NSEN Board of Directors

Emily Laage (she/her): Chair, Operations Lead

Emily is originally from Michigan and did her undergraduate degree at Purdue University, where she studied Natural Resources and Environmental Science with a concentration in Sustainability. After finishing her undergraduate studies, Emily attended Dalhousie to pursue her Master of Environmental Studies, researching greenhouse gas emissions on organic farms across Canada. Since graduating, she has worked as a Sustainability Specialist for Coca-Cola Canada.

Emily now lives in Kentville and is exploring homesteading. She has two dogs and a small flock of chickens and ducks. In her free time, Emily enjoys gardening, tinkering with crafts, and making pickles!

Ruvi Magara (she/her): Vice Chair, Community Engagement Co-Lead

Ruvi Mugara is a community-driven sustainability leader, storyteller, and advocate for inclusive climate action. Born in Zimbabwe, Ruvi grew up in a culture where resource conservation was a way of life; a value that continues to shape how she approaches her work in environmental engagement today.

As Director of Projects at Thinkwell Shift, she leads initiatives that help Nova Scotians and New Brunswickers take practical steps toward sustainability, including Green Schools Nova Scotia, Green Careers, and Energy Efficiency navigator services.

Ruvi holds an Executive MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology and brings a strategic yet deeply human perspective to her work while connecting equity, climate action, and community well-being. Beyond her professional role, she uses storytelling and social media to explore themes of resilience, grief, and belonging, inspiring others to see environmental care as both a shared responsibility and a shared hope.

Brieanna Limkilde (she/her): Treasurer, Finance Lead

Brieanna is passionate about environmental advocacy,  conservation, and science communication. Originally from Whitby, Ontario, she moved to Nova Scotia in 2016 to pursue her Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Marine Biology at Dalhousie University. After completing her degree, she returned to Ontario to complete a Master of Applied Science in Environmental Applied Science and Management at Toronto Metropolitan University. 

Eager to return to Nova Scotia and contribute to the province's environmental sector, Brieanna moved back upon graduating. She has worked with several environmental non-profits to support conservation initiatives and advance awareness of the incredible biodiversity found on Earth. She is particularly passionate about water conservation and watershed protection, which led her to become involved with the NSEN Water Caucus. She currently serves as Treasurer on the NSEN Board of Directors.

Dayna Forsyth (she/her): Secretary, Member Relations Lead

Dayna began her academic journey at the University of Guelph, earning her Bachelor of Science in Marine and Freshwater Biology. Following her undergraduate work, she relocated to Wolfville, Nova Scotia, where she earned her Master of Science in Biology from Acadia University. Her research focus is in Animal Physiology and Behavioural Toxicology, focusing on the self-fertilizing mangrove rivulus fish (Kryptolebias marmoratus). As a Research Associate and Lab Manager at Acadia, Dayna has designed and executed novel experiments including studying the effects of compounds like psilocybin on social behavior, learning, and memory. Her master’s work involved collaborating with an industry partner to effectively bridge academic research with pre-clinical applications. Dayna is passionate about aquatic conservation and bridging complex scientific findings with conservation efforts. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, crafting, travelling, and spending time outdoors.

Chris White (he/him): Fund Development Lead

Chris grew up in Deer Lake, Newfoundland before moving to Halifax to study mechanical engineering at Dalhousie University. After first earning a Bachelor of Engineering and a Master of Applied Science, Chris completed his PhD in 2025. His experimental research focused on repurposing used electric vehicle batteries into electricity grid energy storage systems as a means of reducing the economic and environmental costs of the clean energy transition. Though a longtime student, Chris has also enjoyed a number of roles as a youth educator both inside and outside academia. Having served as Chair of the Board for NSEN since 2018, Chris finds great joy in helping to bring people together to advance sustainability in Nova Scotia and beyond. His hobbies include guitar, singing, reading, writing, and outdoor adventure.

Emily Dodge (she/her): Community Engagement Co-Lead

Emily was born in Massachusetts and first moved to Nova Scotia to attend Dalhousie University where she received her BA in International Development and Environmental Studies. From there she went on to earn her MS in Ecological Leadership and Education from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. Since then she has worked for various non-profits developing and delivering environmental themed programs and events, including helping to establish one of the first Forest Schools in Nova Scotia. She currently lives in Hammonds Plains with her husband, newborn son, and dog.

Marie-Louise Aren (she/her): Policy Lead

Dr. Marie-Louise Aren was born in London, England, and grew up in Delta State, Nigeria, before moving to Nova Scotia to teach at Dalhousie University. She earned her first degree in Law (LLB) from Igbinedion University and holds a Master of Laws (LLM) in International Trade and Investment Law, with studies on International Environmental Law and Climate Finance and has a Doctorate (LLD) in International Tax Law from the University of Pretoria, South Africa.

Marie-Louise has extensive experience in International Law, Legislative Drafting and Reforms, Law and Policy Development, having previously worked with a Law Reform Commission, various international NGOs and governmental organisations, including the United Nations (UN) among others. Currently, she serves as an Instructor at Dalhousie University and is actively researching Resource Extraction Shipping Impact Assessment Laws in Canada’s Arctic Waters. Her professional interests are varied and include environmental sustainability, taxation, Indigenous & host community rights; ocean governance, climate change, and international economic laws and policies. Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Marie-Louise is an avid reader who enjoys travelling, painting, dancing, socialising, writing, and embracing life to the fullest