Julian Yates

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Diverse livelihoods and new institutional arrangements in the Peruvian Andes
Faculty of Arts
Dr. Karen Bakker
Rugby
United Kingdom
Vanier Scholarship
 
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?

A graduate degree offers not only freedom of research, but also the chance to tackle the most important issues that face contemporary society. The degree also provides the opportunity to gain valuable experience of conducting research in field locations, such as the Peruvian Andes. Such experience is an essential part of both personal and professional growth. The geography graduate department at UBC encourages and inspires students to gain such experience.

Why did you decide to study at UBC?

UBC's geography department is consistently ranked among the best in the world. My supervisor, Dr. Karen Bakker, is an expert on issues of water governance in Canada, the UK, and beyond. She was recently promoted to the Canada Chair position for Political Ecology, and was featured in the Globe and Mail's "top 40 under 40". Dr. Jamie Peck, who sits on my advisory committee, is the Canada Chair Professor of Urban and Economic Geography.

What do you hope to accomplish with your research?

My priority is to shed light on the dynamic and diverse livelihoods that exist in the Andes, livelihoods that are continuously marginalized from mainstream decision-making and remain vulnerable to changes in both the biophysical and political-economic environment. The research will be participatory and action-oriented; the aim is to help enhance the capacity of Peruvian alpaquiros (alpaca famers) to absorb stresses and shocks to their livelihoods. The research will inform governance policy and practice.

What has winning a major award meant to you?

The prestige associated with the Vanier award makes me extremely proud to be a recipient, and sets me in good stead for an academic career. The award has given me the confidence that my work is valuable, and that it can contribute to enhanced knowledge and a more grounded approach to resource governance. The award will also enable me to focus fully on my research, without having to worry excessively about financial issues.

 
 
 

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