Maya Balzarinis
Maya Balzarini (she/her) is a recent graduate from the Sociology Honours program at UBC.
Her research primarily focuses on the intersection between gender and the environment, usually grounded within constructivist ecofeminist frameworks. In the fall, she will attend Cambridge University, where she will start her Master’s in Sociology, focusing on gendered dynamics within climate activism and workforce occupations.
Engineering and Ecofeminism: Analyzing Gender-Based Motivations Among Students Within Post-Secondary Environmental Engineering Studies in Canada
While engineering fields of study are generally male-dominated, the recent emergence of environmental engineering (ENVL) in Canada has attracted more female-identifying students. This study explores gender balance within and across engineering subfields in Canada by asking the following questions: How are women quantitatively represented in ENVL programs? How does gender impact the decision-making processes of students who choose to study ENVL?
Using mixed methods, the study quantitatively compares gender compositions within ENVL programs and other engineering subfields at Canadian universities using a nationally representative dataset from 2001 to 2023. Second, this study qualitatively examines gendered mechanisms within course of study decision-making using data from 15 in-depth interviews (seven men, eight women) within ENVL at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC.
Analyses show that ENVL is close to gender parity, having more women than most other engineering subfields, however less than many other environmental fields. Qualitative data raises themes relating to feminization of care, personal status based on program label, and sense of belonging, suggesting potential gendered mechanisms in need of further research. This study fills a crucial research gap by connecting the devaluation of women’s work and environmentalism through an ecofeminist framework. Lastly, the analysis informs a UBC policy implication discussion focused on increasing equitable access, belonging, and valuation within ENVL.
How did you become interested in this topic? Why did you choose it for your thesis?
I became interested in this topic after completing a research project alongside Dr. Neil Guppy, Dr. Katherine Lyon, and Dr. Mila Kolpashnikova, which investigated gender balance in the technology and care sectors. Finding that environmental engineering didn’t follow the common male-dominant pattern seen among other engineering subfields, while tangential to our own project, made me curious to learn more. As I have always been quite passionate about gender equity, this topic aligned well with my interests and felt like something that could have a tangible impact.
Can you summarize your project and its main findings for us?
My analysis shows that ENVL is close to gender parity, having more women than most other engineering subfields, however less than many other environmental fields. Qualitative data raises themes relating to feminization of care, personal status based on program label, and sense of belonging, suggesting potential gendered mechanisms in need of further research. Overall, my findings suggest that men may be more concerned with their social status (which students often attribute based on program choice), while women may be more inclined to choose care-based fields.
What was your favourite part of doing research?
My favourite part of doing research is that I can let my curiosity drive me. Social research rarely – if ever – has definitive answers. Because of this, I find it very fulfilling to explore different perspectives and add to them in epistemologically diverse ways. Furthermore, my research experience has also shown me just how much I enjoy connecting with others on joint topics of interest, whether through interviews, networking, or class discussion.
Has this experience influenced what you want to do after you complete your degree and how?
Yes! My decision to begin a Master’s program in the fall was primarily influenced by my honours experience. By exploring issues at the intersection of gender inequality and environmental concern, I was able to carve my own niche that combines the research areas I’m most passionate about. Thanks to my supervisors, Dr. Kathryn McConnell and Dr. Ethan Raker, I was also consistently provided advice on how to approach further education after my undergraduate degree. I feel confident now to start my academic journey at Cambridge knowing I have the continued support of UBC faculty.
What has been the most rewarding part of the honours program?
Overall, the relationships I’ve built with my cohort have been the most rewarding part. I was consistently surprised by the overwhelming support they provided me throughout the ups and downs of my research. When I needed advice on ways to conduct or present my research most effectively, I found myself turning to my cohort just as much as my supervisors! I’m glad to be leaving the program with connections I can keep as I continue my academic journey.
