Community Bursary Spotlight: Jacqueline Rowe

The Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF) invites passionate students to apply for the Stewardship Community Bursary, aimed at fostering the next generation of salmon leaders. Every year, these $2,500 bursaries support students committed to conserving and restoring Pacific salmon.

Eligible applicants must be residents of B.C. or the Yukon, show financial need, and be enrolled full-time in their second year or higher at a university or college in a program related to Pacific salmon. Preference will be given to those with volunteer/work experience with streamkeeper or stewardship groups, hatcheries, or in related fields.

The application period is open from Aug. 1 to Oct. 30, 2024. Apply online today.

Jacqueline Rowe, an Environmental Conservation and Management student at UBC Okanagan, is a 2023-2024 Stewardship Community Bursary recipient.

Read Jacqueline’s Q&A below.

Why do Pacific salmon matter to you? 

Pacific salmon matter to me because they are determined to thrive against all odds, whether environmental, biological, or human-caused impacts. Their significance to the land and as a case study for the importance of conservation is underappreciated. I am committed to advocating for and working towards salmon recovery.

What inspired you to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Sustainability at UBC Okanagan? 

During my childhood in Australia, I spent much of my time hiking which gave me an appreciation for the environment. As I grew older, I saw the Great Barrier Reef degrade from coral bleaching events and I wanted to help conserve what I loved. What made the Sustainability program at UBCO so appealing is the multidisciplinary focus. Not only are we learning the ecological aspects needed to make a difference in the environmental sector, but we also learn the communication tools required to translate scientific jargon.

What type of volunteer experience do you have with salmon?

I volunteered with the Okanagan Nation Alliance on a research project assessing the impacts of lake drawdown – where they release water from the lake in the spring to prevent flooding – on Kokanee fry in Okanagan Lake. We counted eggs and fry, both alive and dead. It was a rewarding opportunity to contribute to data used to protect and conserve salmon.

What are your career goals and aspirations? 

My goal is to work in salmon conservation. Truthfully, working for organizations like PSF is my dream job. I think they do incredible work, particularly in partnership with First Nations and habitat restoration.