Blog and Opportunities

Join Ocean of Data Challenge Kickoff, featuring Ocean Tracking Network. Hosted by DeepSense, COVE, and ShiftKey Labs, this exciting challenge offers a unique opportunity to collaborate and develop innovative ideas! The free event kicks off on Thursday, October 16th, at 6 pm ADT with an introduction to the challenge, expert presentations, and a Q&A session to help fuel your creativity. Participants must submit video entries by 11:59 pm ADT on Monday, November 3rd. Judges will review submissions over the following week, and winners will be announced on Wednesday, November 12th.

Dive into the challenge, innovate with your unique approach, and develop bold solutions to advance the ocean sector! Oh, and in case you missed it, win cash prizes!

Who should participate? 

Great ideas often emerge from diverse perspectives, so we encourage students from all disciplines to participate – whether that be computer science, engineering, biology, sustainability, business, or any other program! Participants must be current students (full-time or part-time) or recent graduates (within the past 12 months) of a post-secondary institution in Canada. You can choose to work solo or collaborate with a team of up to five members. 

For more information, visit https://deepsense.ca/ocean-of-data-challenge/. If you have any questions regarding eligibility, reach out to info@deepsense.ca.

For details and registration, visit: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/deepsense/1868293 

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Zoom session dedicated to those interested in pursuing graduate studies in Forensic Science. This will be an information session for the September 2026 intake in the MScFS program. If you’ve been considering advancing your education, better preparing yourself for the job market, or both, this is the perfect opportunity to learn more about our MSc. Forensic Science program at Trent University. We are currently accepting applications; our early application deadline is November 1, 2025.

Session Details:

• Date: Tuesday, October 21st
• Time: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM (EST)
• Location: Virtual (Zoom)
• Register here:  https://trentu.zoom.us/meeting/register/BeuAdMptTwWqTJtfidJLLA

In this session, we will give an overview of the program and answer key questions, including:

• Am I eligible to apply to the MSc. Forensic Science program if I don’t have a background in forensic science?
• How do I prepare a strong application?
• What can I expect during the application interview?
• What courses are offered in the program? 
• Where can I complete my summer placement?
• What types of careers can I pursue after graduation?

Don’t miss this chance to get your questions answered and start your journey to admission!

TRANSMISSION

Movi-Free Film Transmission.

Undergraduate summer internships in the field of like sciences research

The field of sustainability is dynamic, interdisciplinary, and more critical than ever. But how do you turn your passion for environmental and social responsibility into a tangible career path?

This online panel discussion connects you directly with a diverse group of professionals who are actively shaping the future of sustainability in our community and beyond. From hands-on conservation and scientific consulting to climate journalism and public policy, our panelists will share their unique career journeys, insights, and advice for students looking to enter the field. This is your opportunity to ask questions, learn about different sectors, and see the many ways your degree can make a difference.

At this event, you will:

• Learn about the diverse career paths available within the broad field of sustainability.
• Hear directly from leaders working in non-profit, corporate, academic, and government sectors.
• Ask your own questions and hear panelists’ perspectives on curated topics submitted by students.
• Discover resources and gain practical advice for launching your own career.

Meet the Panelists:

• Cara Gibson – Executive Director, Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary
• Erika Grebeldinger – Marine Biologist, WSP
• Sean Holman – Associate Professor & Wayne Crookes Professor of Environmental and Climate Journalism, UVic
• Kara Shaw – Program Lead, Transformative Climate Action Certificate, UVic Continuing Studies
• Kenneth Porter – Manager, BC Public Service

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
• Time: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM PDT
• Audience: Open to all UVic undergraduate and graduate students.
• Platform: Zoom
• Register here: https://learninginmotion.uvic.ca/openEvents.htm?eventId=7968 

On October 14th The UVic Fish and Game club together with Wild Sheep Society will be hosting a movie night where the film Transmission will be shown. The plan for the night is to show the movie and then have a short question and answer period with Kyle Stelter (WSSBC President), hopefully more of the WSSBC team and film production team (we are just waiting to hear back), and the lead biologist from the film (Dr. Helen Schwantje).

Movi-Free Film Transmission.

WINTER-BREAK, 3-CREDIT, FIELD COURSE ALONG THE CARIBBEAN COAST OF MEXICO!
with Ecosystem Field Studies   www.ecofs.org

Caribbean Ecosystem Field Studies  
December 28, 2025 – January 17, 2026

• Earn 3 undergraduate college transfer credits in this exciting 3-week, hands-on, marine field study course.
• Learn practical scientific skills & field research methods through snorkeling, SCUBA diving & investigating the coral reef, beaches & spectacular coastal ecosystems of the Caribbean.
• Engage & connect with a dynamic & diverse group of student peers from throughout the US and beyond.

Get out in nature by the ocean, breath fresh air, earn credit, and enjoy a safe and inspiring field science course in the Caribbean Coral Reef

Open to students from all universities & majors | Accredited by the University of Montana at Missoula, Environmental Studies Program: ENST 391- for 3 undergraduate semester transfer credits

Direct questions to Professor Steve Johnson, EcoFS Director at steve@ecofs.org
Visit www.ecofs.org for all info!

Dr. Graham Bell, James McGill Professor, Department of Biology, McGill University

“Full Fathom 5000: The Expedition of HMS Challenger and the Strange Animals It Found in the Deep Sea”

Abstract:

The Lansdowne Lecture tells the story of one of the great voyages of history. The circumnavigation made by HMS Challenger had momentous consequences: not only uncovering a whole new range of animals whose existence had never before been suspected, but also kick-starting the exploration of the oceans. It was the first to explore the deep sea it was not even known for sure whether any animals could survive in the perpetually cold, dark waters of the abyss under a crushing pressure. The voyage settled this question for good by capturing the strange and bizarre creatures that live a kilometreor more below the surface of the sea.

Join us on October 16th at 7PM in BWC B150! 
Presented by the Department of Biology

About Professor Graham Bell: 

Professor Bell is an evolutionary biologist from McGill University studying the mechanism of natural selection and explaining the maintenance of biodiversity. As well as several texts including The Masterpiece of Nature (1982) and his widely recognized university text on ‘The Evolution of Life’ by Oxford Press, he has maintained a field program, investigating the biodiversity and community structure of plants in old-growth forest mechanisms of adaptation including the evolutionary consequences of global change, especially the adaptation of plants to elevated carbon dioxide, and the evolutionary rescue of stressed populations.

Professor Bell is a recipient of many Canadian and international awards, including membership to the Royal Society. He was President of the Royal Society of Canada 2013-2015 and was Chair of the McGill Biology Department 2011-2016.

** Everyone is Welcome to Attend **

https://events.uvic.ca/biology/event/99341-lansdowne-lecture-dr-graham-bell-full-fathom-5000-the-

Have you finished your first year of studies? Now’s the time to join co-op to explore career possibilities and gain paid, hands-on experience related to what you’re studying.

Co-op is available in all science programs—learn why co-op could be right for you. The deadline to join co-op is September 19, 2025.

A few interesting details:

• Co-op is optional for the following programs. Students in optional co-op programs need to sign up to participate in co-op!
  • Computer Science
  • Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education
  • Fine Arts
  • Humanities
  • Law
  • Science
  • Social science
• Co-op students will complete a short course to prepare for job searching and work experience.
• Funding is available to support co-op experiences.