Katarina Duke
PhD Candidate
University of Saskatchewan
School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS)
Placement
Sri Lanka
Research Interests
- Indigenous water governance
- Marine conservation
- Coastal stewardship
- Nature-based solutions
Katarina (Kat) Duke, P.Ag., serves as the Manager of Marine Conservation and Fisheries for the Ka:yu:'k't'h' / Che:k'tles7et'h' First Nations. Self-described as an "aquatics enthusiast," Kat manages all fresh and marine water initiatives for KCFN. She is a registered Professional Agrologist and is currently completing her PhD in Indigenous water governance and groundwater. Her extensive academic foundation includes a Master’s in Environmental Sustainability, a Master’s in Water Security, a Bachelor of Environmental Practice, and a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. Kat bridges technical expertise with community-led stewardship to protect vital aquatic ecosystems and ensure sustainable water resources for future generations.
Olutimilehin (Timi) Adelugba
Master of Science Student
University of Saskatchewan
Community and Population Health Sciences
Placement
New Zealand
Research Interests
- Healthy coastal cities
- Built environment and wellbeing
- Transportation and healthy ageing
- Geospatial planning
- Community-based adaptation
Olutimilehin (Timi) Adelugba is a Master of Science student in Community and Population Health Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan. His research examines how transportation, the built environment, and community planning influence healthy ageing and wellbeing in rural communities. Through his EcoShores placement in New Zealand, Timi contributes to collaborative research on healthy coastal cities, climate resilience, and inclusive approaches to sustainable community development.
Andrew Batycki
Master of Environment and Sustainability Student
University of Saskatchewan
School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS)
Placement
New Zealand
Research Areas
- Community-based climate adaptation
- Nature-based solutions
- Wetland conservation
- Environmental governance
- Community engagement
Andrew Batycki is a Master of Environment and Sustainability student at the University of Saskatchewan. With a background in civil and environmental engineering and political science, his research focuses on the human dimensions of environmental conservation, community engagement, and climate adaptation. Through his EcoShores placement in New Zealand, Andrew contributes to collaborative research on sustainable coastal communities, nature-based solutions, and community-led approaches to climate resilience.
Gil Armand Aluning
Master of Environment and Sustainability Student
University of Saskatchewan
School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS)
Placement
Philippines
Research Areas
- Spatial accessibility modelling
- Geospatial data analytics
- Age-friendly planning
- Pedestrian accessibility
- Social equity in urban environments
Gil Armand Aluning is a Master of Environment and Sustainability student in the School of Environment and Sustainability at the University of Saskatchewan, supervised by Dr. Varuni Jayasooriya. He holds a B.A. in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Alberta and has professional experience as a Policy Analyst with Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada.
His research examines pedestrian accessibility among older women in Saskatoon, with a focus on income-related disparities in walking access. His broader research interests include spatial accessibility modelling, geospatial data analytics, age-friendly planning, and social equity in urban environments.
Through his EcoShores placement in the Philippines, Gil will build on his geospatial and planning background while contributing to research and knowledge exchange related to coastal resilience, spatial analysis, and equitable community planning.
Zoë Johnson
PhD Student
University of Saskatchewan
Department of Geography and Planning
Placement
Sri Lanka
Research Interests
- Hydrology and water resources
- Climate change adaptation
- Water and food security
- Geospatial analysis and remote sensing
- Coastal climate resilience
Zoë Johnson is a PhD student in Hydrology and Water Resources in the Department of Geography and Planning at the University of Saskatchewan. Her research examines the impacts of climate change on water management, with a focus on hydrological modelling and the interactions between natural and human water systems.
She holds a Master of Science in Integrated Water Resources Management and an Honours Bachelor of Arts in International Development Studies with a minor in Economics from McGill University. Her research experience includes hydrological fieldwork, climate and water-resource analysis, flooding resilience, and international water-related initiatives.
Through her EcoShores placement in Sri Lanka, Zoë will build on her interests in climate science, water and food security, coastal resilience, natural resource management, and community-based adaptation while expanding her research perspective to coastal environments.