Message from the CAG Student Councillor
Hello, my name is Jodi Axelson and I am in my third year of a PhD in the Department of Geography at the University of Victoria. My research focuses on ecosystem disturbance dynamics arising from insect outbreaks in the western Cordillera. One way I will be examining these dynamics is using geostatistical analysis to evaluate outbreak patterns across time and space.
Students make up nearly a third of the membership of the CAG! Membership in the CAG provides many wonderful opportunities for students to meet each other, be exposed to research across the spectrum of the discipline, and to explore opportunities for work and research in academia, as well as government and industry. The CAG is an excellent association for students seeking to further their academic and professional development.
Other advantages of being or becoming a Student Member of CAG include:
1) Low membership rate with all the privileges of full membership;
2) Access to the annual national and regional conferences;
3) Student travel grants for national and regional CAG conferences;
4) Access to 12 special interest study groups;
5) CAG publications; journal, newsletter and annual directory
During my 2-year tenure as National Student Councillor I really want to engage with students to brainstorm on how we can utilize technology and social media to connect CAG student members. In a highly connected world how can we create connections and community that span the diversity of the geography discipline and the diversity and scale of the country? A starting place is a new CAG student facebook page that is open to all who want to participate in following news, activities and conversations in geography. Check it out, join and participate! Another use of technology would be to create a collaboration and support space for masters and doctoral students to share experiences and knowledge. This could also prove to be a great space for those considering graduate school, a chance to peek in on the types of issues and challenges that arise from life as a graduate student. Finally, I would really love to hear from you. What ways do you think we can use technology to enhance the CAG student community? How the CAG is important to your studies and professional development? How can the CAG serve students better?
Please explore the Student Zone of the CAG website, which is a meant to be a resource for finding information, such as communications skills, publishing in geography, as well as a list of job and funding sites. I see the Student Zone as a living document, so if you think there are resources that should be included please send ideas and links to me!
If you have ideas, questions or concerns about student participation in CAG or the benefits of membership, please send me an email. It would be great to hear from you!
Cheers,
Jodi Axelson, jaxelson@uvic.ca
CAG Student Councillor, 2011-2013
Student Representatives
National - CAG Student Councillor
Jodi Axelson, PhD candidate
Department of Geography
University of Victoria
Email: jaxelson@uvic.ca
Atlantic Division
Bryan Mood
Department of Geography and Environment
Mount Allison University
Email: bjmood@mta.ca
Ontario Division
Chelsea LeBlanc
Environmental Applied Science and Management
Email: chelsea.b.leblanc@gmail.com
Prairie Division
Lori Young
Department of Geography
University of North Dakota
Western Division (Alberta)
Sirina Hamilton-McGregor
Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
University of Alberta
Email: sirina@ualberta.ca
Western Division (BC)
vacant
If you are interested in being a CAG student representative in your division please contact the division president (http://www.cag-acg.ca/en/regional_divisions.html) to find out how to get involved!
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