News and Events | Graduate Program in Environmental Studies

York community celebrates MES scholar’s legacy of passion, dedication and change!

The York community is celebrating the life of Ravichandiranesan (Ravi) Ponnudurai, a dedicated student, passionate environmental advocate, and a friend to many. At 57 years old, Ponnuduai’s unexpected passing while visiting Sri Lanka leaves a deep void, but his story is one of resilience, transformation, and profound impact. Ponnudurai came to York University in 2018, driven by a desire to make a real difference in the world. His commitment to environmental sustainability became central to his life’s work.

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Master’s research film looks at sharks as indicator of ocean health

York University grad Vivian Guido (MES ’23) screens her new documentary, Turning Tides: Sustainability Measures for Shark Conservation, on York University’s Keele Campus on Dec. 15, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Nat Taylor Cinema. Part of her master’s program, the film aims to increase and promote ocean literacy and environmental education, informing viewers of the many ways climate change impacts the health of oceans and communities—and giving them a new perspective on sharks in the process.

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Ideology, disavowal and the politics of the trans mountain expansion

A discussion with Environmental Studies PhD candidate Isaac Thornley who has been examining the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion project for his dissertation. The TMX is a real, material force that stands to introduce new harms and risks to specific communities, lands, and waters; it is also discursively significant, he says, a flashpoint of environmental conflict in Canada, a piece of physical infrastructure saturated with conflicting meanings and values.

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Alumni in the News

Roxana Salehi

Senior Research Associate, Centre for Global Child Health at SickKids Hospital, Principal Consultant, Vitus Consulting

"My supervisor’s support enabled me to receive a CIHR grant and work on an amazing community based project."

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Tzeporah Berman

Environmental activist, campaigner, writer, Adjuct Professor

"Tzeporah Berman on her Fairy Creek arrest and old-growth."

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Miranda Baksh

CEO and Founder, Community Climate Council

York's Top 30 Changemakers Under 30 - Miranda Baksh (BES '17, MES '19) is an environmental educator, public speaker, and climate action catalyst who co-founded the Community Climate Council (CCC), of which she is the chief executive officer.

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The Graduate Program in Environmental Studies at York is an exciting environment to pursue innovative, socially engaging, career-ready education. Contact our Graduate Program Assistant to learn more.

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