Conner Coleman is a perfect example of just how far being curious can take you. 

As a child, Coleman was affected by developmental issues, struggled in school and had trouble connecting with others. There was some doubt that he’d succeed in post-secondary, but Coleman was determined to exceed all expectations. 

“It was a hard road getting here for me, personally. Despite everything, I made it to college,” he says. “I dedicated myself to reaching this point in life, and because of that hard work, I am able to not only meet but exceed my own expectations in my classes. I’m proof that no matter what struggles you face and no matter what you’re told, you can succeed.” 

He grew up on an acreage near Edgerton, Alta., and no matter how he struggled in the classroom, Coleman always felt at home in nature. It made the choice to study environmental sciences at Lakeland an easy one. 

“I’ve always loved the outdoors, so it seemed like the obvious choice,” he says. “I really enjoy environmental sciences and that’s a big part of why I’ve been able to do so well in my classes.” 

Coleman earned his diploma in environmental sciences, majoring in conservation and reclamation ecology. He is now completing Lakeland’s bachelor of applied science: environmental management program, embarking on his second year, most of which will be spent on practicum as an oilfield regulator with the Ministry of Energy and Resources in Kindersley, Sask. 

Though most of his education this year will take place off-campus, Coleman made his mark during his time in Vermilion, in ways that will impact the future. 

One such way? Driven by his insatiable curiosity, Coleman spent some of his time in Vermilion tracking the distribution of cigarette butt litter on campus grounds. He plotted the locations on a map, analyzed the data to determine which areas had the highest concentration of cigarette litter, and then devised an experimental plan to rectify the situation. 

“I wondered how many cigarette butts there were, and after I gathered up all the information, I thought maybe I could use it for something progressive.” 

He recalled a research paper he had read where a student had used similar data and a series of ballot box trash bins. In that study, the ballot box trash bins had significantly impacted how much cigarette trash ended up on the ground. He took the information to James Woodhouse, dean of environmental sciences, to pitch it as an option for Lakeland. 

“The boxes have two compartments with transparent fronts,” Coleman explains. “It basically gives you a choice, like which is a better team, the Edmonton Oilers or the Calgary Flames? You put your cigarette butt into whichever slot you agree with most, and it works as a voting system. It incentivizes people with a fun thing they can do with their trash rather than toss it on the ground.” 

With Woodhouse’s support, Coleman pitched his idea to the college and the first ballot box trash bin will be installed in the coming months. 

When he wasn’t impacting the amount of litter on campus, Coleman was making his mark in other areas. He spoke on behalf of the student body at the 2025 Donor and Student Appreciation Event. 

“I shared a big thank you to the sponsors and donors on behalf of all the students who have worked so hard to be here,” Coleman explains. “I talked about my experience before coming to Lakeland and the struggles I experienced when I was younger.” 

Coleman received financial support through scholarships, and says, “I’d be just as involved at Lakeland if I wasn’t getting that support, but receiving it allowed me to worry less about groceries and rent and focus more on the work that I’m doing. It relieves a bunch of stress.  

“I’ve received a great education, made a ton of friends, found out a lot about myself and found a career that I really enjoy. I actually look forward to going to work. Being a Lakeland College student has been an amazing experience.”