“Since I was little, I was always fascinated about animals and the natural world,” says Aysha McConkey, UFV’s Co-op Student of the Year. “I grew up watching wildlife documentaries and conservation advocates like Steve Irwin and the Kratt Brothers, wishing I could be like them.”

Now a Bachelor of Environmental Studies student, Aysha has brought that childhood dream to life through multiple co-op placements that immersed her in conservation, field research, and environmental education. At the Fraser Valley Conservancy, she spent long days removing invasive species, surveying endangered animals, and setting up mitigation fencing to help the western toads migrate safely at Ryder Lake. “Some days I’d be in a swamp or out in the forest late at night. I had to adapt to all kinds of weather, but I loved being outside,” she recalls.

The work wasn’t just physically demanding. As part of the toadlet migration team, Aysha also had to communicate directly with the public—often fielding questions and frustration about road closures. “Not everyone was happy about it, but I learned to use my personal skills to educate them about why it was happening,” she says. “That kind of communication is vital in environmental science.”

Her supervisor at the Conservancy, Joanne Neilson, remembers Aysha’s efforts fondly. “This Co-op opportunity was intended for students to gain insight into working in the not-for-profit environmental sector,” she explains. “In this role, Aysha was exposed to all aspects of conservation work. She worked tirelessly and always with a cheerful smile, as she is very passionate about making the world a better place for wildlife.”

During her placement with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Aysha proposed and led her own research project on the strawberry blossom weevil—ultimately presenting her findings at a conference and publishing a paper in the Entomological Journal of BC. As returning students arrived, she stepped into a leadership role, helping orient new hires and guide their projects. “I really felt like I was contributing to the team,” she says. “We all helped each other grow.”

Beyond fieldwork and research, Aysha also found ways to blend her passions for science and art. A talented illustrator, she contributed scientific drawings for published research and worked with the Fraser Valley Conservancy to create species-at-risk illustrations for a fundraising campaign. Neilson recalls, “While we had glimpses into her artistic talents at the time, it has been really exciting to see her blend her talents, using her artwork to engage others in the wonders and importance of the natural world.”

Her co-op journey also helped refine her focus. “I originally wanted to work with marine mammals, but co-op helped me realize how passionate I am about conservation and invasive species research,” she says. The experience also helped her meet the work requirements to register as a professional biologist in BC.

For Aysha, receiving the Co-op Student of the Year award felt like recognition for all the growth, resilience, and effort she’d invested. “It was almost like a big hug for all the work I did,” she says. “I hope my story inspires other students to take that first step. You won’t regret it.”

To students starting their own co-op journey, Aysha offers this advice: “Don’t be afraid to apply yourself and put yourself out there. Ask questions, take care of yourself, and find a job that truly excites you. You never know what opportunity is waiting for you.”