Michael Coutu ePortfolio
In this ePortfolio, I share my learning journey in the Master of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) program at Athabasca University. This journey is one of integration, reflection, and transformation, which continues to influence my academic, professional, and personal life. This site highlights how my coursework, reflections, and practical experiences have deepened my understanding of community safety, strengthened my identity and values, and guided my path as a lifelong learner.
About
My name is Michael Coutu
I am a FireSmart Specialist with the Government of Alberta, bringing over a decade of experience in fire services, emergency response, and community safety. My career has included leadership roles, including Fire Service Development Coordinator with the First Nations Technical Services Advisory Group, Fire/Medical Training Officer with the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, and Senior Emergency Response Officer with Suncor Energy. In these positions, I have developed training programs, coordinated large-scale emergency response operations, and supported Indigenous communities in enhancing their fire protection capabilities.
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Academically, I hold a Bachelor of Technology in General Management (NAIT, 2024) and a Civil Engineering Technology Diploma (NAIT, 1997). I am completing my Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies at Athabasca University, where I focus on integrating interdisciplinary approaches with adult education and community resilience. This work enables me to combine practical fire service knowledge with broader learning strategies that empower individuals and strengthen community capacity.
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Outside of my professional and academic pursuits, I enjoy spending time outdoors. Camping, hiking, and gardening connect me to the land and reinforce my commitment to resilience, balance, and lifelong learning.
My MAIS Journey - Past, Present, & Future
Past
My MAIS studies began with MAIS 602 – Doing Interdisciplinary Research, where I developed practical skills for integrating diverse methodologies. This course taught me how to evaluate research approaches critically and equipped me with the tools to navigate the complexities of interdisciplinary inquiry.
I then completed INST 511 – Indigenous Knowledge and Education, which introduced me to the richness of Indigenous epistemologies and pedagogies. This course deepened my understanding of how knowledge systems are rooted in land, community, and relationships, shaping my approach to professional practice and personal growth.
Building on this foundation, I enrolled in MAIS 752 – Psychedelics and Society: A Critical Overview. This course expanded my perspective on medicine, culture, and policy by examining the intersections between scientific research, traditional Indigenous knowledge, and contemporary debates. It also sparked my interest in experiential learning and self-experimentation as emerging fields of study.
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Present
I am enrolled in MAIS 601 – Making Sense of Theory in the Humanities and Social Sciences, challenging me to engage with complex theoretical frameworks. This course has helped me situate my academic and professional work within broader philosophical debates, strengthening my ability to critically analyze concepts of integration, identity, and transformation—key themes in my MAIS journey.
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Future
I plan to continue building on this foundation by pursuing courses and research opportunities that connect adult education, Indigenous knowledge systems, and community resilience. My long-term goal is to integrate these areas into my academic work and professional practice, developing frameworks supporting stronger, safer, and more resilient communities. Through this path, I see my MAIS studies not as separate from my work but as a transformative process that equips me to contribute meaningfully to the communities I serve.
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For my details on my academic journey, check out: