Leadership in Action: Past DMLA Recipients at Nipissing | Ysabel Castle
Ysabel Castle’s time at Nipissing University began with a love for nature. Drawn to the campus for its proximity to trails and natural spaces, she pursued a BA in Environmental Geography with a minor in Indigenous Studies, along with certificates in Resource Management and Geomatics. She later completed her Master of Environmental Science, deepening her connection to the university.
As a student, Ysabel’s dedication to research and teaching earned her a Dave Marshall Leadership Award (DMLA) in the Academic category. Her contributions included fostering critical thinking, sparking interest in geography, and creating meaningful change through research.
Teaching and mentoring have always been central to Ysabel’s work. As a student leader, she cherished moments when peers shared how her support helped them succeed in classes or sparked their interest in geography.
Today, as a Geography, Biology and Chemistry instructor and research assistant at Nipissing, she carries those values forward. “I teach because I love geography and GIS, and I hope to pass that passion on to my students,” Ysabel says. Nipissing’s small class sizes, she believes, provide the perfect setting to inspire students.
Ysabel’s leadership extends beyond the classroom through her commitment to community engagement. From mentoring students in Directed Studies and Professional Internship courses with the City of North Bay’s GIS department, to participating in meaningful projects with Dokis, Nipissing and Sagamok First Nations, she embodies the spirit of collaboration. Notably, she contributed to the Lake Nipissing Beading Project, blending research and cultural connection. “I leap at opportunities for community engagement – I think both the community and the university are strengthened when we work together,” she expressed.
When asked for advice, Ysabel encourages students to follow their passions. “Find something you love, that sets off fireworks in your brain or brings the world into focus or whatever metaphor works for you, and do it to the best of your ability. The rest comes naturally.”
The Dave Marshall Leadership Award nominations are open until January 31. If you know a student making a difference, nominate them to celebrate their achievements and inspire future leaders like Ysabel.
For more information on the DMLA and how to nominate, visit https://nipissingu.ca/dmla
Media Contact:
Khia Beauchesne
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Nipissing University
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communications@nipissingu.ca