Hannah Kosick: Leading Through Sustainability

Cape Breton University student and environmentalist Hannah Kosick is making waves across Canada after finding her place in the Bachelor of Arts and Science in Environment (BASE) program at CBU. BASE is a unique interdisciplinary undergraduate degree, adaptable to our ever-changing world.

After studying Marine Navigation at the Canadian Coast Guard College (CCGC), Hannah transferred to focus her studies on her greatest passion; the environment. Hannah discovered the BASE program through a friend and felt it aligned perfectly with her academic interests. She was eager to dive into a degree that allowed her to study biology, nature, culture and communication together, rather than limiting herself to a single field. “All of the classes I am currently enrolled in fit perfectly together,” says Hannah. “I was able to transfer most of my courses from the CCGC and CBU made my transition from college to university effortless.”

The BASE program introduces students to environmental studies through both the arts and sciences. Students can choose to focus their scientific scholarship on biology, psychology, chemistry or math while supplementing their studies with arts courses on citizen science, nature, culture, communication and environmental humanities. The flexibility within the program allows students to customize their education to their interests, developing a harmonious education across both fields. BASE students are creative dynamic thinkers committed to having a positive impact on their communities and leading the way to a more sustainable future. Hannah says the program has allowed her to develop a unique perspective on both environmental issues and the world as a whole.

When she’s not soaking up new information in the classroom, Hannah keeps her plate full with numerous co-op and volunteer experiences. This past year, Hannah worked as a co-op student for the Parks Canada Cape Breton Field Unit as part of their Outreach Team. “Co-op is one of the best experiences you can have as a CBU student,” says Hannah. “This incredible opportunity really added to my education, and I’m looking forward to more co-op placements in the future.”

Hannah also started CBU’s Environmental Society this summer, with help from BASE faculty and students. “Our goal is to engage students in environmental conservation through volunteering in the community and across the island,” says Hannah.

As if that wasn’t keeping her busy enough, Hannah also completed a program called Ocean Bridge, to which she has dedicated over 600 hours of service alongside other Canadian youth, with the goal of engaging youth in ocean health and literacy. A blog post written by Hannah about Ocean Bridge was picked up by Canadian Geographic and a photo from her Haida Gwaii trip was even featured in the December issue of Canadian Geographic Magazine!

Hannah’s hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed. Earlier this year she was selected from more than 1,000 applicants to participate in the Daughters of the Vote program where she represented the federal riding of Cape Breton-Canso and met with other emerging leaders in Ottawa.

After graduating from CBU, Hannah plans to further her studies with a focus on ecology and says the BASE program is providing her with the foundation she needs to excel. We’re certainly proud to have Hannah as a student, and are confident that she will continue to make a direct impact on the world as a member of our CBU Alumni family.