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Fernando Montaño Lopez is an international graduate student in the School of Environmental Science (SES). He is currently using digital soil mapping to research the effect of land conversion on soil carbon and nutrient dynamics in the Great Clay Belt of Northern Ontario.

Fernando’s family roots emerge from a Zapotec indigenous community, in a south rural area of Oaxaca in Mexico. His grandparents were dedicated to agriculture and Fernando developed his fascination with soil science at a young age. 

Dr. Paul Sibley has been appointed as director of the School of Environmental Sciences. He begins his five-year-term on September 1, 2021.

"I am very excited to commence this next chapter of my career,” says Sibley. “I am grateful to everyone who has shown support and I look forward to working with our faculty, staff and students over the next five years to continue to grow and strengthen the already outstanding research and teaching programs in the School of Environmental Sciences.”

Dr. Mohsen Yoosefzadeh Najafabadi is the 2021 recipient of the University of Guelph's (U of G) top graduate convocation award: the D.F. Forster Medal (Doctoral). 

Robin is a passionate environmental sciences master’s student. Soil organic matter and soil health are the primary focus of her master’s research, and she is also heavily involved in the student community by way of volunteering, teaching assistant roles and other student support work. Advancing Canadian agriculture is Robin’s ultimate goal – the knowledge and research exposure obtained during graduate studies is helping her pursue a future career in agricultural research and policy. 

With just 180 seconds on the clock and one slide to work from, 11 grad students recently competed for the chance to win a $1,000 prize and the opportunity to move on to the 3-Minute Thesis (3MT) provincial rounds.

In this annual competition, students use plain language to present their graduate thesis to a panel of judges within three minutes.

Top prize and the Community Choice award went to Claire Mindus, Animal Biosciences, whose thesis explored the use of probiotic bacteria to reduce feather pecking in chickens. The Community Choice award is voted on by the public.

University of Guelph engineering professor Dr. Manjusri Misra has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the BioEnvironmental Polymer Society (BEPS) for outstanding contributions to advancing the field of biopolymers, bio-based composite materials.

Misra received the award this week at the group’s 27th annual meeting, held virtually.

Environmental science student, Ibrahim, believes his program displays an inspiring level of passion and enthusiasm. His love for service and volunteering is demonstrated over the years by his involvement in the Peer Helper Program, and through work as an environmental science student rep and senior co-op student. He views environmental studies as a way of life and recognizes that what he is learning today, opens him up to a of future exciting and diverse career choices.

From growing up on a rural dairy farm, pursuing education in animal science, and giving back to the community, Vicki Brisson, a graduate student in the Department of Animal Biosciences, continues to improve life by creating connections and positive changes at local, regional and national levels.

It is with sympathy that we share the passing of Frederick Curry, OAC '71, on June 4, 2021.

Frederick's obituary can be found here.

It is with sympathy that we share the passing of Carole Reeve-Newson, OAC '63, on May 7th 2021.

Carole's obituary can be found here.