Sheridan Thompson (she/her/they/them)
Doctoral Candidate
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Learn About My Career
Sheridan Thompson is a Doctoral Candidate at Memorial University of Newfoundland.
I was born/grew up in: Thompson, Manitoba
I now live in: St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador
I completed my training/education at: BA in Environmental Sustainability/Geography, University of Winnipeg, MSc. in Costal Geomorphology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, PhD (in progress) studying Coastal Geomorphology and Views of Nature, Memorial University of Newfoundland
I oversee all parts of my project. This means I am responsible to my supervisors, the university as well as the people in the field that contribute to the project.
The project is interdisciplinary which means that my work is across several areas of study. For example, I work at coastal geomorphology. This means that I look at the things that effect coastal environments. I also work with local coastal communities to find out how they view their changing environment, and how they are adapting. This involves meeting with the people of Iceland and studying air photographs demonstrating land changes over time. I write about my observations and experiences. I also connect my observations with some of the latest material on the philosophy concerning human relationship with Nature.
I am a high school drop out, and a former ward of child and family services. During that time, education was the least of my interests as I was more concerned with survival. However, I was always a deep thinker, and, in my youth, I was always questioning why things were as they were. I was also very interested in the environment. Later in life, I decided to attend university and completed a Bachelors of Arts that focused on environmental issues. I worked for a while as an Environmental Specialist with the City of Brampton. In this position, I designed environmentally programs for children aged 6-13. I also did workshops on environmental issues for City of Brampton employees and summer camp counsellors.
After the birth of my two gorgeous children, I continued my studies doing a Master's of Science. After I completed this, it put me in contracts such as Geologist in Residence, Shorefast Organization, Fogo Island and coordinator of Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Network (NLEN). Along the way, I also developed a business for educational hiking services that provides visitors and local communities with a meaningful environmental experience that includes an understanding of coastal evolution and views of Nature. Now I am working on a PhD program. This program combines my interests in experiential education, coastal geomorphology, and philosophy of Nature. While my work is focusing on Iceland, the intent is for greater meaning to climate change adaptation across the world.
Rather than someone who feels finite in my use of knowledge, I am curious and comfortable in the world of uncertainty. I am fortunate enough that as a graduate student, I am in the position of constantly questioning my knowledge of the world around me and this is very exciting. At the same time, I developed my project, and although it may be challenging at times, it allows me to examine my ideas and passions and to see it through to the best of my ability.
My work is directly related to the current changes in climate. I examine how we can draw on the experience and wisdom of alternative views of Nature to be both inclusive of Indigenous approaches as well as to strengthen current approaches as we adapt to changing environments.
We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world, so I go for hikes along coastal trails looking over the North Atlantic Ocean. I also enjoy rock climbing and sometimes surfing. On the other hand, just a quick dip in a 5-degree C ocean will do it!
Do what you love and develop your intuition. And let those guide you entirely.
What I do at work
I oversee all parts of my project. This means I am responsible to my supervisors, the university as well as the people in the field that contribute to the project.
The project is interdisciplinary which means that my work is across several areas of study. For example, I work at coastal geomorphology. This means that I look at the things that effect coastal environments. I also work with local coastal communities to find out how they view their changing environment, and how they are adapting. This involves meeting with the people of Iceland and studying air photographs demonstrating land changes over time. I write about my observations and experiences. I also connect my observations with some of the latest material on the philosophy concerning human relationship with Nature.
My career path is
I am a high school drop out, and a former ward of child and family services. During that time, education was the least of my interests as I was more concerned with survival. However, I was always a deep thinker, and, in my youth, I was always questioning why things were as they were. I was also very interested in the environment. Later in life, I decided to attend university and completed a Bachelors of Arts that focused on environmental issues. I worked for a while as an Environmental Specialist with the City of Brampton. In this position, I designed environmentally programs for children aged 6-13. I also did workshops on environmental issues for City of Brampton employees and summer camp counsellors.
After the birth of my two gorgeous children, I continued my studies doing a Master's of Science. After I completed this, it put me in contracts such as Geologist in Residence, Shorefast Organization, Fogo Island and coordinator of Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Network (NLEN). Along the way, I also developed a business for educational hiking services that provides visitors and local communities with a meaningful environmental experience that includes an understanding of coastal evolution and views of Nature. Now I am working on a PhD program. This program combines my interests in experiential education, coastal geomorphology, and philosophy of Nature. While my work is focusing on Iceland, the intent is for greater meaning to climate change adaptation across the world.
I am motivated by
Rather than someone who feels finite in my use of knowledge, I am curious and comfortable in the world of uncertainty. I am fortunate enough that as a graduate student, I am in the position of constantly questioning my knowledge of the world around me and this is very exciting. At the same time, I developed my project, and although it may be challenging at times, it allows me to examine my ideas and passions and to see it through to the best of my ability.
How I affect peoples’ lives
My work is directly related to the current changes in climate. I examine how we can draw on the experience and wisdom of alternative views of Nature to be both inclusive of Indigenous approaches as well as to strengthen current approaches as we adapt to changing environments.
Outside of work I
We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world, so I go for hikes along coastal trails looking over the North Atlantic Ocean. I also enjoy rock climbing and sometimes surfing. On the other hand, just a quick dip in a 5-degree C ocean will do it!
My advice to others
Do what you love and develop your intuition. And let those guide you entirely.
When I was a student I enjoyed:
- Art
- Drama
- Geography
- Science
- Native Studies/Languages
When I was a student, I would describe myself as someone who:
- Brought people together
- Enjoyed doing things on my own
- Always wanted to be outside
- Liked reading
- Was really creative
Related Topics
Explore More Career Profiles
-
Brianna Lummerding
Career Profiles
Agronomic Innovation Manager
I look after all things related to soil management for a group of retailers. -
Li Tan (he/him)
Career Profiles
Molecular Lead
I coordinate the day-to-day operations in the DNA Extraction Lab. -
Tyler Morhart (video)
Career Profiles
Scientist, Beamline Responsible - SyLMAND
I am responsible for the SyLMAND beamline at the Canadian Light Source synchrotron facility. -
Li Tan (Video)
Career Profiles
Molecular Lead
I coordinate the day-to-day operations in the DNA Extraction Lab. -
Rashell Featherstone (she/her)
Career Profiles
Senior Program Associate
I coordinate projects for the development of new products at STEMCELL. -
Kira Hoffman (she/her)
Career Profiles
Postdoctoral Researcher/Fire Ecologist
I am a researcher at both a university and a not-for profit organization where I am gaining experience to become a senior researcher. -
Zoë Ehlert (Video)
Career Profiles
Manager, Marker Assisted Breeding
I lead a team that develops canola crops by breeding plants with traits we are looking for. -
Zoë Ehlert
Career Profiles
Manager, Marker Assisted Breeding
I lead a team that develops canola crops by breeding plants with traits we are looking for. -
Jennifer Baltzer (she/her)
Career Profiles
Professor and Canada Research Chair in Forests and Global Change
I work at a university, teaching students and conducting research on the impact of climate change on forests in Canada and around the world. -
Caitlyn Lyons (she/her)
Career Profiles
Ph.D. Candidate
I am working towards my PhD and studying the forests in the Northwest Territories. -
Joann Whalen
Career Profiles
Professor at the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences,
I teach advanced courses on how to manage soils to produce healthy, nutritious food and maintain healthy ecosystem functions.