Afreenish Yusirah, MA-SE
I obtained a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Food Science and Nutrition degree at Carleton University before joining SPPA. During this time, I was heavily involved in the Food Science student society and worked as a student at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. As a result of this time, I developed an interest in food safety, sustainability, and security. My interest in regulatory, scientific, and economic aspects of my field was able to be explored through this interdisciplinary degree. In my undergraduate experience, I realized there are many variables that can influence food quality, safety, and sustainability. At that point, I began looking for a program that would enable me to explore these variables in great detail.
At the end of my final year of study, I realized that I was interested in exploring sustainable food production and food security in relation to renewable energy sources. When I was at the SPPA Open house, I found out that Carleton University offered a master’s program focusing on Sustainable Energy. Based upon discussions with previous students and current professors, I decided to join SPPA in order to gain a better understanding of my passions and to continue to grow as an interdisciplinary student.
It excites me to explore how sustainable energy options could increase our production of food without harming the planet. As I explore the links between science and policy in the energy sector, I am excited to see how we reduce our carbon footprint in agricultural practices and renewable energy production in the future. As an SPPA student like myself, I want to make a difference by integrating food and agriculture sector expertise in order to explore more sustainable energy and climate change solutions. Moreover, I appreciate the opportunity to explore a discipline with so many opportunities and challenge myself. With professors who teach at the cutting edge of their field, you can’t help but want to join SPPA and learn more.