Award presented at Moncton gala event in November

SACKVILLE, NB — Dr. Jesse Popp, Mount Allison University geography and environment assistant professor was honoured for her work around experiential learning and Indigenous education initiatives with a FutureReadyNB Faculty Excellence Award. The Awards were presented at a gala event held in Moncton on Nov. 12.

Popp, who also holds the Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Environmental Science, joined Mount Allison in 2018. Since then she has embarked on a number of projects including the 2019 Indigenous Gardens Project, which aims to raise awareness and support reconciliation.

The Gardens project was supported by two student interns, Raven Elwell and Diandra Stacey, over the summer and fall months and saw the establishment of three garden beds, which include local plants with important meaning and uses in Indigenous culture, most notably the Mi’kmaq community. The project also includes new campus signage in English, French, and Mi’kma​w identifying existing native plants to highlight their importance and use among Indigenous communities.

“I am incredibly honoured to be a recipient of the FutureReadyNB Faculty Excellence Award. FutureReadyNB has allowed me to provide course-based and internship opportunities that immerse students in Indigenous culture and science, providing unique experiences that support the development of interdisciplinary skills,” says Popp. “I am incredibly grateful for the support given by FutureReadyNB, and for the opportunities to mentor such wonderful students here at Mount Allison University.”

Specializing in wildlife ecology and Indigenous science, Popp works with researchers and Indigenous communities across Canada to help investigate the impacts of environmental change on ecological processes and wildlife populations. She also works to bring local Indigenous knowledge and practices into her classes through activities such as visits to Fort Folly First Nation and working with local Elders.

The FutureReadyNB Faculty Excellence Award recognizes full-time and part-time (instructors, lecturers, stipend) faculty who have effectively integrated new experiential learning components into their classroom by partnering with local organizations to create innovative and impactful opportunities for students.

Photo caption (homepage): One of Dr. Popp's classes visits Fort Folly First Nations trails, Fall 2019. Second photo Indigenous Gardens campus project.