Arash Rafat

2022 Weston Family Awards in Northern Research recipient

Master’s student
Wifrid Laurier University

Driven by a real desire to help northern communities in tangible ways, Arash is looking at the impacts of climate change and variability on lake ice conditions across the Northwest Territories.

Lake ice is vital to communities across Canada’s North. It provides safe transportation routes and sustenance through fish harvesting, and has immeasurable recreational and social value. While climate change is affecting lake ice conditions in the North, it’s unclear exactly how—and what communities can do to adapt. That’s where Arash’s research comes in. The Wilfrid Laurier University student is combining theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on field experience, and applying knowledge gained during his co-op work and his undergraduate studies in environmental engineering.

Learn more about the Weston Family Awards in Northern Research.