Alumni Digest / U of T / Ideas /
Fieldwork helped Hargun Rekhi find her place
A summer at Koffler Scientific Reserve preceded campus sustainability work on waste, clothing swaps and a conference connecting college groups.
Hargun Rekhi beside the lake at Koffler Scientific Reserve.Photo: U of T Alumni News
The context
Where the work begins
Hargun Rekhi struggled to find community during her first two pandemic-era years at U of T. A summer research placement at Koffler Scientific Reserve changed that. Living with eight other students, she combined an independent project with groundskeeping and says the friendships helped her feel connected to science.
The takeaway
What follows
She later served as University College's student sustainability commissioner and worked with the president's environmental advisory committee. Her projects included a waste audit, reusable cup sales, clothing swaps and an inter-college sustainability conference. After graduating in environmental science in June 2025, Rekhi began graduate studies at York University focused on Indigenous sovereignty and community consultation.
Source reporting
Fieldwork helped Hargun Rekhi find her place
Original summary by Alumni Digest, based on public source reporting. This independent publication is not affiliated with or endorsed by the University of Toronto. Source image retained for editorial review; rights clearance is still required before any broader reuse.
