By Nicole Findlay
Valerie Torontow is immersed in marine ecosystems. An avid swimmer, Torontow has combined her love of water with the skills she is developing through her Geomatics coursework.
The third-year student in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies is concentrating her studies on remote sensing and GIS mapping with the intention of using the technology to map coral reefs. She intends to capture the reef ecosystem and the stresses upon them as a result of human activity.
“The increasing effects of global warming are causing damage and loss of species in the reefs,” said Torontow. “I feel that it is very important to determine what effect global warming is having on the reefs, through mapping, so that they can be preserved and protected.”
In recognition of her work, Torontow was selected by faculty members to receive the J. Peter Johnson Award. The honour is bestowed annually on the student with the highest standing in the department’s second-year methodology courses. The award will be applied toward her undergraduate tuition fees.