Undergraduate Scholarship – Agraj Rathi

Agraj Rathi traded business strategy for conservation after discovering a passion for protecting wild spaces through Nature Vancouver’s citizen science projects. Now in BCIT’s Fish, Wildlife and Recreation program, he combines scientific knowledge with practical fieldwork while serving on WildResearch’s board and participating in CPAWS’ Young Leaders in Conservation Program.

Drawing on his perspective as someone who grew up in urban India without access to wilderness, Agraj is passionate about making conservation more inclusive. Through his blog, “The Pathfinder’s Diary” (https://theearthboundnomad.medium.com/), he shares his shift from office life to fieldwork, offering a practical entry point for newcomers and BIPOC communities who may not see themselves in this space.

As a Migratory Bird Technician with Environment Canada this summer, he’s helping monitor northern boreal forests and studies how birds respond to climate and habitat change. His long-term goal is to design programs that connect diverse communities with nature, building a conservation movement that reflects all of British Columbia. 

Graduate Scholarship – Lindsay Lalach

Lindsay began her career in biology after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies and Geography from the University of Victoria. Born and raised in the Okanagan, she developed a deep appreciation for the region’s unique ecosystems and biodiversity, which has driven her passion for conservation. After working in a variety of biology and conservation-focused roles, Lindsay returned to school to pursue a Master of Science in Biology at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby. Her research focuses on the winter movement and foraging ecology of Brandt’s Cormorants in the Salish Sea. Outside of school, Lindsay serves as Vice President of the Southern Interior Land Trust, where she works to conserve the habitats and ecosystems she grew up admiring. In her spare time, she enjoys birding, hiking, biking, and running.