News
SEDRD Adjunct Contributes to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
Dr. Mahatab Uddin, Adjunct Professor in the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (SEDRD) at the University of Guelph, has contributed to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the United Nations body that assesses scientific evidence on climate change. Dr. Uddin serves as a Lead Author for Working Group III of the IPCC’s Seventh Assessment Report (AR7), which focuses on climate change mitigation.
Big Things Happen in Rural Places: SEDRD Celebrates Rural Ontario Week
Rural Ontario Week takes place September 20–26, 2026, celebrating the economic, cultural, and community contributions of rural regions across the province. This year’s theme, “Big things happen in rural places!”, recognizes the people, ideas, and partnerships shaping a strong and vibrant rural Ontario.
Lorena Barker Honoured with OAC Outstanding Staff Award
The School of Environmental Design and Rural Development is delighted to celebrate Lorena Barker, recipient of the Ontario Agricultural College’s 2026 Award for Outstanding Staff. The award recognizes Lorena’s exceptional service, professionalism, and commitment to the University of Guelph community.
MLA Alumna, Allison Fleury Elected President of CLARB
The School of Environmental Design and Rural Development is proud to celebrate UofG MLA alumna Allison Fleury, who is serving as the new President of the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB). Elected and appointed CLARB members play a pivotal role in shaping the future of landscape architecture regulation and brings dedicated vision, expertise and strategic leadership.
From Rural Studies to Planning Leadership: Pam Duesling Honoured by OPPI
The School of Environmental Design and Rural Development is proud to celebrate Dr. Pam Duesling, MCIP, RPP, recipient of the PlanON RPP Leadership Award from the Ontario Professional Planners Institute. A graduate of SEDRD’s Rural Studies PhD program and a sessional instructor in the School, Pam exemplifies the leadership, collaboration and professionalism this award recognizes.
SEDRD Welcomes Visiting Researcher, Dr. Hosna Miladi
Dr. Hosna Miladi has joined the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (SEDRD) at the University of Guelph as a Visiting Researcher, where she is working with Dr. Ataharul Chowdhury.
Visiting Research Student Lucy Chioma Aniagolu Connects Agricultural Research with Practical Learning at SEDRD
Lucy Chioma Aniagolu, a Nigerian Mastercard Foundation Scholar pursuing a Master’s degree in Learning Design and Technologies at Arizona State University, recently completed a three-month Visiting Research Student placement in the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (SEDRD) at the University of Guelph. Working under the supervision of Associate Professor Ataharul Chowdhury, Lucy explored how agricultural research, changing workforce needs, and farmers’ experiences can be translated into practical learning opportunities.
Rural Transit Research Highlights Opportunities for Canadian Communities: Breen, Mastej, & Gibson
A new article in The Conversation examines what recent federal funding approaches for rural transit says about Canada's commitment to rural communities. Sarah Breen (SEDRD adjunct faculty member), Ela Mastej (Rural Studies PhD candidate), and Ryan Gibson (SEDRD faculty member) focus on the design of the Rural Transit Solutions fund and the difference the design made to the impacts.