DR. BRUCE FRIESEN-PANKRATZ

Assistant Professor of Environmental Science, University College

ABOUT BRUCE

Bruce Friesen-Pankratz spent his childhood in small towns across the prairie provinces as well as three years in Livingstone, Zambia. He earned a BA in Biology from Goshen College, a MSc in Biology from the University of North Dakota and a PhD in Botany from the University of Manitoba. As a professional biologist, Bruce’s work has included remediation of contaminated sties, establishment of protected areas and installation of treatment wetlands. He has also contributed to watershed management planning in southern Mexico and the promotion of best management practices for water quality in southern Manitoba. In his role as Assistant Professor of Environmental Science, Bruce offers aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem field courses and conducts research on endangered species

Q: Before arriving at Providence, what did you do?

I was working full-time as a wetland scientist for Native Plant Solutions (NPS), which is part of Ducks Unlimited Canada. While with NPS I contributed to a wide range of projects related to wetlands and water quality.

Q: What about Providence is appealing to you?

The low student-to-faculty ratio at Providence allows me to get to know my students well enough so that I can help them realize their education goals.

Q: What is something you hope people will learn/remember from your classes?

From my classes I hope students will remember how connected and dependent we are on the natural environment.

Q: What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy relies heavily on real world examples, hands-on learning and guest presentations. Often the guests I have in class are of the four-legged and furry variety.

Q: What do you like to do outside of work?

I enjoy camping, hiking and canoeing with my family. I also spend a lot of time outside of work taking care of our various animals on our acreage.