Sarah-Patricia Breen

Sarah is a researcher with both the Rural Development Institute and Selkirk’s Applied Research and Innovation Centre. Sarah has a PhD in Resource and Environmental Management from Simon Fraser University, a Masters in Geography from Memorial University, and an BA (honours) in Geography from Lakehead University. Her work experience includes the public and private sectors, as well as academia. Her research interests include drinking water, energy generation and transmission, and all things rural. Sarah also serves as a president of the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation board of directors.

Prior to coming to Selkirk College, Sarah held several different positions in the public sector, the private sector, and academia. Following her undergraduate, she worked as a research analyst with Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources in her hometown of Thunder Bay. Sarah left Ontario, first heading east to Memorial University in Newfoundland where she worked as a teaching and research assistant while writing her dissertation on community-owned renewable energy. In 2009, Sarah headed west, taking a position as an Environmental Planner in Calgary where she worked until 2011. Throughout her PhD, she taught for the Centre for Sustainable Development at Simon Fraser University and worked as a research assistant on several projects – all focusing on rural areas.

Outside work Sarah is an active person who loves the outdoors. Running, snowboarding, mountain biking, and ultimate frisbee are among her favorites. When she is not outside, Sarah enjoys reading, cooking, and a glass of wine.

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