Curriculum vitae
Zana (Zankhna) Mody
education
Ph.D. in Environmental Science
Institute of Resources, Environment, Sustainability – University of British Columbia (2021 - present)
M.A. in Anthropology
Trent University (2018)
Thesis title: Socio-Ecology and the Sacred: A Comparative Study of Entanglement and Natural Sites in Tropical Asia
B.Sc. Joint Honours in Environmental Science and Biology
Trent University (2013)
research experience
NbCS Researcher and Consultant – ESSA Technologies Consulting – UBC BRITE Biodiversity Program (2022-2023)
• Worked with Indigenous client Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources and Mi’kmaw communities to develop a Mi’kmaw led strategic plan for Nature-based Climate Solutions
• Researched and wrote a strategic report in collaboration with the Mi’kmaw communities and ESSA team to provide a roadmap in implementing the first Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) in Eastern Canada.
• Led focus groups, interviews, and other qualitative data collection methods with Mi’kmaw Elders, youth, and community leaders to gather and prioritize community needs and values
• Designed stewardship strategy with a focus on “two-eyed seeing”, integrating Western Scientific Knowledge and Traditional Ecological Knowledge, guided by a framework of reconciliation
• Researched and identified political and economic barriers to Indigenous self-governance
Socio-Ecology Researcher – SETS (Socio-Ecological Entanglement in Tropical Societies) – Trent University (2015-2018)
• Designed, lead, and completed a socio-ecological research project with a team on conservation practices
• Conducted research using both qualitative and quantitative scientific research methods
• Traveled internationally and within Canada to conduct field work, collect, and synthesize data samples
• Presented research findings at multiple conferences and colloquiums in Canada and Asia
• Collaborated and consulted with government officials, researchers, non-profit sectors, Indigenous groups
Ecology Research Assistant – Evolutionary Ecology Lab, Trent University (2012)
• Conducted lab, field, and office research on ecological adaptation of several species of arachnids
• Created large databases of collected research evidence and summary charts to identify ecological and evolutionary trends and patterns in sample populations
• Managed an intensive work schedule of long hours in the field and lab, working outdoors in all conditions
• Worked with partner agencies, conservation authorities, policy developers, and community stakeholders for ecosystem management
Management experience
National Program Manager –Ocean Pathways (formerly ‘Direct Action’) – Ocean Wise Conservation (2020-2023)
• Created and launched the new federally funded Canada Service Corps Direct Action youth program
• Recruited program staff, drafted strategy, and collaborated with the Ocean Wise team to initiate and direct this novel government funded program on marine and aquatic conservation
• Responsible for developing and delivering 3-month, immersive action-oriented educational programs working with conservation professionals and 40 youth (ages 18-30) across Canada for three years
• Managed an increasing program budget from $300,000 to $900,000, and worked with extensive financial planning, fiscal and personnel responsibility for program delivery
• Connected and built relationships with government institutions (BC Parks, Parks Canada, etc.) and over 50 environmental organizations and other stakeholders across Canada
• Used interdisciplinary expertise to work with scientists, government officials, media professionals, youth, non-profit organizations, research stations and Indigenous communities across Canada
• Inspired and trained youth through Direct Action program to become “Ocean Ambassadors”
Program Manager – Summer Science Program – University of British Columbia, Vancouver Campus (2019)
• Recruited and advised Indigenous students from across BC to visit UBC for two weeks of programming
• Conducted consultations with Indigenous communities throughout BC to promote science education
• Trained, managed, and scheduled a project team of 12 staff, 20 volunteers, and 100 Indigenous youth
• Collaborated with staff and faculty from all UBC departments to develop immersive scientific programming
• Wrote grants, reports, and fundraising applications, created strategic project development strategies
• Fundraised and managed a budget of $140,000 for the program with government and private funding
MEdia experience
Radio and Digital Producer – Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Radio One, Toronto (2013-15)
• Experienced in both radio and digital media production
• Conducted meticulous research on various topics for web articles, podcasts, and radio
• Worked with the CBC Radio Digital team to develop and maintain web portals and platforms
• Produced for current affairs and arts programs, including CBC Radio Digital, Ontario Morning, Metro Morning,Here and Now, As It Happens, CBC Books, and the CBC Massey Lectures
teaching experience
Lecturer – Ecology and Anthropology – College of the Rockies (2018-2019)
• Developed and taught course materials for four academic classes to youth of all backgrounds
• Consulted with Ktunaxa and Kootenai communities to incorporate knowledge into a robust curriculum
• Instructed a diverse student body through both in-person and online platforms
• Maintained effective collaborations with other departments, staff, and organizations
• Advised students in scheduling, admissions, scholarships, campus involvement, and grades
Teaching Assistant – Anthropology – Trent University (2015-2018)
• Developed seminars for undergraduate students for courses: Anthropology Archaeology, Cultural Anthropology I, Cultural Anthropology II and Introduction to Anthropology, and Collapse of Complex Societies
• Led seminar discussions and lesson plans, engaged students in robust discussions on core readings and the foundations of anthropology
• Marked student papers, invigilated exams, and provided feedback to students
Grants, Awards, Honours - Total ($225,000)
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) Doctoral Fellowship (2021 – 2025) - $80,000
University of British Columbia Four Year Fellowship (2021-2025) - $72,000
University of British Columbia Liu Scholars Fellowship (2021) - $2,000
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) Master’s Grant (2016) - $30,000
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) (2015) - $15,000
Trent University Bagnani Graduate Studies Award (2017) - $8,000
Peter Gzowski Award at CBC Radio Toronto (2013) - $10,000
Craig Williams Scholarship (2009) - $3,000
Queen Elizabeth II Undergraduate Award (2007) - $5,000
Certifications
Advanced and Open Water Diver - PADI (2023)
Risk Management in Outdoor Programs (40 hr) - Viristar (2022)
Wilderness First Aid Certification (80 hr) - Coast Wilderness Medical Training (2021)
Yoga and Pranayama Teacher (500 hr YTT) - Sivananda School of Yoga Vedanta (2012)
Languages
English (academic competency)
Hindi (fluent)
Gujarati (fluent)
Spanish (conversational)