Oyinkansola Happiness Akinade
Oyinkansola, from Nigeria, holds a First-Class Honours degree in Forestry from the University of Ibadan. Her academic interests include valuing natural capital, sustainable forest management, and the impacts of climate change on ecological systems. Her undergraduate research examined climate-induced distribution shifts of the Meliaceae family in Nigeria to support conservation planning. She founded the GreeniePlus Network, a youth-led nonprofit promoting environmental education and climate action across Africa. Oyinkansola has also completed externships with Greenpeace USA and the National Geographic Society. She is committed to amplifying the voices of communities disproportionately affected by environmental degradation and is motivated to develop solutions that combine research and grassroots action. At UBC, she aims to collaborate with peers and experts to shape innovative approaches to sustainable forestry, contributing to a more just and resilient future.
Zan Sohail Aslam
Zan, a Pakistani-Canadian, has lived in Pakistan, Texas, and Ontario. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Bio-Resource Management from the University of Guelph, where he majored in Environmental Management and minored in Sustainable Business. His professional experience includes reviewing environmental impact assessments, conducting ecological surveys, and supporting projects with the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and United Nations through Hagler Bailly Pakistan. He has also worked with West Coast BioGreen and Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority. Following graduation, Zan joined UNDP as a Junior Environment and Gender Consultant for the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood II project, where he advised on key documents with a focus on inclusivity. Most recently, he worked as a Medical Services Coordinator with Dr. Arshad Health Associates. Through the MIF program, Zan hopes to integrate forestry knowledge into climate adaptation and rehabilitation projects in developing countries, with a long-term goal of shaping inclusive, community-driven policy.
Nathan Allen Brady
Nathan, from Vancouver, BC, spent part of his childhood in Indonesia, where exposure to tropical forests shaped his interest in sustainability. He holds a B.Sc. in Forest Resource Management from UBC. After graduation, he worked on Vancouver Island with a forestry consultant, gaining experience in silviculture, wildfire response, and drone piloting. In 2023, he joined an environmental compliance consulting firm in Vancouver, supporting regulatory monitoring programs and developing data systems for large-scale infrastructure and restoration projects. His work integrated field data with management objectives to improve oversight and compliance. Nathan is pursuing the MIF program to bridge technical field skills with global forestry governance and trade perspectives. He is particularly interested in how certification systems and international frameworks can support sustainable industry practices. His goal is to advise organizations on meeting sustainability targets through certification, data-driven decision-making, and accountability.
Peter Mulamba Bulimo
Peter, from Kakamega, Kenya, holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Kenyatta University and a postgraduate certificate in Tropical Forest Landscape Conservation, Restoration, and Sustainable Use from Yale. He co-led Youth4Nature’s INUKA Afrika project, a youth-led initiative supporting nature-based solutions across Africa. Currently, he serves as a Program Assistant at CoalitionWILD, a global youth program under the WILD Foundation, where he supports capacity development for conservation leaders. His interests focus on the role of sustainable forestry value chains in improving rural livelihoods while preserving biodiversity and ecosystem function in the Global South. At UBC, Peter aims to strengthen his expertise in international forestry to contribute to policy and practice in sustainable landscapes. Beyond work, he co-hosts the T.U.A. Podcast, which explores global issues affecting Africa. His long-term goal is to advance forestry initiatives that balance community well-being with environmental integrity.
Daniel Kang Loke Choo
Daniel, from Singapore, holds a BA (Hons) in Geography from King’s College London. His studies focused on environmental systems and the trade-offs in resource management. Before university, he served as an officer in the Republic of Singapore Air Force, where he developed leadership and planning skills that continue to guide his professional outlook. Daniel joined the MIF program to merge academic knowledge with applied expertise in sustainability, governance, and policy. He is particularly interested in interdisciplinary approaches to climate action and equitable resource management, and in how science-based strategies can inform sustainable policies. At UBC, Daniel aims to build skills in forestry governance and international policy to help safeguard ecosystems while addressing community needs. His long-term aspiration is to design resource management strategies that promote ecological integrity and resilience in the face of climate change.
Ivan Egirait
Ivan is from Katakwi District in Northeastern Uganda. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation from Uganda Management Institute. He has worked as a Research Assistant with Atonte Cordial Group, supporting sustainable land management studies and leading community outreach on environmental and health issues. Ivan also served as a Data Management Assistant at Mbale Clinical Research Institute, where he gained experience in research and information systems. Beyond professional roles, he has led the Plant Trees for Education initiative, which links reforestation with school support in underserved communities. His interests lie in community development, equity, and conservation. Ivan joined the MIF program to strengthen his understanding of sustainable forestry governance and policy. His goal is to expand community-led reforestation programs that both restore ecosystems and improve livelihoods. He is motivated to help design inclusive forestry policies that ensure shared benefits for people and nature.
Precious Femi Eugene
Precious is from Anambra State, Nigeria, and holds a degree in Forestry and Wood Technology from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, where he graduated as the top student in his department. He interned at the Ministry of Natural Resources in Ondo State, where he helped manage and plant over 1,500 teak seedlings for a reclamation project. He also volunteers with Edenworld Initiative, an organization focused on environmental advocacy and sustainable solutions to issues such as climate change, food security, and deforestation. Through these experiences, he developed a strong interest in advancing socially inclusive and environmentally viable approaches to forestry. Precious hopes to build a career as a forest advisor, contributing innovative strategies that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He looks forward to using the MIF program to collaborate with global organizations and support the evolution of forestry in Africa and beyond.
Zichang Ge
Zichang, from China, holds a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Conservation from the University of British Columbia. Growing up in a coastal city, she developed a strong interest in coastal natural resource planning. Professionally, she interned with the Bureau of Natural Resources and Planning, where she contributed to the establishment of an urban wildlife reserve. She investigated seabird–human conflicts in coastal parks and led an initiative to control tourists feeding wildlife. She has extensive field experience, from BC’s Cheakamus River basin to Changbai Mountain on the China-North Korea border. Through the MIF program, she seeks to integrate her field-based monitoring skills with global forest policy and aims to advise organizations on natural resource projects that advance sustainability goals.
Anna Hickey
Anna, originally from Sudbury, Ontario, holds an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science from the University of Ottawa, specializing in conservation and biodiversity. She has worked as an educator in science summer camps, where she encouraged curiosity and enthusiasm for the natural sciences. Anna’s interests focus on restoration and conservation solutions developed in partnership with Indigenous communities. She joined the MIF program to gain experience in leading meaningful conservation projects that integrate ecological and social perspectives. She is eager to apply her training to restoration and policy initiatives that support sustainable land management. Outside academics, Anna enjoys hiking and spending time by the water, activities that reinforce her connection to natural landscapes. She looks forward to learning from her peers in the program and contributing to effective and ethical forest policy.
Xiutong (Tony) Jiang
Tony is originally from Hangzhou, China, and spent much of his adolescence in Vancouver, Canada. He studied Urban Forestry at UBC, where he developed an interest in sustainable urban development and green equity. He has worked with the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, supporting local constituents, and contributed to research on sustainable transportation to parks, urban heat, and access to green spaces. Beyond academics, Tony has held leadership roles on the UBC Senate, the Forestry Undergraduate Society, and the Rotary youth committee, and he will serve as president of the local Rotaract Club. His interests lie in connecting community engagement with sustainable planning practices. Through the MIF program, Tony hopes to integrate local urban forestry experience into broader international frameworks of sustainability and governance, contributing to planning approaches that are both globally informed and locally grounded.
Ndey Amie Jobe
Ndey, from Bakoteh Layout, The Gambia, holds a bachelor’s degree in Global Challenges with a focus on Environment and Biodiversity Conservation from the African Leadership University in Kigali, Rwanda. She worked as a Research Intern with the ALU School of Wildlife Conservation, contributing to studies on the wildlife economy. She later served as a Nutrition and Dietary Diversity Officer at Shelter for Life International, supporting education programs across rural Gambian communities. As a Volunteer Liaison Associate with CorpsAfrica/Gambia, she supervised volunteers implementing community-driven projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. She is also the founder of EmpowerHer GM, an initiative empowering smallholder women farmers through sustainable agriculture and agroforestry. At UBC, Ndey aims to strengthen her capacity in forestry and agroforestry policy to advance inclusive conservation strategies. Her long-term vision is to elevate women’s leadership in forestry policy-making, fostering equitable approaches to sustainable development.
Cassandra North (Cassie) Joli-Coeur
Cassie Joli-Coeur grew up in Johnstown, Ontario and earned her undergraduate degree in Environment and Society with an interdisciplinary minor in Sustainability from McMaster University. Over the course of her university career she competed for McMaster’s varsity basketball team and worked for Parks Canada as well as the Canadian Museum of History. Cassie loves travelling and is passionate about sustainable development and conservation. She hopes her work will contribute to aiding in planning and implementing measures for a more sustainable future.
Yaoling (Bear) Lian
Yaoling (Bear), is from Guizhou, China. She holds a B.Sc. in Forestry from UBC, where she majored in Forest Operations and minored in Commerce. After graduation, she worked with the Forestry and Grassland Administration in her hometown, contributing to forest planning projects across Guizhou. Traveling through diverse landscapes exposed her to forest structures and species compositions different from those she encountered during her undergraduate fieldwork, broadening her perspective on forest management. Bear’s experiences highlighted the importance of global approaches to forestry challenges, motivating her to pursue the MIF program. She aims to strengthen her understanding of international forestry governance, trade, and certification systems while learning from peers worldwide. Her long-term goal is to contribute to sustainable forest management practices that reflect both local realities and global priorities.
Lehang Ma
Lehang is from Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China. He completed his undergraduate studies at Beijing Forestry University and the University of British Columbia, where he studied Forest Science. His academic background introduced him to forestry from both Chinese and Canadian perspectives, sparking his interest in global forest governance. Lehang’s studies focused on silviculture, ecosystem dynamics, and the impacts of international trade on forest resources. Through the MIF program, he hopes to build on this foundation to better understand the role of forestry in addressing environmental challenges such as deforestation and climate change. He aims to connect forestry research with practical applications in sustainable resource management and policy. Lehang looks forward to collaborating with peers and faculty to gain a broader perspective on global forestry and to contribute to innovative solutions that balance ecological integrity with economic and social needs.
Keith Onundo May
Keith, from Kisumu, Kenya, is the co-founder of Evamor Africa, a grassroots initiative promoting sustainable natural resource use through youth- and women-led solutions. He holds a First-Class Honours degree in Natural Resource Management from Chuka University, where he managed the university’s greening campaign that planted over 500,000 tree seedlings. His undergraduate research on community-led dryland forest management was published in the International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Bioresearch. Keith has volunteered with the Kenya Red Cross Society, supporting drought response programs, and led youth-driven conservation work in Kakamega Forest. As Lead Data Analyst at E-Safiri, he contributed to building Kenya’s first solar-powered charging station for electric vehicles. Keith’s interests lie at the intersection of forestry, renewable energy, and inclusive development. At UBC, he hopes to expand his expertise in governance and Indigenous forestry to scale conservation initiatives that address climate change and food security in Africa.
Anwulika Emmanuella Mordi
Anwulika, from Nigeria’s Niger Delta, holds a First-Class Honours degree in Global Challenges from the African Leadership University, where she focused on sustainable agriculture and natural resource management. Her undergraduate capstone research on hydroponics in Rwanda strengthened her interest in resilient food systems. She has served as Rapporteur at the Africa Health Agenda International Conference, documenting climate-health discussions, and at the AfricAI Conference, where she highlighted AI’s role in sustainable development. Anwulika has also spoken on biodiversity and gender-climate intersections in international forums. Growing up amid environmental degradation and unsustainable farming practices motivated her to seek solutions that balance rural livelihoods with conservation. At UBC, she aims to connect forestry and rural development while empowering Nigerian women to lead in sustainable land management. She is also a Mastercard Foundation Scholar, committed to using her academic journey to advance equitable and sustainable development.
Foluso Ojo
Foluso, from Osun State, Nigeria, holds a First-Class Honours degree in Agricultural Extension and Communication Technology from the Federal University of Technology, Akure. He has worked as a Research and Teaching Assistant at the University of Ilorin, supporting agricultural research and mentoring students. Foluso has volunteered as a Sustainable Development Advocate, organizing youth-focused campaigns on climate awareness and environmental responsibility. His skills include data analysis and communication, with proficiency in R, SPSS, Python, Power BI, and design tools. He is particularly interested in the connections between forest health and human well-being. Foluso joined the MIF program to deepen his expertise in forestry, climate change, and biodiversity conservation. His long-term goal is to contribute to global forestry solutions that are environmentally sound, socially inclusive, and economically feasible, supporting communities while addressing urgent challenges such as deforestation and climate change.
Matteo Kristen Pasquale
Matteo, from Barrie, Ontario, holds a degree in Psychology from Western University with a focus on animal behaviour and cognition. His academic experience includes research on wild bird populations, conservation data collection, and behavioural analysis. Professionally, he has worked in nonprofit engagement, cross-cultural communication, and project management. Matteo has a strong interest in international relations and global affairs, which has been shaped by extensive travel and exposure to diverse perspectives. He joined the MIF program to combine his interests in conservation and international policy. Matteo’s career goal is to work in international forestry management, connecting ecological research with global governance to address deforestation, biodiversity loss, and sustainability challenges. He looks forward to collaborating with peers and professionals to develop forestry solutions that are both scientifically grounded and globally relevant.
Alicia Kathleen Rice
Alicia, originally from Edmonton, Alberta, studied Business Marketing at Santa Clara University, graduating with honours. She spent several years as a competitive synchronized swimmer, serving as captain of the U.S. National Team and later performing professionally in Las Vegas. Alicia has also coached and mentored young athletes, helping them achieve national success and collegiate scholarships. Her formative years in Banff and Jasper National Parks inspired a lasting connection to nature and a commitment to sustainability. Alicia views the MIF program as an opportunity to pivot her career toward environmental advocacy and forestry. Her interests include Indigenous land management practices, biodiversity protection, and international policy. She hopes to contribute to forestry initiatives that promote ecological restoration and balance human needs with ecosystem health, drawing on her diverse professional background to bridge communication between communities and policymakers.
Monica Sarkies
Monica is from the Wolastoqey and Mi’kmaw, Nations, in New Brunswick, Canada. She is a Veteran of the US Army, with a BA in Psychology from Rutgers University, and a BSc in Forestry from the University of New Brunswick. She has previously worked in the federal and private sectors before making a career change to Forestry. As an Indigenous woman, she has witnessed and experienced the cumulative impacts industrial forestry and provincial management decisions continue to have on First Nations. She has chosen to pursue a Master of International Forestry in the hopes of contributing to fundamental change in forest management in the province of New Brunswick, having the Peace and Friendship Treaties honored and respected, to have a say in how this unceded territory is managed and protected, and to truly work toward reconciliACTION.
Yuehan Zang
Yuehan, from Beijing, China, earned her bachelor’s degree in Wood Products Processing with a minor in Commerce from UBC. She has experience in environmental planning, public engagement, and international trade. In Beijing, she worked with NGOs and city planners on an urban habitat garden initiative, organizing public workshops and collaborating with international experts. She also interned in pulp trade, working with suppliers and clients across borders, which sparked her interest in the connections between trade and sustainability. Yuehan joined the MIF program to explore how international cooperation and policy can support sustainable forestry. She aims to build a career in international organizations, contributing to strategies that balance ecological integrity with economic development. Her professional goal is to advance forestry solutions that reflect both global governance frameworks and local realities.
