Current Students
Benedicta Antwi Boasiako
I am from Techiman, located in the Bono East Region of Ghana. I pursued my undergraduate studies in Geomatic Engineering at the University of Mines and Technology. Following my graduation, I gained valuable experience working as a service personnel at a mining company in Ghana. Shortly after completing my national service, I was presented with the exciting opportunity to continue my studies at the University of British Columbia, where I am now enrolled in a Master of Geomatics for Environmental Management program. I have a deep passion for understanding our universe and spend much of my free time reading about its various mysteries. This interest in the earth and its systems has driven me to further my education in this field. I am particularly focused on the sustainable management of our planet’s resources and believe that advanced studies in Geomatics will equip me with the necessary skills to contribute meaningfully to this cause. My professional aspiration is to become a leading geodesist, developing innovative methods for the effective management and conservation of our globe. Through my studies at UBC, I aim to gain the expertise required to advance in this field and make significant contributions to the sustainable management of our Earth’s resources.
Kelvin Boateng
I am Kelvin Boateng, from the Ashanti Region of Ghana. I studied geomatic engineering at the University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa, Ghana. I worked as an assistant surveyor and a drone pilot assistant during my national service at A-M Surveys Limited. Currently, I am a geomatic engineer at Point Engineering, utilizing surveying instruments including GPS, level instruments, and total stations for most survey works in construction and topographic surveys. Before applying to UBC, I had just finished national service and was seeking opportunities. As a geomatic engineer with an interest in GIS, photogrammetry, and remote sensing, I love to create maps, contribute to open street maps, do research, and also like watching football. To gain much experience and skills in geospatial analysis, I chose to further my education with the goal of gaining a comprehensive understanding of geospatial technologies, developing proficiency in utilising geospatial tools, and interpreting spatial data, and I believe MGEM would help me achieve these. I would like to research areas of climate change, land cover changes, and any geospatial research tasks given by lecturers in the department.
Nathan Heuver
I am from Strathmore, Alberta, where I grew up in a farming family. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Victoria, majoring in Biology while focusing my study on ecology. I am thrilled to begin the MGEM program to deepen my understanding of GIS and geomatics. By working positions in agriculture and golf, I have seen firsthand how GIS can be used to address real-world issues. Travel has always been a passion of mine. After graduating from UVic, I took the opportunity to experience South America, Europe, and Australia. In my free time, my hobbies include birding and running. You can likely find me at the local park with my binoculars or on a run training for my next marathon when not in class. My love for nature and the outdoors drives my academic pursuits and hobbies, and I am excited to bring this passion to the MGEM program.
Xiaoyuan (Athena) Huang
I was born in China, but went to the US to study for all of high school and university. I have had three internships and am free-lancing in all things English-related before I came to UBC. In my free time, I love to play some computer games, go out to social dance salsa and bachata, travel, and I have recently gotten into diving. I decided to take my masters degree because I have saved up enough money, and I feel that it’s time to open up a new chapter in my life, and I have decided that I want to take an environmental approach because I think it is worth saving and monitoring. I hope that I can work in the environmental sector and on the ground to reduce the impact of climate change and find ways to increase resilience within an ecosystem.
Isaac Kuugaayeng
II am from Jirapa, Ghana. I graduated from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology where I studied Bachelor of Science in Land Economy, a program which has the subtitles; environment, economics, and law. After my undergraduate studies, the Department of Land Economy, KNUST retained me to work as a Teaching and Research Assistant for the 2023/2024 academic year. But before I worked as a Teaching and Research Assistant, I had the opportunity to intern with the German Development Cooperation on the Resilience Against Climate Change Project which seeks to address the impacts of climate change on agriculture in the Northern part of Ghana to improve food security. During the internship, I worked as a Junior Technical Advisor in the IT unit and contributed in the development of a digital library, a crucial resource for disseminating knowledge on climate resilience and adaptation strategies. With over 8 billion people on Earth, our daily activities have a significant impact on the environment. I believe the MGEM program will equip me with the skills needed to monitor the damages and stressors on the environment and produce high-quality data to inform policies that will sustainably mitigate the pressing environmental challenges the world faces.
Tuochen (Michael) Li
I was born and raised in China and came to Canada when I was 13. I graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Arts in Geography (Environment & Sustainability). Previously, I worked with a team of engineers on an innovative green electrical substation. My interest in Geomatics, especially GIS, started during the early years of my undergraduate studies, where I acquired basic geo-processing skills and utilized them in a subsequent internship. My research interest in Geomatics focuses on two aspects: enhancing the utilization of geospatial technologies for Indigenous-centered and place-based purposes, as well as using GIS to improve the status quo of societally marginalized groups. In particular, I would like to thank the Haida Gwaii Institute for delivering high-quality courses based on Indigenous perspectives, of which I fortunately took four of them. Now, I hope to take the MGEM to further my technical skills and learn more about environmental management. I’m looking forward to joining my talented peers on this journey!
Xinran Li
I come from Jinan, a city in China famous especially for its spring water. During my undergraduate studies in the Honours Bachelor of Environmental Studies program at the University of Waterloo, I pursued a major in Planning and dual specialization in Decision Support and Geographical Information Systems as well as Land Development Planning. In my previous work experience, I worked as a traffic student with the Region of Peel and as a GIS technician with the City of Mississauga. Throughout my previous academic and professional endeavours, I have cultivated a strong interest in environmental management and geomatics, which I aspire to build on by studying in the Master of Geomatics for Environmental Management program. Here, I aim to focus my education on exploring the intricate relationship between human activities and the environment, as well as methods for mitigating the impact of urban development on natural ecosystems. Notably, I possess an immense passion for leveraging geographic information systems and geospatial data to solve environmental and urban planning challenges, skills I intend to refine through immersion in the MGEM program and its exceptional and comprehensive curriculum.
Jiahui Lian
I am from Fuzhou, China, and my passion lies in capturing the beauty of nature through photography. Fueled by a profound love for nature, my academic journey in ecology started at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University. My undergraduate study in Natural Resource Conservation at UBC nurtured my deep appreciation and understanding of forests and their interconnected ecosystems. Practical fieldwork in alpine, grassland, and aquatic ecosystems complemented my theoretical knowledge, providing hands-on experience and exposing me to real-world challenges beyond textbooks. Pursuing the Master of Environmental Science and Management program at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, I gained valuable insights into the crucial role of geospatial data analysis and visualization in environmental initiatives. Through my independent project and involvement as a student helper, where I focused on visualizing marine vessel air pollutant emissions, I refined my skills in environmental data presentation, front-end development, and programming languages. This experience sparked my interest in exploring the interdisciplinary field, particularly in the context of wildfire dynamics. In the MGEM program, I aim to further explore the art of storytelling through data analysis and visualization. I actively seek opportunities where diverse fields intersect, as I firmly believe that these intersections hold the potential for groundbreaking solutions to the environmental challenges we face today. I hope the multidisciplinary interactions in the MGEM program will inspire innovative ideas for my research and catalyze my career progression.
Wenfan Lin
Hailing from Guangzhou, China, I bring a strong mathematical foundation from my studies at UBC. Prior to UBC, I actively honed my software development, data analysis, and machine learning skills through projects like developing AR optical cross-connection box recognition code. My passion for bridging the gap between mathematics and forestry drives my pursuit of the MGEM program. I’m particularly intrigued by GIS’s potential to address environmental challenges and enhance resource management practices. Looking ahead, I aspire to leverage my combined background in mathematics, technology, and GIS expertise to secure a position where I can contribute to innovative solutions for environmental management and sustainability.
Xiaolu Liu
I come from Anhui, a place with many mountains. I studied undergraduate in ubc forestry before. I usually like to go hiking or digging wild vegetables. I study MGEM because I want to understand the environment and forests I love in a more scientific way.
Max Lorsignol
I moved to Edmonton, Alberta from the US when I was 7 years old. My parents are both from Europe and have long since moved back to France. My love for Canadian glacier fed lakes, steep granite peaks and untouched wilderness kept me moving west, eventually reaching the Pacific Northwest. I studied Environmental Science at UBC Okanagan after transferring from the University of Alberta. Travelling solo after my undergrad in a self-converted camper van brought me further west, and after soaking in the sights of interior British Columbia, I ended up in Vancouver for a field technician work in aquatic surveying. Four solid years after, I decided that my time with the company was over and my intellectual desires reigned, tempting me to start a Masters in some sort of scientific and environmental setting. Careful research in programs across Canada brought me to the MGEM Masters program at UBC. I hope that the materials taught at MGEM will improve my chances in contributing to a better tomorrow. My academic interests lie with localizing food systems and reducing food as well as increasing usable, green urban space in metropolitan zones. My personal interests include rock climbing in all forms, surfing and backcountry skiing, foraging, reading and spending time with friends and family.
Eron Macartney
Growing up in La Conner, WA, nestled amidst the waters and forests of the Pacific Northwest, instilled a deep love for the environment in me. Western Washington University (WWU) in Bellingham provided the perfect springboard, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with a minor in Marine Biology. My passion for aquatic ecosystems led me to work with the US and Washington Departments of Fish and Wildlife, studying and protecting salmon populations. It was here that I discovered the power of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for mapping spawning grounds across Western Washington. This experience sparked a new career direction, and the MGEM program at UBC perfectly aligns with my aspirations to leverage geospatial technologies for environmental conservation. Beyond academics, I find joy in exploring the outdoors through hiking, pickleball, fishing, and golfing. I also cherish spending time with friends. I’m incredibly enthusiastic about joining the inspiring MGEM cohort and collaborating to refine our geomatics skills together.
Jinxin Mao
I grew up in Beijing, China. Recently, I finished my undergraduate studies in the Environmental Biology program at McGill University. Choosing applied ecology as my specialization, I have worked on ecology, GIS, modeling, environmental management, and field studies in many projects. Through my study experience, I was fascinated with the power of geomatics in helping solve environmental issues such as flooding prediction. Hence, I would like to delve into the area of geomatics and learn more from the MGEM program at UBC. I am eager to contribute my knowledge to better protect and manage our environment.
Daisy Mboya
Nairobi, has been my home since birth. Nestled amidst rolling plains and overlooked by the majestic Ngong Hills, it’s a city that pulses with a vibrant energy. After completing a Bachelor of Science in Geospatial Engineering at the University of Nairobi, I embarked on a fulfilling career as a cartographer with the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning. My days were spent meticulously mapping landscapes, a process that ignited a passion for spatial data. Prior to joining UBC, I was heavily involved in projects that surveyed and mapped potential areas and people to be connected to the national electricity grid. This experience solidified my desire to leverage geospatial information for positive social impact. While my evenings were filled with the delightful dance of spices as I explored my love for cooking, my mind yearned for more. A Master’s degree, I realized, was the key to unlocking the next level of my career. Driven by a deep concern for our environment, I aspire to become a leading environmental data analyst. By wielding the power of GIS and data analysis, I aim to develop efficient methods for collecting, analyzing, and communicating environmental data. My ultimate goal? To be at the forefront of conservation efforts, using the power of information to safeguard our planet’s precious ecosystems.
Johic Olivier Mes
I grew up in Ottawa and chose to pursue a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering at uOttawa. What no one told me was how domain-agnostic that field could truly be. I never would have guessed that it could open doors that would take me all the way to Iceland to work with prosthetics, into the cutting-edge world of high-tech hardware design, or even to the Public Health Agency of Canada in the midst of a pandemic. I quickly discovered that no matter what realm of work I was in, the goal was always to answer a question or solve a problem. What I had never asked myself was, what kind of problems do I want to solve? Enter the MGEM at UBC, a program where my love for the outdoors, maps, and tech finally unite to answer real, tangible environmental questions. I look forward to deepening my knowledge of geospatial sciences and leveraging my programming skills to refocus my career in the realm of environmental conservation or restoration. Like the kids say these days, my current career never lets me “touch grass”. I’m on a mission to change that. Outside of the academic and professional world, you can probably find me restoring 70s or 80s audio gear while jamming to some music, out on a hike, playing basketball, or trying something new!
Hieu Chi Phung
Hello! I’m Hieu Phung from Hanoi, Vietnam. I earned my BSc in Energy and Environmental Engineering and my MSc in Environmental Engineering from Tampere University in Finland. My studies have provided me with a robust foundation in sustainable energy solutions and environmental management. In my free time, I enjoy playing badminton, practicing the piano, and challenging myself with chess. These activities help me stay balanced and inspire innovative thinking in my professional work. I’ve decided to pursue a Master of Geomatics for Environmental Management at UBC to enhance my skills in using geospatial technologies for environmental solutions. My goal is to become an environmental consultant or researcher, developing strategies that leverage geomatics to address environmental challenges effectively. I am excited to collaborate with the talented faculty and diverse student community at UBC, and I look forward to contributing to advancements in environmental management.
Sadie Russell
I grew up in the heart of East Vancouver, but found myself at home in BC’s expansive wilderness. Before attending UBC, I completed an Honours BSc in Environmental Science at Dalhousie University with a focus in Statistics. As an undergraduate, I worked as a teaching assistant and taught foundations of environmental science and field school in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. Additionally, I interned at The Discovery Centre in Halifax developing education materials on coastal climate change for primary and secondary schools. Teaching students of all ages has solidified my love of facilitating connections between the environment and students of all backgrounds. For my own research, I am especially interested in species distribution and disturbance ecology in Western Canada, as well as using scientific analysis to amplify the voices of communities facing environmental injustices. I chose the MGEM program to follow my passion of developing skill sets which can be applied to a variety of topics allowing me to continually explore new interests through the lens of a statistician. Beyond academia, I enjoy crafting, cooking, and biking, as well as any outdoor activities that bring me closer to nature. I am excited to be returning to the west coast and to hike, ski, and kayak, my way through the mountains again!
Beatrice Somuah
My name is Beatrice Somuah, and I hail from Nkawkaw in the Eastern Region of Ghana. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from the University of Education, Winneba, where I also served as a Teaching and Research Assistant in the Department of Geography. Additionally, I worked as an Administrative Assistant at the Office of the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences Education. My diverse experience includes internships at the Physical Planning Department in the Kwahu West Municipal Assembly, and Constromart Africa, an engineering consultancy, where I assisted the Senior Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialist and the Senior Environmental Analyst in delivering efficiently on projects. I am passionate about environmental management, conservation, and harnessing geospatial technology to promote environmental sustainability. Creative at heart, I enjoy singing, adventure, and writing. My published poems is on Short Stories 101, and I am currently working on a story titled “Dear You.” I also demonstrated my creativity and communication skills as I hosted a Sustainable Development Goal radio program on Radio Windybay, the on-campus radio station for the University of Education, Winneba during my undergraduate days. Pursuing a master’s degree in Master of Geomatics for Environmental Management, I aim to become a GIS specialist and lecturer, leveraging my expertise to protect natural resources and promote sustainable development. With my unique blend of skills, passion, and dedication, I am poised to make a meaningful impact in this field.
Brook Tessema
Born and raised in Addis Ababa, I pursued Environmental Studies at York University in Toronto, earning a certificate in GIS and Remote Sensing. My professional journey led me to the Climate Risk Institute, a not-for-profit, academically affiliated research organization. There, I engaged with diverse stakeholder groups to advance climate resiliency through research, vulnerability and risk assessments, knowledge sharing, and capacity building. Toronto has been my home for the past seven years, where I enjoyed exploring pockets of nature in the city as well as the diverse and multicultural community and food scene. I also enjoy traveling, playing football (soccer), and exploring the outdoors. I am pursuing the MGEM program at UBC to deepen my understanding of geomatics concepts and tools, develop new technical and analytical skills, and enhance my qualifications for a career in environmental and resource management. My professional aspiration is to work in an organization where I can leverage both technical and soft skills to tackle resource management challenges and promote sustainability. I am particularly passionate about using my expertise to address challenges in emerging economies, which are at the forefront of climate change impacts.
Emma Tolson
I am from southwest Nova Scotia/Kespukwitk and received my degree in Environmental Science from Dalhousie University in Halifax. I have worked in historical, cultural, and nature-based interpretation with Parks Canada for many years now. In my free time I love to cook for friends, do yoga, and facetime my family’s cats. I decided to take this Master’s program because I know that it will help me reach my goals and aid my interest in furthering the sustainable management of natural resources through the lens of community-led conservation.
Darcy Turin
I was born in New Mexico, USA where I grew up hiking, camping, and river running. I graduated from UBC with a bachelor’s degree in International Relations in 2021. My background in and passion for international relations has deepened my understanding of global sustainable development, especially as it intersects with the climate crisis. I am particularly interested in how mass migrations impact environments. During university, I interned as an imagery analyst at the Department of Defense. Since graduation, I have worked as a backpacking guide and leadership instructor in Colorado, as a legal assistant at a small law firm in Vancouver, and spent time farming and sailing with my family. I aim to leverage skills and knowledge from MGEM to pursue a career in disaster planning, mitigation, and relief, contributing to environmentally responsible and humane solutions. I am excited to be part of MGEM where I will further my technical understanding of geomatics and make connections with others with similar interests. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, knitting, and spending time with my dog.
Nan Wang
Hi, this is Nan, originally from Nanjing China and I currently live in Vancouver. I graduated from UBC Forestry in 2021, and started working in forestry in BC as a GIS worker afterwards until now, it’s a career I love and had decided to take it further by joining MGEM. I like snowboarding, swimming and sometimes camping, and I look forward to meeting y’all.
Yufei Yang
Hello. My name is Yufei Yang. I’m from Nanyang, China. I finished my undergraduate study in Forest Resources Management at UBC last year and decided to learn more about mapping and GIS through MGEM after one year gap. I hope I can improve my ability on interpreting environmental monitoring data and skills on diving deeper into spatial and statistical analyses through MGEM. In my free time, I love playing softball, reading science fiction novels, and sleeping.
Jia Lu (Daniella) Zhang
My name is Daniella and I grew up in Maple Ridge, BC, just outside the gates of the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest. Growing up close to nature led me to study Urban Forestry during my undergrad at UBC, where I minored in landscape and recreation planning. Through participating in the forestry co-op program, I worked as a forest technician for a community forest, initiated a climate vulnerability research project, and engaged in wildfire resiliency planning for two municipalities within the lower mainland. I am passionate about climate change adaptation in urban areas, particularly in the context of wildfire management and flood mitigation. Through MGEM, I hope to broaden my skillset by gaining new technical skills to address climate vulnerability issues across large and small scales, resulting in pragmatic management outcomes. In terms of research, I am interested in harnessing the power of drone technologies to provide real-time data feedback to reduce response times for wildfire suppression. During my free time, I enjoy hiking, running outdoors, travelling, and playing Geoguessr with friends 😊
Dongping (Tyler) Zhang
I graduated from the University of Victoria in 2021 where I studied Earth and Ocean Science and became a Registered Geoscientist-in-Training with Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia. I had two co-op experience at Fisheries and Oceans Canada as a Research Assistant, where I processed fisheries acoustics data and ocean water property data to provided analysis, visualizations for studies on salmon migration and environmental ecology. After graduation, I worked as an infrastructure data analyst and software developer for three years. My work involved developing software for spatial data visualizations and creating reports based on field-collected data from various assets, including trunk sewers, lakes, and hydro dams. Outside of my professional work, I have a strong interest in basketball and traveling. I decided to join the MGEM program at UBC to deepen my expertise in GIS and spatial data analysis. I believe the combination of geomatics and software coding has the potential to achieve great things.a clear path of mitigating climate change issues and sustainable natural resources qualitatively and analytically.
Si Ming Zheng
Hello! My name is Si Ming, I’m a returning forestry student from the Natural Resource Conservation program. Currently, I’m working as a fulltime documentary filmmaker over the summer, but I’m excited to see everyone in class soon!
