Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences presents DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER SERIES featuring Dr. Sarah-Patricia Breen

About the talk: Join Dr. Sarah-Patricia Breen as she embarks on a thought-provoking journey through the complexities of rural development in British Columbia. Dr. Breen will begin by unraveling the essence of rural life—what it means, why it holds significance, and the critical implications of misunderstanding rural dynamics. Next, Dr. Breen will delve into the profound impacts of evolving economic and physical climates on rural communities before exploring trends reshaping rural landscapes - from demographic shifts to environmental challenges - and how these factors are shaping our socio-economic fabric. Lastly, Dr. Breen will gaze into the crystal ball as we try to imagine the future of rural development in our region. What opportunities lie ahead? How can we harness innovation and community resilience to foster sustainable growth and prosperity in rural areas? Whether you're passionate about community development, intrigued by socio-economic trends, or simply curious about the future of rural landscapes, this lively discussion promises to provoke thought and inspire action.

About the speaker: Dr. Sarah-Patricia Breen is the BC Regional Innovation Chair (RIC) in Rural Economic Development at Selkirk Innovates, the applied research department of Selkirk College. Dr. Breen’s goal is to inform and support our rural region to thrive under conditions of rapid change. She works at every level, from community projects to national projects. Dr. Sarah-Patricia Breen’s work is guided by regional priorities and partnerships with local and regional governments, organizations, and businesses. Her role focuses on:
• Developing regional capacity for evidence-based decision-making
• Assisting in economic diversification through the promotion of innovation and technology transfer; and
• Supporting applied research on the revitalization of high amenity, highly rural communities and regions.

Dr. Breen holds a PhD in Resource and Environmental Management from Simon Fraser University, a Master's in Geography from Memorial University, and a Bachelor's Degree in Geography from Lakehead University. In addition to her role at Selkirk Innovates, she is an adjunct professor at the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development at the University of Guelph. She has over 10 years of experience in research, policy and project management. Her research interests include economic development, infrastructure, natural resource management, resilience, governance and policy—all with a specific focus on rural. Originally from Thunder Bay, ON, Dr. Breen now makes her home in Nelson, where she lives with her husband and dog.