Samadhee Kaluarachchi
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I have always had a passion for learning new things about the world and for tackling multidisciplinary challenges. In recent years, I saw my home province of BC experience an alarming increase in heatwaves, wildfires, floods and droughts. I became particularly interested in how both traditional engineering solutions (dams, dikes, etc.) and nature-based solutions can support communities in adapting to changing flood regimes. Pursuing a graduate degree studying extreme events gives me the opportunity to engage directly with these challenges. My work requires me to draw from my background in environmental sciences and tie in various disciplines together, fulfilling my passion for multidisciplinary work while contributing to adaptation efforts in BC and beyond.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
As an undergraduate at UBC, I took courses and participated in research projects across multiple faculties, which opened my eyes to the range of high calibre research at UBC and the diversity in its environmental sciences. These experiences, combined with seeing recent extreme events unfold in BC and globally, inspired me to pursue research that addresses some of the challenges we are facing today. Studying at UBC allows me to pursue research that informs how we manage major water-related challenges facing the province and helps us both mitigate flood risk and support sustainable development.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
The Faculty of Forestry conducts research which I believe is very impactful for the province, and my research interests aligned well with those of my advisor. BC’s economy is highly dependent on forestry, but we are also experiencing heightened risks of extreme events from various anthropogenic activities. My program allows me to understand how human activities alter risks of these extremes and better support adaptation efforts and sustainable forest management. I also had the opportunity to work as an undergraduate student in the Faculty of Forestry. The support and sense of community I experienced during those placements surpassed my expectations and further reinforced my decision to continue my graduate studies here.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
One of my favourite things about the Vancouver campus is that there is always something to do or explore, including visiting UBC’s many attractions. There is something special about walking through a rainforest or spending an evening by the beach and forgetting that I’m still on a university campus. The beautiful west coast scenery surrounding Metro Vancouver also makes for many great road trips! Even when it is raining, there is no shortage of indoor activities, and some of my favourite memories even include being outdoors in the drenching rain!
What aspect of your graduate program do you enjoy the most or are looking forward to with the greatest curiosity?
I look forward to connecting with both public and academic communities through my research and learning from the knowledge and experiences of others. I am excited to communicate my research as it progresses and engage in conversations about how we can tackle multidisciplinary issues.
What do you see as your biggest challenge(s) in your future career?
Understanding linkages among extreme events and their intersections with society require both holistic and in-depth thinking. Holistic perspectives are needed to understand combined risks from both climate change and land use changes, and to design sustainable solutions that benefit communities and the environment. At the same time, in-depth knowledge is required to grasp nuances and intricacies. My biggest challenge will be to acquire a deeper understanding of my primary field, but with sufficient background on its intersections with other disciplines to contextualize my research and advocate for meaningful solutions.
While my primary focus remains on hydrology, I like that my program challenges me to dive into related topics, allowing me to understand how hydrology intersects with other environmental disciplines, socioeconomic challenges and policymaking.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
Completing an undergraduate thesis was highly beneficial, especially in developing skills for literature synthesis, designing a research project and communicating my research through both oral and written formats. Taking courses in several faculties additionally helped me understand how different disciplines intersect with and view complex topics. It challenged me and helped me better understand the multiple facets of questions I am interested in diving into. Similarly, doing research in a variety of environmental disciplines helped me narrow down my interests and gain relevant skills.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
I enjoy hiking and exploring the natural beauty in and around Vancouver, which also intersects quite well with my love for photography. I love exploring BC’s mountains, ocean, waterfalls and Interior, and I always take my camera with me on my trips!
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
One key piece of advice I have is to ensure you build a sustainable and balanced routine: take breaks, make time for your hobbies, eat nourishing food and get plenty of sleep. Engaging in conversations and attending research talks both within and outside your field can also be highly enriching. Having conversations with others has helped me make new connections, make unexpected linkages in my research and gain additional perspectives.
Learn more about Samadhee's research
Extreme events such as heatwaves, wildfires, floods and droughts are increasing in both frequency and intensity in British Columbia (BC) and around the world. My research aims to better characterize changes in these extremes, especially flood extremes, through causal methods. I investigate how anthropogenic drivers such as climate change and land use change combine with environmental drivers to produce large floods and how sensitive BC watersheds are to these changes. By better understanding changing flood regimes and the role of forests and other natural landscapes in mitigating floods, my work will help inform the development of nature-based flood management strategies.