The Bieler School of Environment is showing up strong at convocation this year—thanks to two stellar students.
Arwen Low
Arwen Low, a 51łÔąĎÍřBieler School of Environment student and now alumna took the stage as a valedictorian at a 51łÔąĎÍřArts graduation ceremony this June—and if her speech, which likened the 51łÔąĎÍřcommunity to a thriving ecosystem, is any sign, her journey is just getting started.
Hailing from the Island of Montreal, Low, long before university, had an interest in politics and was excited to be accepted as an undergraduate in political science at McGill, but it was the environmental aspect of her degree— a joint honours in environment— that took her off guard.
“I went into political science but realized I was missing something— my interest and concern in the environment, and my time at the Bieler School of Environment has been enriching." As an arts student Low found unexpected inspiration in ecosystem science courses. “As a humanities-oriented person, I didn’t expect to get so much out of them,” she said, “but I did.”
The 51łÔąĎÍřBieler School of Environment offers a variety of pathways to obtain a degree in the environment, whether you are in the faculty of Arts, Science or Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the courses can provide depth and breadth to any specialty. Something Low says she appreciates about the school.
“As a program the BSE provides a really holistic perspective that is needed for any kind of environmental career. As a community, there’s endless avenues for support both interpersonally, academically and professionally.”
Low's involvement with the BSE extended beyond the classroom, she served as Vice-President of the 51łÔąĎÍřEnvironment Student Society and received a Bieler Environment Learning Fund (BELF) award to attend a national political convention.
The convention proved successful as Low was elected as one of Quebec’s women’s representatives to the federal council of the New Democratic Party, deepening her engagement in environmental advocacy and grassroots politics. The BELF gave Low an opportunity to apply academic knowledge, connect with like-minded activists, and participate in meetings.
Low worked closely with BSE Professor Amy Janzwood.
“I’ve had the opportunity to take on a surprising amount of independent research projects for an undergraduate student,” said Low. Some notable research she said was being able to complete a thesis under the supervision of Professor Janzwood on the politics of “eco bordering”—a rising political trend where anti-immigration rhetoric is framed as environmental protection. “It’s gaining traction in both Canadian and American politics, especially on the right,” Low explained.
Looking ahead, she is set to join the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris. There, she’ll work on regional and rural policy, focusing on place-based climate solutions and equitable access to services.
The OECD supports local and national governments by focusing on entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized enterprises and fosters inclusive and sustainable development in regions and cities, driving local job creation, and advancing effective tourism policies. Low will be focused on place-based climate change solutions and equal access to services across regions.
In her valedictory address, Low urged fellow graduates to find their niche and contribute meaningfully to their communities. With her blend of political insight and environmental commitment, Low is sure to make an impact.
Jennifer McDonald
Jennifer McDonald, a Chelsea, Québec, local has always been familiar with Montreal. But stepping onto a university campus as the first in her family to pursue higher education was a leap into the unknown.
“I felt like everyone around me had it all figured out, while I really had to find things out for myself,” McDonald recalled.
Despite the initial uncertainty, McDonald thrived at 51łÔąĎÍř’s Macdonald Campus, being named valedictorian for a Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences’ convocation ceremony this June.
“Being named valedictorian is exciting,” she said. “As a small campus, it was really important for me to emphasize personal relationships and how we can and should all work together to create meaningful change.”
In her upcoming speech, McDonald plans to highlight the spirit of the Macdonald Campus—its close-knit, collaborative, and welcoming community. She credits the campus’s unique environment for shaping her academic journey.
Throughout her degree, McDonald embraced a wide range of opportunities, from hands-on fieldwork to academic research such as an internship with the United Nations.
“Working at the UN involved being around many well-educated people from all different walks of life,” she said. “Having an interdisciplinary outlook on the environment helped me communicate with people who see things in a different light.”
Originally approaching her studies with a science-focused mindset, McDonald said the program’s interdisciplinary nature proved invaluable. “The interdisciplinary aspect of this degree has been great for me.”
Fieldwork was a cornerstone of her education, and the Macdonald Campus’s natural surroundings provided the perfect setting. “Being surrounded by nature provided me with unique opportunities and a strong sense of community—everyone knows each other,” she said.
As she prepares to graduate, McDonald leaves with not only a degree but also a deep appreciation for the experiences and relationships that defined her time at Macdonald Campus.
Hats off to Arwen, Jennifer and to all the soon-to-be alumni of the BSE and McGill!