Mercy Fiamavle
 |
Program:Graduated from MREM in May 2024 Current position:Environmental Scientist at Strum Consulting |
How SRES Experience Shaped Mercy Fiamavle's Career in Environmental Consulting
Mercy Fiamavle, a recent graduate of the Master of Resource and Environmental Management (MREM) program at Dalhousie University's School for Resource and Environmental Studies (SRES), has transitioned seamlessly into her role as an Environmental Scientist at Strum Consulting, an environmental consulting firm in Halifax. Mercy's journey highlights how SRES's comprehensive and practical approach to environmental education has equipped her with the skills and knowledge necessary for her professional career.
Mercy’s passion for environmental science began in Ghana, West Africa, where she completed her undergraduate studies in environmental science in 2010. Following a 12-year career as an environmental, health and safety professional, she felt a strong desire to return to her first love—environmental science. Seeking a program that offered a professional component, such as internships or co-ops, Mercy found that the MREM program at Dalhousie University matched her criteria perfectly. “I wanted a program that had a professional component... and that’s how MREM came up in my search,” she explained.
One of the critical factors that drew Mercy to the MREM program was its emphasis on practical experience. During her studies, she completed her co-op at Strum Consulting, which eventually led to a full-time position. “The reason why I actually applied to Strum for the co-op was my interest in environmental assessments (EA),” she said. Strum Consulting, known for its focus on EA for renewable energy projects, provided an ideal environment for Mercy to apply and expand her knowledge. “
Mercy’s work at Strum Consulting involves assessing the environmental impacts of solar, wind, and green energy projects. This practical application of her academic knowledge has been fulfilling and has solidified her commitment to environmental science. “That’s why I’m still going strong. It's a hands-on application of what we learned in MREM and it has definitely given me much more needed experience that I wanted,” she said. Mercy credits the MREM program with thoroughly preparing her for her role at Strum Consulting emphasizing the program's effectiveness in bridging the gap between academia and industry. The program's structure, which integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensured that she was ready to hit the ground running.
Mercy’s motivation to pursue environmental science was deeply rooted in the environmental challenges relating to mining and electronic waste pollution she witnessed in Ghana. These issues fueled her desire to make a difference. Some waterbodies have significantly been affected by unconventional mining practices…... and electronic waste that go through uncontrolled disposal processes,” she shared. The projects she undertook throughout the MREM program allowed her to explore these concerns further. For instance, she took a course in pollution abatement which deepened her understanding in electronic waste and plastic pollution as well as her overall interest in environmental issues and its management.
Mercy believes that the collective efforts of SRES alumni can contribute to addressing global environmental challenges. She envisions her peers taking on influential roles, such as policy analysts, to make substantial impacts on a global scale. “I would like to see MREMs taking positions at the United Nations level because it is at that level that you are able to make global change and have influence,” she said. She also emphasized the collective and cumulative effects of individual efforts, stating, “If we are able to make small changes on various levels, cumulatively it leads to a global change.”
Mercy Fiamavle’s experience at SRES has profoundly shaped her career as an environmental scientist. The MREM program provided her with a solid foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of environmental management, enabling her to excel at Strum Consulting. Her journey underscores the importance of practical experience, interdisciplinary learning, and a passion for addressing environmental challenges. As she continues to contribute to environmental assessments and renewable energy projects, Mercy remains committed to making a positive impact on both local and global scales.