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Sustainability and Environmental Studies ���߲ݴ�ýdents Jacob Sparks, Emily Lynch, and Mars Tourchin will represent St. Thomas at the global Map the System Competition at Oxford University July 9-12. 

 

The trio earned their place in the global event after winning the ���߲ݴ�ý campus competition offered through the SEST 3143: Theories of Sustainability and Change course. 

 

“I feel honoured to be able to represent this university alongside my team and show the world what it means to be a student at ���߲ݴ�ý,” said Tourchin. 

 

Map the System is a global competition that asks students and educators to rethink social and environmental issues through systems thinking –– going beyond disciplines and questioning deeply held assumptions. The research project that Sparks, Lynch, and Tourchin will be presenting maps the consequences and risks of New Brunswick’s import-reliant food system. 

 

“We dive into the root causes of why we are so dependent on external supply chains and why we participate so heavily in the export-driven global food system. We also look at the negative impacts of this system, such as environmental problems and the financial struggles of farmers,” said Lynch. 

 

The research also explores possible interventions or leverage points that could tip the system into a state of positive change, such as legislation that would improve local food markets and food access. 

 

“I’m incredibly grateful and excited to share the work we’ve done, and to refine our research over the next two months and have the opportunity to share our ideas on such a large stage that Oxford provides,” said Sparks. 

 

Offered in partnership with the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, the Map the System competition features students from over 50 post-secondary institutions from around the world.  

 

"The Map the System learning program guides students in honing their systems thinking skills to understand how complex problems are deeply embedded in complex systems, so there are no simple solutions. Students instead look for places to intervene in the system to leverage meaningful change," said Sustainability and Environmental Studies Program Director, Dr. Janice Harvey. 

 

Students interested in participating in Map the System in the 2026-27 Winter semester should contact Professor Janice Harvey at jeharvey@stu.ca.