Meet our 2026 Summer Students!
CPAWS New Brunswick is excited to welcome two new additions to our staff for the summer! Melodie Dupont and Sarah Hobbs will be joining us as summer conservation assistants.
Get to know our new staff below!
Melodie- Hi everyone! My name is Melodie Dupont, I grew up in Saint John, NB. I’m so grateful to have been chosen to work for CPAWS NB. I started my post-secondary education at the University of Prince Edward Island in environmental studies but decided to transfer into the earth sciences program at the University of New Brunswick this fall. I love teaching and sharing my love for nature and geology. In my free time I play softball, read, craft, and volunteer as often as I can for local watersheds.
Sarah- My name is Sarah Hobbs and I’m so excited to be joining the CPAWS NB team this summer! I grew up in Ontario but moved to Nova Scotia to complete a bachelor’s in biology at Acadia University and then a Master of Marine Management from Dalhousie University. I’ve always had a strong passion for conservation, ecology, and science communication. Over the last few years, I’ve gotten to build on these passions through a variety of work experiences including my undergraduate research on plant insect interactions, post-grad work in sea turtle conservation and my master’s research on Inuit fisheries governance. I’m looking forward to spending this summer getting people as excited as I am to spend time out in nature!
What first sparked your interest in the environment?
Melodie- I grew up on the waterfront of the Saint John River and reversing falls. I was always so fascinated by the animals and their interactions with nature, which sparked my interest in nature. In high school I joined the environment committee and got to create a composting program in the elementary portion of my school which helps reduce food waste from the landfill. This committee made me realize my next steps in my education. My highlight in university so far was learning about earth’s physical processes and natural hazards with Professor Rick Schneider at the University of PEI. My courses lead to my passion for geological processes and landforms such as the fascinating oxbow lakes. I can’t wait to share my passion with you while appreciating this province’s wilderness.
Sarah- I was lucky to have grown up with parents that loved the outdoors and took me camping, hiking, swimming and canoeing at a young age. When I was growing up, I would go on family trips to the east coast of Canada where I fell in love with the ocean which led me to moving to Nova Scotia. During my undergrad I started taking more ecology classes and realized that spending time in nature doesn’t just need to be a hobby, it can be something I turn into a career. All my experiences since then have impacted my relationship with the environment and inspired me to encourage other people to develop their own relationship with the environment.
What are your favourite ways to enjoy nature in New Brunswick?
Melodie- My favourite way to enjoy nature is on walks, they allow me to see so many interesting plants and creatures as well as feeling engulfed in nature. I also like to appreciate the smells and sounds of nature while reading a book outside. This summer I plan to go out camping, fishing and swimming more.
Sarah- Some of my favourite ways to enjoy nature are running, hiking, fishing, and camping. I love running and like to use it as another reason to spend more time outside and find it’s a great way to explore new places, parks and trails. I also like slowing down and going on walks and hikes to look for interesting mushrooms and insects. Some of my other hobbies include fishing and camping because they allow me to slow down and spend time being present in nature.
What part of working for CPAWS NB are you most looking forward to?
Melodie- I am most excited to work on the Get Outside! NB program. I am looking forward to leading a nature walk and pointing out all of nature’s beauty in New Brunswick. This program is a great way to connect people of all ages and abilities to nature while teaching them how to respect nature and enjoy it. I’m hoping to be able to connect with people and help them take the actions needed to protect our provinces culturally and ecologically important areas.
Sarah- I’ve always been really passionate about science communication and making science and nature accessible to everyone. That’s why I’m looking forward to being part of the Get Outside! NB project where I’ll have the opportunity to build on my own science communication skills while getting the public excited about being outside and strengthening their connection with nature. I’m excited to get to learn from the experienced staff at CPAWS NB and to learn more about the conservation work and successes CPAWS has been part of.
Melodie and Sarah are so excited to get to work on Get Outside! NB events and other projects. Keep an eye out for the CPAWS NB team at your local parks this summer. We cannot wait for you to Get Outside with us.
