(Note: This post is a continuation of our series on highlighting the Climate Adaptation, Resiliency and Empowerment Program (CARE). Follow along as we share more about student experiences.)

As the global community confronts the accelerating crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, the need  for practical, research backed decision making has never been more necessary. At the University of Guelph , a new generation of youth leaders is rising to that challenge through the Climate Adaptation, Resilience, and Empowerment (CARE) program – an international initiative dedicated to equipping students with the skills, knowledge as well as experience needed to be leaders and drive meaningful environmental change. 

Bringing together graduate students from diverse academic backgrounds, CARE fosters collaboration and interdisciplinary learning through a suite of experiential opportunities, including team-based courses, international conferences, hands-on research, and community engagement. As a key partner in the multi-institutional initiative, U of G contributes its strengths in sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental research. 

One such U of G student, Liz Mallory, is pursuing a Master of Science degree with a focus on honeybee diseases – an area critical to agricultural resilience and ecological health. Her research aims to bolster pollinator health and, by extension, the sustainability of food production systems. 

Through CARE, Mallory participated in the 2025 CARE Conference, a two-day immersive event filled with expert panels, interactive sessions, and applied workshops focused on climate science, environmental policy, and governance. Reflecting on the experience, she shared: 

“The conference expanded my understanding of the need for integrated solutions and cross-sector collaboration in achieving sustainable agricultural outcomes. Research cannot sit idle – you have translate it alongside industry leaders and policymakers to inform decisions on the ground.” 

Beyond the conference, Mallory has co-authored three policy briefs with fellow CARE participants and field experts, highlighting U of G research and focuses that align with CARE goals . These policy briefs broadly highlighted U of G research that aligns with overarching CARE goals. The projects not only sharpened her policy analysis and communication skills but also demonstrated how academic research can fuel actionable, real-world solutions. 

These collaborative efforts exemplify CARE’s mission: empowering students to become catalysts for sustainability through applied learning and cross-disciplinary problem solving. With a foundation built on innovation, community, and evidence-based action, CARE continues to shape tomorrow’s climate leaders preparing them to bridge the gap between research and impact. 

To learn more about the CARE program, visit: https://www.care-climate.com/about-care/