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I’m Righteous Amankwa-Gyimah, and I'm pleased to share my experience as a Research Assistant at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) under the guidance of Dr. Paul Arp, a well-known scholar in watershed and soil health. During my 4-month internship, which was part of my Master of Environmental Management (MEM) program, I focused on sustainable practices and their impact on our ecosystems.

The most thrilling aspect of my internship was collecting soil samples from various points and measuring moisture levels as well as mapping and monitoring the health of watersheds within the region using ArcGIS Pro.

The hands-on experience allowed me to translate concepts learned in class into action, and this made the learning process highly interactive. I also performed lab testing and reading reviews, anchoring my understanding of the intricate relationships between watersheds and soil health.

Through this experience, I acquired crucial data collection and critical thinking skills. I understood the value of teamwork and learned to deal with difficult environmental issues from multiple perspectives. The biggest challenge I was able to overcome, perhaps, was adapting to unexpected weather conditions when doing fieldwork. This was a valuable learning experience in being able to think on one's feet and adapt rapidly to new situations - something crucial in environmental management.

Looking back, this internship has transformed my life. I am now more certain about pursuing my career as an environmental consultant, where I can assist in making a difference in the sustainability practice. The training that I have gained in terms of watershed management has made me more determined to be an environmental activist.

I'd like to express my sincerest appreciation for this incredible experience last year. A huge thank you to Dr. Arp for guiding me, and to other colleagues especially Ebenezer Asiedu-Agyei, Nana Owusu Afriyie and Patrick Bidlake for their assistance, orientation, and teamwork. This experience has truly shaped my environmental path, and I'm excited for the future!

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 Righteous.

Apply to the University of New Brunswick.

Learn more about the Master of Environmental Management degree.