Golden graduation for EnSciMan master's student

At fall convocation, Environmental Applied Science and Management MASc student Christopher Randall was honoured with a TMU Gold Medal, and Board of Governors Student Leadership Award and Medal. The awards are presented annually to students with outstanding academic achievement combined with extraordinary contributions to the life of the university, professional community and the community at large.

Randall played a leadership role in the Environment and Urban Sustainability Students’ Association and co-organized the BIPOC Sustainability Changemaker Series, raising over $40,000 in funding for student programming. Beyond campus, he facilitated national and provincial conferences, and engaged industry through the Bruce Fellowship Water Policy Café.

Having completed both his undergraduate and graduate degrees at TMU, Randall is building upon his research through Dalhousie University’s Interdisciplinary PhD program. 

“I’m deeply grateful to everyone in my undergraduate and graduate programs who offered support and encouragement,” said Randall. “It’s bittersweet to move on to the next step, but I will always cherish my time at TMU.”

Randall’s research aims to understand how coastal flood risk is produced and distributed across places and people in Nova Scotia. Specifically, he is exploring how risk has been governed in coastal communities, both in the past and present, and how transformation for flood hazard adaptation is envisioned by diverse actors. 

“This work is critical because the cascading effects of climate change must be addressed in ways that are equitable and empowering.”

What inspires your research and extracurricular activities?

I’ve lived near water my entire life. From camping along Pacific lakes to kayaking on the Atlantic, I’m deeply grateful to have experienced the environmental rewards of such beautiful places. Yet, there is also risk—my family and I have weathered hurricanes and even lost property. I’m inspired to study how human and environmental systems interact so that communities can adapt in ways that equitably strengthen our relationship with water. 

My passion for community building aligns with this goal and informs my extracurricular involvement. While academic and professional development are key values of the student groups I’ve joined, the most rewarding aspect has been meeting new people and forming lifelong friendships.

How was your student experience at TMU?

My time as a student allowed me to meet many wonderful mentors and peers. I was fortunate to join numerous welcoming and exciting communities, ranging from research groups to student associations. These connections extended my learning beyond the classroom through participatory, experiential and rewarding opportunities. Such experiences are an important part of the student journey by offering lifelong learning and personal growth. I’m grateful for my time at TMU both inside and outside the classroom.

What are your future career goals?

I’ve found my passion in the study of human–environment hazards and am excited to continue exploring how systems and structures shape people’s connections to the coast. I hope to contribute to the growing body of literature that critically examines technocratic and colonial management strategies in this field. I aim to make this work more publicly accessible and to build meaningful connections with communities at the crossroads because of climate change.

How did TMU Graduate Studies prepare you to be career-ready?

The Environmental Applied Science and Management MASc program provided me with a network of kind and knowledgeable instructors. Given the interdisciplinary nature of my research, exposure to diverse disciplinary perspectives was essential to applying theoretical frameworks to real-world settings. The program encouraged collaboration through regular meetings with peers and gave me space to pilot new ideas in a supportive environment. My supervisor, Dr. Greg Oulahen, fostered a mentoring style that allowed me to learn most effectively. Graduate Studies also empowered me to attend various industry conferences and workshops. I’ve become a more confident, creative and well-rounded researcher because of TMU.

What advice do you have for graduate students?

The more you put into your graduate education, the more you’ll get out of it! Getting involved at the program, faculty or university level is sure to pay dividends and make your studies more fulfilling.

TMU also offers an excellent support ecosystem. From health services to academic writing support, these resources are invaluable throughout the challenging journey.