#FacesOfTrentU: Philanthropy in Action

Sandra Klemet-N'Guessan, President, Trent Graduate Students' Association (TGSA)

Sandra Klemet-N'Guessan, PhD candidate and the President of the Trent Graduate Students' Association (TGSA), is a researcher and nature-lover who encourages fellow citizens of the world to care deeply about the planet and environment. In her role as TGSA President, Sandra is passionate about helping students to feel part of an inclusive, supportive community.

“Education is a window to the outside world,” says Sandra. “It gives the tools to develop critical thinking and to become the engaged citizens that this world needs.”

Sandra’s Trent experience is deepened by the natural environment on the Symons campus and the connection, respect and knowledge gained from close ties with the local community. She believes that “research creates knowledge, and it informs education.”

As with many other students, this year posed significant personal struggles in research for Sandra, her fieldwork being cancelled because of restrictions due to COVID-19. The changes to her access and ability to complete her research as planned was disruptive to Sandra’s academic and personal life, an experience that many graduate students have been facing.

Sandra recognizes that the pandemic has drastically affected many students’ lives and their work has been particularly impacted by changes in the last months. She also admires that much of the research being done to mitigate and understand the impacts of the virus are being undertaken by graduate students.