team. The support and encouragement from NWAI coordinators and staff made this a truly inspiring summer. I’m grateful for the experience and can’t wait to join the team again in November for the Redd Survey!
Ready to Shape a Sustainable Future?
Whether your interests lie in climate policy, conservation or environmental education, UNB’s MEM program offers the tools, community and experience to help you lead meaningful change. Join a new generation of environmental leaders, just like Pui Yu.
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