Dr Nathan Pelletier
Applications accepted all year round
About the Project
As much as 30% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are attributable to the building sector, largely due to energy use over the lifespan of buildings (UNEP 2009). Net zero energy building technologies aim to create buildings that produce at least as much renewable energy on site as they consume on an annual basis. Little work has been advanced to date to evaluate the feasibility and mitigation potential of net zero energy building technologies in the intensive animal agriculture sector (also a key GHG emitter), where housing is typically employed for confined poultry, pork and dairy production. A net zero energy layer (egg) barn pilot project - the first of its kind in Canada - is currently underway in Alberta. This two year MSc project will quantify the life cycle resource use and emissions reduction benefits associated with application of net zero energy technologies in this context, as well as undertake scenario modeling to evaluate potential technology optimization strategies.
This two year, funded Master of Science project will be undertaken in the Food Systems PRISM Lab (www.prismlab.weebly.com) at the University of British Columbia – Okanagan Campus. Interested students should e-mail me a description of research interests (referring, in particular, to how your interests and experience relate to the specific project you wish to work on), a CV (including two academic and/or professional references), and copies of unofficial transcripts. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. Please also indicate your interest in particular degree programs at UBCO, including in Biology or through the Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies Program. Visit the UBC Okanagan College of Graduate Studies website for more information about graduate studies at UBC Okanagan, including information on how to apply. This project will be co-supervised with Dr. Rehan Sadiq and Dr. Kasun Hewage (UBCO School of Engineering).
If you are an international student, please also self-assess your transcripts against the published requirements for admission to the UBC College of Graduate Studies (https://gradstudies.ok.ubc.ca/prospective/application-admission/admission-requirements/min-academic-requirements-international.html) and similarly self-assess your TOEFL test scores. Candidates not meeting these requirements WILL NOT be further considered.
Top ranked prospective students satisfying ALL of the above stated criteria may be contacted to schedule a Skype interview.
This project will commence in May or September, 2018. Application deadline to the UBCO College of Graduate Studies is June 2 for January admission, October 1 for May admission and January 31 for September admission. Prospective students are advised to correspond with Dr. Pelletier well in advance of this date in order to discuss their candidacy.
Funding Notes
The successful candidate will be awarded a stipend of $20,000 annually over two years. All candidates are strongly encouraged to seek opportunities to supplement their stipends through TAships and scholarships. For more details, visit the Prospective Students page at www.prismlab.weebly.com