About half of the students are completing their first year at a European forestry school, while the others are in their second year of the TRANSFOR-M program at UBC’s Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship. After meeting the requirements of both programs, students earn two master’s degrees—one from their European university and one from UBC.
Current TRANSFOR-M Students
William Christensen
I am from the San Francisco Bay Area in California, but have spent most of my time off from school in the northern Sierra Nevada. In the spring of 2025 I graduated from the University of Denver with a B.S. in Environmental Science and B.A. in Music (with an emphasis on composition). I have worked the past three summers as a forestry technician in the Lost Sierra region for a local consulting forester, on both private timber/forest health projects and US Forest Service contracts. Before that, I worked for a ski area on a chainsaw and trail maintenance crew and also have been ski racing coach in the winter. I enjoy skiing, biking, and hope to continue writing music in addition to a career in forestry. Through the TRANSFOR-M program I am excited to learn about forestry science, applications, and perspectives in both Austria and British Columbia, and also would like to conduct research related to fire regimes and implications on forest management.
Sophie Cleland
Hello, my name is Sophie and I grew up along the coast in Rhode Island, USA. Attending the University of Vermont for my undergraduate education, I quickly fell in love with Vermont’s diverse forest ecosystems. Graduating with a B.S. in Environmental Science, I have since served as a TerraCorps (AmeriCorps) service member and most recently have worked as Garden Manager at a non-profit nature preserve where I have gained tremendous hands-on experience in sustainable farming, natural resource management and community engagement. Participating in the TRANSFOR-M program at the University of British Columbia, I am excited to spend my first year at Bangor University in Wales, earning a MSc. in Agroforestry and Food Security. I look forward to pioneering solutions for large-scale, transformational change within the global food system and developing specialized agroforestry techniques that create effective forest-minded food system solutions. Ultimately, I hope to work towards both resilient forested landscapes and healthy communities. Outside of my studies, I enjoy gardening, beekeeping, hiking, and skiing.
Sebastian Tapia Escobar
I’m Sebastian, from Mexico City, currently living in Valle de Bravo, a small but beautiful town in the central-west part of the country. I studied Law at Tecnológico de Monterrey, a prestigious university here in Mexico. During my work experience in public administration, I realized that nature and ecosystems are the most important things in the world. This realization led me to focus on learning about agroforestry systems through various courses. Nowadays, in addition to working as a lawyer, I have implemented two small-scale agroforestry systems on my family’s natural reserve, started a compost business, and a small-scale tree nursery. I believe that it is every human being’s responsibility to understand what surrounds us, including tree species. I see us as integral parts of nature’s processes. Knowing when to collect seeds from the trees in our hometown and how to reproduce them is a task that all humans must undertake, as it is part of our nature. Studying at Padua and UBC is a great honor for me because they are world-class universities in forestry and agriculture. I am confident that I will learn a lot more about these subjects. I look forward to combining law and science to develop better public policies and actions for improved management of our ecosystems and the food we consume. I love rock climbing, hiking, and soccer.
Athena Goodale
Hi, my name is Athena and I’m from Hamilton, ON! Growing up in an urban area, spending time in nature was always a treat with backcountry camping being my favourite summer activity. Seeing the changes in my favourite outdoor areas throughout my childhood is what motivated me to peruse a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo. There, I became immersed in field work, environmental restoration, and the power of human connections with nature. I look forward to gaining an international understanding of forestry and learning from the all the new people I meet!
Isabella Griffin
I grew up in Canada’s capital, Ottawa Ontario. I grew up hiking in the green belt and exploring provincial parks. My love of nature led me to complete my Bachelor of Environmental Studies at the University of Ottawa. During my undergrad I worked with Environment and Climate Change Canada in their meteorological and waste water departments and also spent two terms working with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans on the aquatic species at risk portfolio. After graduating I joined Public Service and Procurement Canada to work on the sustainable buildings portfolio where I acted as an environmental consultant on sustainable development and waste management. After a few years working on the development side of the environmental sector I decided I wanted to focus more on natural resources and conservation. I chose the Transform M program because of the unique opportunity to learn about forest management in Canada and internationally. I am interested in climate changes impact on forest fire management and how sustainable forestry practices such as community forests can help protect Canadian forests. I hope to establish a career in community forestry and develop my skills in natural resource conservation. During my free time I enjoy hiking, reading, martial arts and cooking.
Carter Grycko
Hi! I am from Winnipeg, MB and I am currently enrolled in the Master of Forestry (Transfor-m) program with my exchange year in Padova, Italy. I have always had a strong interest in sustainability and exploring forest ecosystems, so much so that after starting an undergraduate degree in Computer Science, I switched to a B.S. in Environmental Science with a focus on Forest Ecology at the University of Winnipeg. This was largely spurred by my summer job planting trees in northern British Columbia. After three seasons of planting trees in the summers between studying, I interned at UBC’s Malcolm Knapp Research Forest, where I learned a lot about the intriguing forest research being done at UBC. Since finishing my undergrad, I have worked for DWB Consulting in northern British Columbia, learning more than ever about current forestry practices in BC through hands-on layout and timber cruising experience. I am excited to have the opportunity to study at both UniPD and UBC. I hope to learn more about international approaches and perspectives in sustainable forestry management.
Jana Hammer
Growing up at the edge of a forest in Germany, I spent most of my childhood exploring the woods – which sparked my early dream of becoming a forester. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Forestry from the University of Applied Forest Sciences in Rottenburg, gaining hands-on experience through internships in my home state of Hesse. My undergraduate thesis explored biodegradable tree shelters as a sustainable alternative to reduce plastic waste in reforestation. As part of the TRANSFOR-M program, I studied the Mountain Forestry Master at BOKU Vienna, where I became interested in sustainable forest management in mountainous areas and the protective role of forests against natural hazards. At BOKU’s Institute for Forest, Environmental and Resource Policy, I am currently conducting a governance analysis of Climate Smart Forestry in Austria for my Master’s thesis. Before my Master’s, I completed an internship with GIZ (German Agency for International Cooperation) in international forest policy. I am also actively involved with the International Forestry Students’ Association (IFSA) and helped organize the International Forestry Students’ Symposium (IFSS), introducing German forests to students worldwide. I’m passionate about applied, sustainable forest management and believe that in times of climate change, it’s crucial to look beyond one’s own forest ecosystem and explore different approaches around the world – which is why TRANSFOR-M appealed to me. Outside of my academic life, I enjoy hiking, skiing, playing tennis, and pretty much anything that gets me outdoors.
Emmett Lawrence
I grew up on a small island in the San Juan Archipielago of the Pacific Northwest. Much of my youth was spent exploring and playing the coastal forests of my island home. I went on to study environment science at the University of Washington. While in school, I studied abroad multiple times in Latin America, including a senior capstone project examining a fungal pathogen decimating cacao plantations. Upon graduation I worked for a collection of different environmental conservation entities, including the Lopez Island Conservation corps, a technician for the Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group, and a summer building trails in Mount Rainier National Park. These experiences instilled a passion for conscientious, eco-centric land stewardship. Eventually I moved to California to apprentice under a master arborist, learn to climb trees, and pursue a career in arboriculture. This eventually led to the founding of my own tree care company. Connections in the arborist world led to my participation in tree canopy research and trainings with Latin American biologists in Colombia, South America. Next year I will take part in the Euroforester program at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Southern Sweden. The Transfor-M program is an exciting opportunity for me to build an international network of foresters dedicated to the conservation of forest ecosystems all over the world. My hobbies include oil painting, hiking, surfing, and woodcarving.
Caitlyn Mackie
Hi, I’m Caitlyn! I have a Bachelor of Environment in Global Environmental Systems and a GIS certificate. I am a settler of european descent, grew up on the territory of the Anishinaabe First Nation (Ontario), and have lived on Skwxwú7mesh territory for the last 10 years. I started my academic journey at UBC-Okanagan in social sciences including a semester abroad living in Copenhagen studying photography. I left school and spent some time working and travelling to places like Nepal, Portugal, Italy, and Netherlands. I eventually came home to what is now Vancouver and completed my undergrad at SFU. I have work experience as an environmental field technician conducting soil sampling, water sampling, and supporting a tree planting project on a closed coal mine. I also worked for municipalities in water conservation efforts, and as a land surveyor. I spend most of my free time in the local mountains hiking, mountain biking, ski touring and have come to feel so much gratitude for the land and species here. I’m excited to spend my first year in the TRANSFOR-M program at the Swedish University of Agriculture studying Forestry Science. Forestry is such a key part of environmental stewardship, policy, and community, and I look forward to deepening my understanding of sustainable forest management in a European context. I’m eager to explore how forestry intersects with climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and rural livelihoods while gaining hands-on experience with innovative approaches to land use and resource management.
Celia Metral
Hi, I’m Célia and I’m originally from France, but I also lived 5 years in Senegal after I was born. My hometown is next to the Alps in a city called Annecy. I did a general biology bachelor’s in Grenoble in France and a year abroad as an exchange student at Lakehead University, Ontario. Afterwards, I started a Plant Sciences Master’s at Lund University in Sweden and continued a double master program in forestry as a Euroforester student at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). I am highly interested in Forest Pathology and Urban forestry which is why I applied to the TRANSFOR-M program, allowing me to come study in Vancouver. Hopefully, I can do research to improve the world’s state and grow towards a safe sustainable society. I love the mountains and winter sports, and I will definitely appreciate the landscapes of British Columbia.
Sydney Miller
Hi everyone! My name is Sydney and I grew up in Georgetown, Ontario, a few hours outside of Toronto. Most of my childhood was spent running through the ravine behind my house, where I caught one too many bugs for my mom’s liking and always returned home with a healthy amount of dirt on my clothes. I graduated in 2022 from the University of Toronto Mississauga with a major in environmental science and double minors in biology and sustainability. During my undergrad, I worked as a research assistant in a freshwater ecology lab, a global change and plant physiology lab, and conducted my fourth-year research project on benthic macroinvertebrate diversity and stream health. Since graduating, I have worked as a research assistant in agriscience, restoration field staff for a conservation authority, and most recently as a conservation technician assistant. I chose TRANSFOR-M as it allows me to combine my interests in conservation with a technical forestry background, through Land Management and Conservation at Bangor and Forestry at UBC, respectively. Throughout my work in conservation, this is an intersection I have become very passionate about and would love to research further. In my free time I like to run, hike, play soccer, and bake.
Sofia Pogliano
I’m from San Diego, California. I’ve always loved plants and nature, so when I went to Wesleyan University for undergrad I majored in Biology. I graduated in 2023 and during my first few years I originally took many cellular and molecular biology courses and did research projects in fly genetics and molecular plant science. However, after taking a forest ecology class, I realized that my true passion lies in forests and environmental science. I participated in a research project studying the health of Ash trees in Connecticut, which was a great project and helped confirm that I want to continue studying forest ecology. I also love studying languages, so the TRANSFOR-M program stood out to me for its unique opportunity to study internationally. I am hoping to be able to combine these two passions and be able to help study and protect the world’s forests. I am excited to be going to the University of Padua in Italy this year, and UBC the next year. Outside of my studies I love baking, painting, and moving around outside (such as playing soccer, running, and climbing) and I am currently learning to surf!
Mohammad Rafi Sadat
This is Rafi from Kabul, Afghanistan. At the age of sixteen, I became deeply concerned about the alarming extent of damage humans cause to nature and ecosystems. This led me to pursue my undergraduate studies in Environmental Sciences at Kabul University. During my undergraduate studies, I realized the crucial impact of forests on our environment. And on a trip to Turkey, I had the chance to become more involved with forests and was fascinated by their natural beauty and function. This inspired me to pursue my graduate studies in forest science at Padua University. From there, I became excited about the TRANSFOR-M program, and I am confident that this unique opportunity at UBC will provide me with the knowledge required for a master’s degree in forestry. With my background in Environmental Science and Forestry, I have developed a keen interest in the impact of climate change on natural resource management. At UBC, I aim to focus more deeply on the effects of climate change on forest ecosystems and community-based forest management. Alongside my academic pursuits, I would like to participate in extracurricular activities and volunteer work. Additionally, in my spare time, I enjoy reading, traveling, playing football, and hiking.
Cristina Jorquera Sanchez
I am Cristina and I was born in Madrid, Spain, where I have lived for most of my life. I studied Natural Resources Engineering at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and I spent an Erasmus semester at the Technische Universität Dresden studying Tropical Forestry. I have done an internship in a research group related to remote sensing, Geoqubidy. This last academic year, I spent three months living in Dandé, Senegal, doing a cooperation project as part of my bachelor’s thesis. I like very much reading, hiking, climbing and dancing. I decided to come to UBC as part of the TRANSFORM program because I think it could give me a very international view of how forestry is practiced in different countries. My aim is to work in international forestry organizations that specialize in working with local communities.
Jonas Sanders
I have lived my whole life in Calgary, Alberta, spending most weekends out at my grandparents’ farm near Cremona, Alberta. I studied ecology at the University of Calgary, graduating in 2024. My work experience includes growing native plants for use in mine site reclamation, acting as a technician in a lab studying ecosystem dynamics in protist microcosms and outreach for a conservation non-profit. I love hiking in the Rocky Mountains, as well as the prairies and badlands of Alberta. I also enjoy cycling and kayaking. I decided to pursue a Masters’ program through the UBC Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship because conservation of the natural world is of great importance to me. The TRANSFOR-M program allows me to study conservation methods in different parts of the world, giving a more versatile set of ideas and skills. I look forward to beginning my studies in Bangor, Wales this fall.
Sabal Sharma
Hi all! My name is Sabal, and I come from the southern lowlands of Nepal,from a district called Bara. I completed my bachelor’s degree in Forestry at Tribhuvan University, Nepal. During my undergraduate studies, I was actively involved in projects focusing on biodiversity, forest structure and cover, and forest monitoring using UAVs.Currently, I am pursuing master’s degree in Forest Science at the University of Padova in Italy. As part of the TRANSFOR-M program, I will be spending the second year of my master’s at the UBC. I’m particularly drawn to the program’s emphasis on exploring forestry practices in both Europe and Canada. This dual perspective offers a valuable opportunity to understand the cultural, economic, and ecological dimensions of natural resource management that I believe is crucial for developing sustainable, context-sensitive solutions. My academic interests lie in forest measurement, modelling, and quantification and I look forward to deepening my knowledge and engaging in research in these areas during my time at UBC. Outside of academics, I enjoy playing the guitar, hiking, traveling, and playing various sports.
Cèilidh Smith
Hello! My name is Cèilidh and I’m from Abbotsford, BC, Canada. I graduated in May 2024 from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Conservation, Major in Global Perspectives. During my undergrad, I worked as a field research assistant for the UBC Tree Ring Lab, where I got to travel across the British Columbia Interior and study wildfire risk assessment/management, dendrochronology, Indigenous fire chronologies, and plant phenology. I studied abroad throughout my degree in Hawaii, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. I also completed a research Directed Studies during the final year of my undergrad, where I worked in collaboration with UBC and Mission Community Forest to create a climate change vulnerability and adaptation plan for the city of Mission, BC, Canada. With this project, I had the amazing opportunity to represent my research team and present our work at the European Forum on Urban Forestry in Zagreb, Croatia in May 2024. I have chosen TRANSFOR-M as it allows me to pursue my interests in urban forestry, nature-oriented climate solutions, and community engagement with hands-on, international experiences. I plan on using my dual degrees, from UBC and SLU, to forge a career for myself in community and urban forestry.
Kailey Strachan
Hello everyone! My name is Kailey and I grew up on Vancouver Island. My weekends are mostly spent exploring new places around the island and dragging my friends out on adventures. I graduated from UVic in 2024 with a BSc in Forest Biology. During my undergrad, I worked in a provincial park and as a research assistant, raising and breeding ferns in a fern reproduction lab. Growing ferns and working in a greenhouse is what led me to my current job raising tree seedlings for reforestation efforts with Western Forest Products. The TRANSFOR-M program stood out to me as I can combine my interests in research and technical forestry through the Forest Science program at the University of Padova in Italy and Forestry at UBC. In my spare time, my hobbies include running, hiking, and camping.
Matthew Tennant
Hey everyone, my name is Matthew Tennant, and I grew up in Oshawa, an hour east of Toronto, Ontario. Spending my childhood between the agricultural outer GTA and my cottage located on the Canadian shield meant a visible separation between agricultural and forestry land uses, down to the reclaimed pastures that my grandfather had replanted with red pine by hand when taking over the property. It wasn’t until I was completing my undergraduate degree at Carleton University in environmental science with a focus on ecology, biodiversity and conservation that I began learning about combining both land uses through agroforestry. Once I heard about the trans-Atlantic forestry masters (TRANSFOR-M) program, it seemed like the logical next step to deepen this learning, pairing world-class education about agroforestry systems provided by Bangor University in Wales with Canada-specific forestry education at the University of British Columbia.
Supplementing my education with crucial hands-on experience, I have also had the amazing opportunity to work hands-on with a range of educational, agricultural and urban forestry non-profits. Outside of school I am an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hiking, camping, kayaking, and skiing. When the weather is not as pleasant, I also enjoy reading or watching hockey.
Sally Thompson
Hi, my name is Sally and I grew up in Juneau, Alaska, and graduated with a degree in Biology from the University of Oregon. The most impactful moments in my childhood were exploring the coastline of Southeast Alaska on my uncle’s boat, and his experience as a commercial fisherman inspired my interest in natural resource management. While at Oregon, I conducted a literature review of Indigenous fire stewardship in the Pacific Northwest with the Ecosystem Workforce Program. This experience piqued my interest in land management practices and fire ecology, which led me to the Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory in Missoula, Montana. There I conducted fire ecology fieldwork for two summers and found myself enjoying the forestry aspect of our work. I would like to return to Alaska to work in forest management, and was drawn to the TRANSFOR-M program because of the opportunity to study forestry practices across countries and in ecosystems similar to Alaska. In my free time I like to hike, ski and read. I am excited to be studying at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Umeå, Sweden, this fall.
Jaroslav Volek
Hello! My name is Jaroslav, and I grew up in the countryside in central Czechia. I earned my undergrad in Forest Ecosystem Protection and Silviculture at the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague. My academic journey has been shaped by international experiences. During my bachelor’s studies, I participated in summer programs in India and North America alongside a semester-long exchange at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. After finishing my undergrad, I came back to Sweden to take part in the EUROFORESTER master’s program. All these opportunities expanded my understanding of global forestry issues and sparked a particular interest in wildfire ecology and management. I have been involved in several wildfire research projects which involved studying fire behaviour, post-fire forest regeneration, and tree growth responses after undergoing prescribed burns. I am now eager to build on this foundation through the TRANSFOR-M program. I believe its international nature aligns perfectly with my goals and values. I am excited to collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds to address the complex environmental challenges our forests face today.
Yingchen Xiang
Hi, my name is Yingchen Xiang! I grew up in Huzhou, China. I graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Conservation, Major in Science & Management. During my undergraduate studies, I developed an interest in wildlife conservation, so I chose to join TRANSFOR-M to explore this interest further. I am excited to start my MSc with a major in biology at SLU in the Conservation and Management of Fish and Wildlife program this September. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, biking, painting and reading. I also interested in doing wildlife observation, it’s an exciting thing for me to see those lively creatures.
