Queen’s Outdoor Field Experience Initiative (QOFEI) is an offshoot of the Queen’s Biology Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigeneity (EDII) Committee, formed with the mission of implementing initiatives that address barriers to participation in field-based research and outdoor-based learning. Fieldwork and outdoor research are critical components of biology, environmental science and other related disciplines. It is crucial that these opportunities are equally accessible to all students, and that all barriers (cultural, financial, knowledge, etc.) are considered to create a welcoming, inclusive outdoor learning environment.

QOFEI aims to establish a field equipment lending library for Queen’s University students in Biology and related fields to help mitigate some of the “hidden” financial barriers associated with participation in outdoor research. This lending library will be a free program that provides a range of equipment and apparel for students to borrow for any field work or outdoor research experience (e.g. hiking boots, day packs, rain jackets). The lending library will be just one facet of our program – we also aim to offer individual funding opportunities for students to purchase their own equipment and necessary apparel, a website with centralized resources and opportunities, and outdoor experience workshops and skills training opportunities to foster a sense of community and nurture positive self-image and environmental competency.

Thanks to your generosity, we are able to offer undergraduate and graduate students resources to foster their confidence in the outdoors and take advantage of opportunities for field-based research.