RRC Polytech is proud to recognize Jennifer Morin, one of the recipients of the 2025 Excellence in Sustainability Award. Jennifer’s dedication to environmental stewardship has made a lasting impact at the College, particularly through her efforts to connect sustainability with health care and education. Her leadership demonstrates that sustainability is applicable to every sector, and can be integrated into all fields of study and areas of life.

From Rural Roots to Nursing Leadership

Jennifer’s passion for sustainability began early, spending large amounts of time in rural Manitoba, she developed a strong connection to the land and an appreciation for animals, and food systems. She recalls how time outdoors gave her energy and a place for renewal. For Jennifer, the environment is not only about what it provides, but also about the responsibility to care for it so future generations can continue to have the same relationship. “It is not just about what I get from the environment, but also maintaining it so that we can continue to have that relationship going forward,” she explains.

When she began working as a nurse, Jennifer quickly noticed the large amount of waste generated in patient care settings and started asking how nursing professionals could practice more sustainably. In 2008, she joined a new special interest group with the Canadian Nurses Association, which later grew into the Canadian Association of Nurses for the Environment. Alongside this work, she completed graduate research on how sustainability concepts could be integrated into nursing education.

Mentoring the Next Generation of Leaders

Mentorship is one of the ways Jennifer makes the biggest difference. She often says that a single person or profession cannot solve sustainability challenges on their own, and that is why she puts so much energy into collaboration and guiding the next generation. A good example is the Climate-Resilient Nursing project, where she worked closely with a student to explore how sustainability can be part of nursing practice. The project had a big impact—sparking new conversations about the connection between health care and the environment, and also gave Jennifer fresh perspectives that keep her motivated. For her, mentorship is about more than supporting students; it is about creating change together and inspiring others to continue the work.

Researching Air Quality in Long-Term Care

Jennifer’s research also highlights the importance of integrating sustainability into health care systems. She has played a key role in a three-year project with the Building Efficiency Technology Access Centre (BETAC), focused on improving air quality in long-term care facilities. The project brought together nursing, engineering, and construction expertise to develop tools such as an Indoor Air Quality Satisfaction Survey that care homes can use to evaluate resident and staff experiences. For Jennifer, this collaboration proved that partnerships are essential, as she believes that “multidisciplinary teams are needed to solve these kinds of complex challenges”. The results have already been shared with long-term care homes and presented at national conferences, showing how sustainability can directly improve community health and wellness.

Collaboration at the Core

Collaboration has been a constant in Jennifer’s work. At RRC Polytech, she has built partnerships that go beyond her own department, including long-standing ties with Université St. Boniface. These relationships have created opportunities for students to take part in projects that connect health care and sustainability, while also strengthening collaboration between institutions. For Jennifer, this kind of teamwork is about building trust, exchanging perspectives, and making sure that progress continues well beyond a single project.

Teaching with Sustainability in Mind

As an educator, Jennifer makes sure sustainability is part of her teaching in every course. She introduces concepts such as recycling, community programs, and professional associations, showing students that sustainability connects to health care in many practical ways. Her approach is about “planting seeds” that encourage students to keep asking questions and to carry those lessons into their future practice.

Leading with Dedication

When asked about receiving the Excellence in Sustainability Award, Jennifer shared how meaningful it is to see this work recognized after so many years of dedication. “Sustainability has been a passion of mine for a long time, and I am grateful to see it becoming part of the conversation in nursing education,” she reflects.

Through mentorship, research, and teaching, she is helping prepare future health care professionals to face environmental challenges and to advocate for healthier communities. RRC Polytech is proud to celebrate Jennifer Morin for her commitment and outstanding contributions to sustainability!