Kass Harris: Network Coordinator

Kass grew up on Cape Breton Island and earned her Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) in Environment from CBU. She found her passion for environmental advocacy after discovering the impact of our food choices, which inspired her to pursue environmental studies in more depth. Through diverse roles in the environmental field, she realized her dream of working with a nonprofit.

Kass is particularly passionate about sustainable food choices, environmental justice, and the psychology of environmentalism. She is eager to support NSEN’s environmental caucuses, in particular, to advance sustainable initiatives across the province. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her dogs, Sam and Lincoln, who appreciate nothing more than exploring the outdoors and enjoying all that nature has to offer.

Chris White: Chair

Chris grew up in Deer Lake, Newfoundland before first moving to Halifax in 2008 to study mechanical engineering at Dalhousie University. After earning a Bachelor of Engineering in 2013 and a Master of Applied Science in 2015, Chris is now working towards a PhD as a member of Dr. Lukas Swan’s Renewable Energy Storage Laboratory at Dalhousie. His ongoing research aims to reduce the economic cost and environmental footprint of the clean energy transition by repurposing used electric vehicle batteries into grid-scale energy storage facilities. During his academic career, Chris also gained engineering experience in the USA at Tesla Motors (2013) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (2019), and University of California at San Diego (2023).

Makayla Cole: Vice Chair

Makayla grew up in rural New Brunswick and moved to Nova Scotia to pursue her Bachelor of Arts in Geography and History at Saint Mary’s University. She works on the Development & Communications team at The North Grove as their Communications Specialist. Her passion for non-profit work and community building began with her work at the Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum, a charity-run community museum and local treasure in the HRM. Makayla joined the NSEN staff in the winter of 2021-22 and worked on the production of the documentary film "Connections - The Story of the Nova Scotia Environmental Network", and the NSEN History Timeline. She continues to support NSEN’s communications, member relations, and general operations as a volunteer in her role as Vice Chair. Makayla also enjoys sustainable travel, nature photography, cooking, gardening, and connecting with folks from all backgrounds and cultures.

Emily Laage: Secretary

Emily is originally from Michigan and did her undergraduate degree at Purdue University where she studied Natural Resources and Environmental Science with a concentration in Sustainability. After finishing her undergraduate, Emily attended Dalhousie to pursue her Master of Environmental Studies: researching greenhouse gas emissions on organic farms across Canada. Since her graduation, she has been working full-time as a Sustainability Analyst for Coca-Cola Canada.

Emily now lives in Kentville and is exploring homesteading. She has two dogs and a small flock of chickens and ducks. In her free time, Emily enjoys gardening, tinkering with crafts, and making pickles!

Brieanna Limkilde: Treasurer

Brieanna grew up in Whitby, Ontario and moved to Nova Scotia in 2016 to pursue her Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Marine Biology from Dalhousie University. After completing her degree, she moved back to Ontario where she completed her master’s in Environmental Applied Science and Management from Toronto Metropolitan University. Eager to move back and get involved in the Environmental Sector, she moved back to Nova Scotia upon graduating this year.

Brieanna has always been passionate about the environment and has worked with a few non-profits in the past to further conservation efforts of the amazing biodiversity we have here on Earth. She is particularly passionate about water conservation, environmental advocacy, and science communication. She is excited to be an NSEN Board member to support the environmental work being done here in Nova Scotia. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking and being outdoors.

Emily Dodge

Emily was born in Massachusetts and first moved to Nova Scotia to attend Dalhousie University where she received her BA in International Development and Environmental Studies. From there she went on to earn her MS in Ecological Leadership and Education from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. Since then she has worked for various non-profits developing and delivering environmental themed programs and events, including helping to establish one of the first Forest Schools in Nova Scotia. She currently lives in Hammonds Plains with her husband, newborn son, and dog.

Teal Burns

Teal (they/them) grew up in Nova Scotia and studied Global Business Management and International Development Studies at Saint Mary’s University. After spending a year working in China following their undergraduate studies, they went on to complete a Master’s in Environmental Policy at Memorial University. Their work has taken them across sectors and continents, spanning research, policy, and education, including supporting environmental initiatives with the United Nations Environment Programme, integrating sustainability into management education, and training professionals in life-cycle assessment.

With a passion for creating sustainable, resilient communities, Teal currently works as a Climate Lead at Clean Foundation, helping rural municipalities in Nova Scotia with their climate change challenges. Teal is also a passionate volunteer, having contributed to over 40 organizations in Halifax, focusing on sustainability, culture, and community building. In their free time, they enjoy playing board games, cooking vegan food, and spending time with their three Maine Coon cats. Teal previously served on the NSEN board from 2018 to 2021 and is excited to be back!

Carol Corbin

In 1991, Carol received her PhD from the University of Iowa in Media Studies and Rhetoric, and she taught for 18 years at Cape Breton University. In 2022 she returned to Nova Scotia after spending 5 years in Georgia working on an organic grass-fed beef farm. She also worked for 7 years with an environmental non-profit in South Carolina protecting an undeveloped barrier island state park. She now lives in Weymouth, NS. Her dissertation was an investigation into logging practices and environmentalism in Northwest Montana. Some of her work in Cape Breton included a study of the 1993 collapse of the cod fishery. Her current interest is focused on the impacts of climate change.

Marie-Louise Aren

Dr. Marie-Louise Aren was born in London, England, and grew up in Delta State, Nigeria, before moving to Nova Scotia to teach at Dalhousie University. She earned her first degree in Law (LLB) from Igbinedion University and holds a Master of Laws (LLM) in International Trade and Investment Law, with studies on International Environmental Law and Climate Finance and has a Doctorate (LLD) in International Tax Law from the University of Pretoria, South Africa.

Marie-Louise has extensive experience in International Law, Legislative Drafting and Reforms, Law and Policy Development, having previously worked with a Law Reform Commission, various international NGOs and governmental organisations, including the United Nations (UN) among others. Currently, she serves as an Instructor at Dalhousie University and is actively researching Resource Extraction Shipping Impact Assessment Laws in Canada’s Arctic Waters. Her professional interests are varied and include environmental sustainability, taxation, Indigenous & host community rights; ocean governance, climate change, and international economic laws and policies. Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Marie-Louise is an avid reader who enjoys travelling, painting, dancing, socialising, writing, and embracing life to the fullest

Amritpal Singh

Amrit grew up in Punjab, often called the breadbasket of India, where he earned a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Engineering and a Master’s in Farm Machinery and Power Engineering from Punjab Agricultural University. As a Graduate Research Assistant, he developed a deep understanding of agricultural systems and their connection to the environment. His passion for sustainable agriculture led him to explore technological innovations that enhance crop production while reducing environmental impact.

In 2023, Amrit moved to Sydney, Nova Scotia, to pursue a Bachelor’s in Environmental Engineering at Cape Breton University, where he graduated in 2024 with distinction on the Dean’s List and earned multiple scholarships for academic excellence. He was an Event Coordinator for the BET Society, organizing events that enriched the academic and professional growth of engineering students.

Now, as an NSEN Board Member, Amrit is passionate about promoting environmental sustainability through public awareness and education. He is excited to contribute to NSEN’s mission and support environmental initiatives in Nova Scotia. Outside work, he enjoys singing, writing Punjabi poetry, and nature walks.

Lenka Tomlinson

Lenka (They/She) grew up in Tkaronto, and has been living in Kjipuktuk for the past 5 years. They graduated from Dalhousie University with a Combined Honours in Sustainability and Environmental Science, with a special interest and minor in Art History and Visual Culture. Lenka's research has focused on the role of pedagogical institutions in the climate crisis, continuing with the Education for Sustainability Research Group under Dr. Tarah Wright. Her work aims to intersect environmental education with community engagement, making topics of the Anthropocene accessible to all. Lenka has worked in exhibition design and sustainability offices across the HRM, and is thrilled to participate in NSEN's Board of Directors.

Lenka's time outside of work and volunteering is spent printmaking, rock climbing, and socializing at local arts and community-oriented events.