Student Testimonial – Raphaëlle Potvin
August 30, 2024 – Defence Stories
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Raphaëlle Potvin
I am a student at the University of Quebec in Outaouais (UQO). I am currently doing an internship in Saguenay at the CAF’s base in Bagotville as part of my Bachelor in Ecology and Environment. I am very passionate about plants and wildlife, outdoor activities, and especially rock climbing. I am bilingual, and it was through my father, a former 2 Wing commander at CFB Bagotville, that I heard about the Environmental Compliance and Greening Office. It is my distinct pleasure to give a voice to environmental issues and help the Department of National Defence take into account the environmental impacts of its actions.
The project I am involved in focuses on animal species at risk. I am responsible for determining the potential presence of various threatened or endangered wildlife species at sites affected by the military base’s activities. My tasks include checking for the presence of caribou in aircraft flight training areas, conducting bird surveys by listening to their songs, identifying various plant species to characterize the habitats present on the base, and conducting environmental inspections and biological characterizations at Lake Ha! Ha!. I work as much in the field, on the base and its properties, as in the office, where I examine samples and conduct advanced research.
I am responsible for an entire project and am involved in various tasks on the military base. My colleagues trust me and have been delighted to share their expertise with me.
My favourite thing about DND is knowing that I have the opportunity to take concrete action within the government to ensure that its military operations are environmentally friendly. In my opinion, our planet’s greatest threat is its degradation, and I am proud to say that I have contributed to its protection. By the end of the summer, I would like to be able to physically observe one of my project’s species at risk in the field. I hope to succeed before the end of the summer!
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Points of contact
- If you are a student and would like to submit a testimonial, please send an email to hrciv_communications_rhciv@forces.gc.ca.
- Hiring managers, if you need help finding a student for your team, contact the National Student Hiring Team by email at CIV.DND.NationalStudentHiring-EmbaucheNationaleEtudiants.MDN@forces.gc.ca.