Grad Profile: Lorraine Sugar
Lorraine Sugar, CivE | Hon BSc, University of Western Ontario, 2008 | MASc Candidate, University of Toronto, 2010
Affiliations
- President, Civil Engineering Graduate Student Association (CEGSA)
- Event Coordination and Fundraising Volunteer, Ashoka Canada
- Alumni Staff and Volunteer, Camp Wenonah Centre for Outdoor Education
- Member of the CEGSA Volleyball Team
- Past Volunteer with JUMP Math
- Habitat for Humanity
- UWO University Students’ Council
- Investing In Children
Awards & Honours
- ACCELERATE Ontario MITACS, University of Toronto & Chreod Ltd., 2009-2010
- Industrial Postgraduate Scholarship, NSERC, 2008-2009
- Undergraduate Student Research Award, NSERC, 2007 & 2008
- Visiting Researcher, Kings College (London, UK), 2008
- Exchange Student, National University of Singapore, 2007
- Dean’s Honour List, University of Western Ontario, 2004-2008
- Schaefer Scholarship for Leadership, Camp Wenonah Centre for Outdoor Education, 2004
- Western Scholarship of Excellence, University of Western Ontario, 2003
- Award for Leadership and Community Involvement, Rotary Club International, 2003
Research
My thesis research focuses on urban greenhouse gas emissions and infrastructure strategies to reduce them, such as building retrofits, public transit, and district energy systems. Together with my supervisor, Professor Chris Kennedy, and the Sustainable Infrastructure Group, I have modeled the current and future emissions in Toronto with different scenarios of reduction strategies. The next stage of my project focuses on China: I have developed an emissions inventory methodology for Chinese cities and, working with Chreod Ltd., I will create emissions reduction scenarios for Shanghai. The comparison between Toronto and Shanghai will give insight into the variations in sustainable urban development strategies needed for cities in developed and developing countries.
Why did you choose U of T Engineering for graduate studies?
U of T Engineering offered interesting research topics at a world-class university. In the last year of my undergrad, I became fascinated with the idea of using technology to increase efficiency and design livable places. My desire to apply my knowledge of atmospheric physics and urban climatology to the design and development of cities fit well with the Department’s focus on “urban solutions.”
Over the past year, my decision has been confirmed again and again. U of T Engineering has been a great fit for me. The support from my supervisor and research group has been fantastic; I am consistently engaged and challenged, and the intellectual exchange has exceeded my expectations. I have been exposed to a variety of people, organizations, and topics; many of which have cultivated new interests thanks to the intellectual freedom I have had to explore them.
What has been your most memorable moment at U of T so far?
This past semester, I had a particularly rewarding experience as the Teaching Assistant for APS510: Innovative Technologies and Organizations in Global Energy Systems. I led a tutorial about effective writing strategies in the course, emphasizing creative thinking, brainstorming, and organizing ideas effectively. The interaction with the students was incredibly rewarding. There was extensive class participation, debate, and fantastic ideas generated in the classroom environment. It was wonderful to be able to share the knowledge I gained over the past year and encourage analysis and critical thinking. During the tutorial, I had the realization that my passion for the subject matter was contagious; this was my most memorable moment, and something I hope to continue to do in the future.
What are your plans after graduation?
Studying at U of T has opened my eyes to the world of post-grad possibilities. I have had the opportunity to gain expertise, learn about organizations in Toronto, network, and make contacts. While career opportunities in Toronto hold promise, I have always wanted to live and work abroad – and this is the perfect time in my life to do so. While I don’t have anything specific worked out at this time, I am most interested in moving to Europe and working with an organization that focuses on sustainable urban development, such as a multi-lateral organization, an innovative NGO, or a specialized consulting firm.
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