As a young child who was more familiar with nature than watching television, UBC professor Kai Chan knew his path was to create change and opportunity in the sciences – and to make those changes have an impact in the world. Through an internship program and survey of scientists, Chan is hoping to better understand how universities and other science-based institutions value public engagement and outreach work done by scientists and encourage connections between academic researchers and organizations engaged in environmental and social advocacy.
Chan, 39, has been protective of, and intrigued by, the natural world from an early age and spent much of his time as a child outside.
“I wasn’t interested in destroying or crushing things,” says Chan. “Ponds and mud are such a delight.”
Born in Malaysia to an English-Australian mother and Chinese-Malaysian father, Chan grew up in Toronto and initially thought his career would be in business.
“I showed up on the first day [of one of my commerce classes] and it wasn’t for me,” says Chan.
Given his childhood fascination with animals and nature, Chan says his eventual switch to a Bachelor of Science program made more sense. He would later go on to Princeton University for graduate studies in ecological science and policy.
Now an associate professor at UBC’s Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability and a Canada Research Chair in Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services, Chan says his goal is to build people’s capacity to create change, not only in the classroom but also in the real world.
Kai Chan doing fieldwork on kelp forests and sea otters in Kyuquot Sound | Photo by Edward Gregr
“There’s a gap in critical thinking and inquiry and we want to insert that understanding in mainstream society,” says Chan.
Even though Chan says he has the flexibility and influence as a professor, he feels that there are still certain constraints in place that sometimes make it difficult to connect academic study and real-world projects.
“I want to be closer to the action but it’s still hard,” says Chan who explains that teaching takes a lot of time, especially when done right.
Through his work and research, Chan has a common message.
“We don’t need to demonize the current environmental situation – and it’s not just climate change – we just need to clean it up. There’s a lot of inertia. We have to act before the catastrophe happens…and it will get worse,” says Chan.
Chan says we should take our impact on the Earth seriously and that there are choices available to everyone.
“When you see the opportunity to do better, please jump on it,” says Chan.
Bridging the gap
One of the projects Chan has been working on to bring academia and the broader public closer together is a survey program: Scientists and Engagement/Outreach. The survey asks the question: “How do universities and science-based institutions measure and reward staff for [public engagement and outreach]?”
Chan says the program is an examination of how scientists and other institutions that work with scientists (such as policy makers) determine what civic engagement activities are important and which ones are rewarded – taking into account the opinions of university professors, students and scientists in governmental or NGO organizations.
Another way Chan supports his students in making real-world contributions during their academic study is through the Biodiversity Research: Integrative Training and Education (BRITE) internship and grant. Approximately 40 people enter this program each year and learn more skills while on the job. Chan and his colleagues hand-pick the NGOs and organizations that students get paired up with: the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF), Living Oceans and the Ministry of the Environment are just a few examples.
“[The internship/grant] substantially contributes to students’ success,” says Chan.
