Julia Antonyshyn, ©UWinnipeg
UWinnipeg students and academic superstars Julia Antonyshyn and Bronwyn Delacruz have earned the prestigious Sir William Stephenson Scholarships, also known as the Intrepid. Both of these exceptional students are UWinnipeg Collegiate graduates, and both share an invested interest in the environment.
Known for her optimism, enthusiasm and leadership, Julia Antonyshyn is no stranger to scholarship. She is currently finishing her Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in environmental studies and works as a senior research assistant for UWinnipeg’s Dr. Ryan Bullock, Canada Research Chair in Human-Environment Interactions and Co-Director of the Environment and Society Research Group (ESRG).
“I chose environmental studies because when I was growing up I was always concerned about environmental issues and so, coming out of high school, it made sense to follow that passion,” Antonyshyn. “I hope the skills I’ve learned here will help me to make the world more sustainable in my future career.”
Antonyshyn is currently researching the role learning plays in adapting to climate change. Her research examines how partnerships and collaboration facilitate learning among northern communities, industry, and government involved in renewable natural resource development — mainly energy and forestry.
She is working with Bullock and Dr. Alan Diduck, who are both in UWinnipeg’s Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences, and hold a five-year, $255,000 Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada grant for the Climate Learning and Adaptation for Northern Development (C-LAND) project.
Dr. Ryan Bullock, ©UWinnipeg
“Julia is a natural leader who eagerly shoulders responsibility because she is genuinely committed to personal and community improvement,” shared Bullock. Her research interests reflect this commitment and she does not back down from tackling important issues such as climate change adaptation, energy transition and improving cross-cultural relationships.”
This summer Antonyshyn is planning to undertake field work for her senior thesis this summer and continue her research in the C-LAND project.
When Antonyshyn is not studying or doing research you can find her serving on the Geography and Environment Student Association. Outside of academia, Antonyshyn volunteers her time in the community by coaching softball, and is also involved with the United Church of Canada, serving on the Young Adult and Youth Committee (YAAY) that organizes youth programming in the Prairie to Pine Region of the United Church of Canada.
“I have held several roles of leadership within the church, most notably as the coordinator of a regional youth retreat and as a youth leader at the national United Church General Council,” said Antonyshyn. “While I have successfully connected church members across the country, what I value most about my leadership in the church is impacting the lives of individual youth and providing them with a safe space to grow into themselves.”
After completing her Honours degree, she intends to pursue a graduate program in environmental studies or a related field.
