Environmental Studies

Martin Donnell
He is a 12th grade student who would like to work on a research focused on ocean sustainability and steps to limit pollution.

Martin is the Head of Education and Director of Canada at OceanAction, an NGO dedicated to supporting marine life and combating ocean pollution. He has participated in Brown University’s Environmental Leadership Lab and conducts environmental awareness sessions for young students.

University admission result

★ Cornell University

Scope of the program

Learning objectives

• Martin’s goal was to understand the effects of man-made human settlements in coastal areas.
• He aimed to assess coastal development areas in relation to urban planning and land reclamation, particularly their impacts on marine environments.
• The research included case studies such as Dubai’s Palm Islands and land reclamation projects in Singapore.
• Martin explored the potential for large-scale coastal development in other global coastal cities.

What challenges did he face?

• There is limited information on the ecosystem impacts of land reclamation projects, necessitating comparisons with other types of development to gain a broader understanding.

How did the mentorship program help him?

• Martin developed a comprehensive research report on the environmental and sustainability impacts of land reclamation, deepening his knowledge of urban planning and coastal development.
• The mentorship program allowed him to develop his academic writing and research abilities, equipping him for future studies in urban development topics such as brownfield redevelopment and transit-oriented development.

Matched Professor

The mentor is a Senior Lecturer in Environmental Studies at Brown University. He teaches courses and advises students on sustainable design, environmental stewardship, urban infrastructure, and transportation technology and policy.

“Martin is inquisitive, polite and a pleasure to work with. He was proactive in communication and discussing questions about his project. Speaking to him about his work, his family, and his interests was always a pleasure.“

Mentor from Brown University