Alumni Digest.

Ideas · Alumni Digest original

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. Published in Alumni Digest as verified reporting from the University of Toronto.

A summer at Koffler Scientific Reserve preceded campus sustainability work on waste, clothing swaps and a conference connecting college groups.

In the September issue
girl smiling in front of a lake
Hargun Rekhi beside the lake at Koffler Scientific Reserve. Photo: Photo: U of T Alumni News. Source image retained for editorial review; rights clearance is still required before any broader reuse.

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.

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