Huw Dawson

I am currently a graduating student in Environmental Sciences (BSc) at the University of Guelph and would welcome the opportunity to develop my knowledge and gain experience in team-working, leadership, and business skills with HDR. I am a self-confident, pro-active innovative thinker, demonstrating a professional demeanor with strong organisation and time management skills and the ability to handle a variety of responsibilities. As well as undertaking research and working on both solo and group projects, I am happy to take on an external-facing role which is fast-faced with multiple demands and a high regard for confidentiality, diplomacy, good communication and relationship skills as well as a high level of judgment ability to reach solutions. I am comfortable with technology and delighted to have the chance to work flexibly, including travelling between locations and at short notice.

Capstone Project in Environmental Science: Indigenous Knowledge Within the Canada Energy Regulator (CER)

I was responsible for creating a report that analyzed the use of Indigenous Knowledge within the CER with the aid from representatives Dr Genevieve Carr, Professional Leader, Environment, Canada Energy Regulator; Dr Tania Noble, Senior Principal, Environmental Services, Stantec; and Dr Loren Knopper, Senior Principal, Environmental Services, Stantec. The CER and Stantec requested a comprehensive report and investigation on how the organization could implement and take consideration of Indigenous Knowledge throughout operations and regulatory proceedings. Following the teams’ research and information collection, specifically documents from the Transmountain Pipeline, Line 3 and Energy East pipeline projects, as well as collaboration with the CER and Stantec, the clients were provided with information that would help them effectively capture and consider the voices and knowledge of Indigenous Intervenors. Our findings centre and emphasize the importance of continuous collaboration and communication with involved Indigenous Communities, Nations, and Groups from the project proponents at all stages of project development

RUSLEFAC Report: A Comprehensive Analysis of Two Sites and the Economic Loss Caused by Soil Erosion

I oversaw the writing of a report on the erosion rates of two field sites, one in Lambton County and one in Peterborough County. With the use of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation for Application in Canada (RUSLEFAC), created by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the two sites were reviewed for their land management, micro- and macro-geomorphology, as well as natural obstructions and barriers. The results were based on a variety of values including, the rainfall factor (R Value), the soil erodibility factor (K Value), the slope length-gradient factor (LS Value), the cover-management factor (C Value), and the support practice factor (P Value). The results allowed for a comprehensive discussion on future management strategies and practices to reduce the erosive force of rain, allow for the reduction of evaporation, and ultimately reduce rates of soil erosion.

• Climate Change: Greenhouse Effect, Global Warming, Climate Variability, Carbon Footprint Analysis, Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies, Climate Modeling and Prediction.
• Soil Science: Soil Composition and Structure, Soil Fertility and Nutrient Cycling, Soil Erosion and Conservation, Soil Classification and Mapping, Soil Contamination and Remediation.
• Geology/Geomorphology: Geological Processes and Landforms, Rock and Mineral Identification, Geological Mapping and Surveying, Sedimentation and Stratigraphy, Geohazard Assessment (e.g., Landslides, Earthquakes).
• Biogeochemical Processes: Nutrient Cycling, Biogeochemical models and simulations, Decomposition and Organic Matter Dynamics, Bioavailability and Bioaccumulation of Contaminants, Bioremediation techniques.
• Ecological Functions: Ecosystem Structure and Dynamics, Biodiversity and Species Interactions, Trophic Relationships and Food Webs, Ecological Successions and Disturbance Ecology, Conservation Biology and Habitat Restoration.
• Indigenous Relations: Indigenous Knowledge and Traditional Ecological Practices, Consultation and Collaboration with Indigenous Communities, Environmental Justice and Indigenous Rights, Cultural Resource Management, Ethical Considerations in Research and Conservation.