2017 Winners
Sophie Merritt
Graduate Student, MES
Individual Nomination category
Sophie's achievements as a graduate student showcase her dedication to the environment and sustainability at Western University, not only while she is a student, but also in a way that leaves a legacy for future generations. She is an active student leader in EnviroWestern and the Environment and Sustainability Society (ESS) at Western University. In this year's annual EnviroWeek, she ran a booth to promote and engage students to join ESS and to consider the MES program for a career in sustainability. After the event, she facilitated a discussion on waste-free strategies to help educate and support each other in becoming more environmentally conscious. She led the annual Clothing Swap and she organized Garden Tours. She is helping to facilitate another event called Green Drinks, which is sharing interdisciplinary ideas to create a more sustainable campus and community. She was also responsible for a lecture series with Professor Radoslav Dimitrov. This event was enlightening to many students, as it explained the recent Paris Agreement at COP21 and what it means for Canada's future in sustainability
Sabrina Rakhimbekova
PhD Student, Environmental Engineering
Individual Nomination category
Sabina Rakhimbekova is a key leader in a number of environmental sustainability initiatives and organizations across campus. She is a PhD student in Civil and Environmental Engineering and a member of the Environment and Sustainability Collaborative Masters program. She chairs the SOGS Sustainability Committee (2016-2017) and works on increasing awareness about environment and sustainability among graduate students and improving the impact of SOGS Sustainability Committee on environmental initiatives across Western through collaboration with Envirowestern and Facilities Management. Sabrina is a leader in the Centre for Environment and Sustainability and served as a co-Chair of the organizing committee of the annual Envirocon conference in 2016 and Chair of the organizing committee in 2017. Sabina is currently the president for the Western Water Chapter for 2016-2017. Western Water Chapter strives to promote student interest in the water industry and provides an avenue for professional development and exchange information between students and professionals working in the water industry.
Rebecca Denby
Western International staff member
Individual Nomination category
Rebecca took the initiative to get our department on board with Western's Green Office initiative. Since, then, she has worked with colleagues to achieve Green Office goals, moving Western International from "participant" to "silver" status. In addition to making sure staff are aware of, and striving toward green office goals, Rebecca also goes above and beyond to serve as a resource person, a leader, and a champion for the environment. She coordinates regular nature walks with team members around campus, sends recipes and information about environmentally friendly products, and keeps her team informed via inspirational and informative articles related to the environment and what her peers can do to protect it.
