Abdul-Suburu Abubakari
Abdul-Suburu, a MasterCard Foundation Scholar and committed climate change activist from Buipe, Ghana, draws inspiration from his community’s natural beauty and his grandfather’s work as a field technician. This passion led him to pursue a First-Class degree in Geomatic Engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. In 2023, Abdul-Suburu spearheaded a successful community awareness campaign for the Green Ghana Project, organizing workshops, distributing educational materials, and utilizing local media to address deforestation and climate change. His efforts resulted in a 20% increase in community engagement and the planting of approximately 200 trees. Prior to joining the University of British Columbia’s Master of International Forestry program, Abdul-Suburu worked as a research and teaching assistant at KNUST. He selected the MIF program to gain a comprehensive understanding of forestry and natural resource management, with a focus on the roles of local communities, institutions, and governance. His career goals include collaborating with stakeholders to develop effective climate change solutions and advancing his expertise in forestry research and management.
Edwin Aluku
Edwin, a driven and goal-oriented individual from Chuchuliga in Ghana’s Upper East Region, earned a First-Class Honors bachelor’s degree in Real Estate from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Due to his exceptional academic performance, he was appointed as a Teaching and Research Assistant in the Land Economy Department at KNUST, a role he held for a year before attending the University of British Columbia. During his undergraduate studies, Edwin developed a strong interest in forest sustainability after taking a course on Environment and Development, which ignited his passion for addressing climate change. This interest motivated him to pursue a Master of International Forestry and build a career as a forest manager. Edwin is eager to explore and research critical social and global issues related to forest management and their impact on climate change. In his leisure time, he enjoys listening to music and watching documentaries about nature.
Idris Ayab
Idris Yusuf Ayab, a determined and optimistic First-Class graduate in Forestry and Environment from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, is passionate about addressing climate change and biodiversity loss. He has actively volunteered with organizations such as the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) and the Climate Action Group (CAG), participating in activism, tree planting, and land restoration efforts. Idris spearheaded the “Hotoro Goes Green” Project in his community to raise awareness and combat climate change. In addition to his role as a part-time teacher, he co-founded “Rural-Urban Eco-stabilisation” and “Afriregulation,” a nonprofit organization and blog focused on climate change and biodiversity preservation. Idris firmly believes that through dedicated activism, sustainable practices, robust international laws, and innovative research, climate change can be overcome. He is excited to pursue a Master of International Forestry at the University of British Columbia, confident that the program will strengthen his ability to contribute to a sustainable future. Studying at a world-class institution in a serene environment, he looks forward to passionately advancing his expertise in forestry for the benefit of future generations. Idris is from Kano, Nigeria.
Huifang Chen
Huifang (Iris) is from Shanghai and holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Sun Yat-sen University in China, as well as a master’s degree in Political Science from National Taiwan University. Iris began her professional career as a financial journalist at Securities Times, where she focused on the automobile industry, particularly China’s growing electric vehicle sector and the development of carbon markets. Before joining the Master of International Forestry (MIF) program, her work as an ESG consultant ignited her interest in the intersection of forestry, finance, and sustainable development. This experience led her to explore how financing and impact investment in sustainable forestry can benefit forests and contribute to broader sustainable development goals. Drawn to the MIF program’s interdisciplinary approach and its focus on global environmental challenges, Iris seeks to enhance her ability to assess the effectiveness of financial and business initiatives related to forestry and develop innovative approaches to valuing and investing in forests. Looking ahead, she aspires to work with international organizations, think tanks, or policymakers to address the socio-economic dimensions of forestry projects and contribute to global sustainable development. Iris is eager to leverage her unique blend of skills and experiences to make a meaningful impact in the field of international forestry.
Hiu Man (Morris) Cheung
Morris, originally from Hong Kong, holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Administration and a diploma in Arboriculture. With several years of experience in the local landscape industry, he is an ISA-certified arborist, tree climber, and tree risk assessor, as well as an ASHS-certified horticulturist. Morris is passionate about tree climbing and scuba diving and is also a PADI rescue diver. He welcomes opportunities to connect with others who share these interests. Morris chose to pursue the Master of International Forestry program to further enhance his expertise. In the future, he aims to explore professional and research opportunities in forest management, particularly in afforestation after wildfires, urban forestry, and the sustainable business development of forest resources.
Connor Haynes
Connor Haynes, originally from the North East of England, will be joining the Master of International Forestry program in September 2024. He holds an undergraduate degree in Chemistry but immigrated to Canada shortly after graduating, driven by a passion for skiing. Having lived in various locations across British Columbia, Connor has embraced the province’s natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle. He is pursuing the MIF program with the goal of becoming a project developer in Latin America, where he aims to address global inequities and support both local fauna and the working class by facilitating meaningful ecological restoration projects. Connor looks forward to building connections with like-minded individuals, and his sociable nature and sense of humor add to his excitement for the journey ahead.
Vivekan Jeyagaran
Vivekan Jeyagaran, a Sri Lankan-born Canadian, currently resides in Markham, Ontario, though he traces his roots to Colombo, Jaffna, and Paruthithurai in Sri Lanka. He holds an undergraduate degree in Economics and Finance from the University of Toronto and has spent the past seven years working in international development. His work has primarily focused on supporting donor-funded projects across Asia and Africa, aimed at reducing poverty, stimulating inclusive economic systems, and strengthening agriculture and food systems. This experience has deepened his interest in the intersection of agroforestry, food security, conservation, and climate change. Vivekan’s motivation to pursue the Master of International Forestry is deeply connected to his Tamil-Sri Lankan heritage, which emphasizes the natural world, ecosystems, and the solar system in cultural and indigenous practices. His ancestors have instilled in him the understanding that humans are just one part of the many living organisms within complex natural systems. He looks forward to further exploring forest ecosystems and continuing his advocacy for a more socially, economically, and environmentally equitable future.
James Kpaka
James Maada Kpaka is a Barrister and Solicitor from Sierra Leone with over eight years of experience in legal practice. He holds an LLM in Energy and Environmental Law from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. Currently, James leads a growing Corporate Environmental Law Firm in Sierra Leone as the Practice Leader, where he focuses on addressing the complex legal challenges related to environmental protection. He also serves as the Legal Advisor to the Electricity Distribution & Supply Authority, providing legal guidance within the energy sector. James’ passion for environmental stewardship has motivated him to pursue a Master of International Forestry, recognizing the vital role forests play in environmental protection. He is particularly interested in the intricate relationship between forest conservation and the socio-economic realities of indigenous communities. Through the MIF program, James aims to deepen his understanding of these challenges and contribute to promoting sustainable development that balances both environmental and human needs.
Brian Lisaka
Brian Lisaka grew up in the western region of Kenya, an area known as the country’s food basket. Over the years, he witnessed the devastating impact of climate change on livelihoods, much of which he attributes to deforestation in the Mau water catchment area. These shifts in climate patterns and extreme weather events sparked his interest in forestry, natural resource management, and environmental sustainability. Brian holds a Bachelor of Science degree with First Class Honours from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. His passion for forestry, especially its intersection with international development challenges in Global South countries, led him to pursue the Master of International Forestry. Through this program, he aims to gain the skills, knowledge, and international perspectives necessary to address complex forestry issues in the Global South.
Brian’s professional experience spans various roles in both local and international private-sector organizations. He has also volunteered with community-based forest associations and environmental nonprofits. His long-term goal is to become a global leader in environmental sustainability by shaping forestry policies that contribute to international efforts toward a low-carbon, sustainable future. Brian is excited to be part of the vibrant, multicultural MIF cohort, united in the mission to protect forests and natural resources. In his spare time, he enjoys biking, swimming, community service, youth mentorship, and engaging in environmental advocacy and social impact initiatives.
Xuerong Mei
Xuerong Mei is originally from Shandong, China. She holds a Master’s degree in Law from Northeast Forestry University. During her time pursuing this degree, she also obtained her legal qualification with the Chinese Bar. After completing her studies, Xuerong began her career as a project manager with the Asia-Pacific Network for Sustainable Forest Management and Rehabilitation (APFNet), where she focused on sustainable forest management and rehabilitation in the Asia-Pacific region, taking on responsibilities in project planning and management. In 2022, Xuerong participated in the 14th Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP 14) to the Ramsar Convention in Wuhan, China, where she contributed to the preparatory work for the meeting. She chose the MIF program to deepen her understanding of international forestry and explore new possibilities for personal and professional growth. In her free time, Xuerong enjoys watching movies, musicals, and modern drama.
Chinazam Njoku
I am Chinazam Elizabeth Njoku. I come from Abia state, Nigeria. I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria. I completed my undergraduate studies in Forestry and Wildlife Management at the University of Port Harcourt. As a fresh graduate, I have been engaged in my National Youth Service, a compulsory one-year program for all graduates in Nigeria, where I have the opportunity to serve and give back to my community. Alongside this, I volunteered and was an active member of the Fridays for Future climate movement, spreading awareness about climate change. My hobbies include participating in community service projects, exploring nature, and advocating for environmental sustainability. I have decided to pursue a Master’s in Sustainable Forest Management at the University of British Columbia because I am passionate about making a positive impact on the environment. This program aligns perfectly with my goal of becoming an expert in sustainable forestry practices, addressing critical environmental challenges, and contributing to climate change mitigation. Professionally, I aspire to engage in research, policy development, and the practical implementation of sustainable forest management practices. My long-term vision is to preserve our natural resources and create a more sustainable future for my community and the world at large.
Chrispus Ongom
Chrispus Ongom hails from Oyam District in Northern Uganda and is a passionate conservationist dedicated to fostering harmony between humans and nature. He graduated with a first-class degree in Forestry, specializing in Natural Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation, from Makerere University, one of Africa’s oldest and leading institutions. In the international forestry arena, Chrispus has showcased his leadership skills by serving as the Executive Secretary of the International Forestry Students’ Association (IFSA) for the 2023/2024 term, following his role as the Regional Representative for Southern Africa (2022/2023). He is currently an intern at the Global Landscapes Forum (GLFx) and a member of the GLF Africa Project Team. Chrispus has participated in high-level international delegations, including the UNFCCC COP28 in Dubai, the 24th Session of the African Forestry and Wildlife Commission in Arusha, the GLF Nairobi Conference in Kenya, and the International Forestry Students Symposium 2023 in Germany. He proudly owns a community tree nursery in Northern Uganda, focusing on cultivating indigenous and fruit tree species to support reforestation and landscape restoration efforts, contributing directly to climate action initiatives. Chrispus aspires to become a global forester and advocate for forestry-friendly policies. He sees pursuing a Master of International Forestry at the University of British Columbia as a key step toward his goals
Mercy Oziohu Peter
Mercy Oziohu Peter hails from Okene, a cultivated area in Kogi State, Nigeria. She completed her undergraduate degree in Agriculture (Crop Science) at the University of Abuja, where she established a strong foundation in agroforestry and silviculture. In 2021, she had the opportunity to participate in a workshop organized by an FSC in Nigeria on the “Role of Certification in Responsible Forest Management.” Prior to joining the University of British Columbia (UBC), Mercy worked as a graduate intern with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Forest Unit, where she gained valuable insights into sustainable biodiversity in forestry. Through the Master of International Forestry (MIF) program, she aims to deepen her understanding of the connection between natural resource management and forest policy. Mercy believes that forests are essential to life and that effective policies are crucial for their protection. As she works on advancing forest governance and policy, she looks forward to collaborating with fellow researchers.
Jake Raynard
Before joining the program, Jake travelled, worked and studied across the globe, from Ontario to Taiwan, Alberta to Austria, and now to Vancouver. He has enjoyed immersing himself in diverse cultures, languages, and perspectives—along with the opportunities and challenges that each location presented. Most recently he completed a business degree with specializations in Sustainability and International Business at the Vienna University of Business and Economics. During his studies, he developed his understanding of natural resource management, the circular economy, and especially forestry projects like REDD+. With a strong interest in large scale reforestation and regreening projects like the Loess Plateau in China and the Great Green Wall in Africa, he is excited to join the MIF program and gain experience in forest ecosystem restoration. He is interested in projects such as Rimba Raya in Borneo and others associated with the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. In particular, he is interested in expanding his knowledge of how to strengthen or adapt reforestation projects in light of rapidly changing climates. Furthermore, with demand for carbon offset credits expected to rise, Jake is keen to find ways to improve the industry’s credibility, stability and success. As an avid adventurer and grower of all things green, he is excited to dive in, get his hands dirty, absorb local wisdom, and collaborate with teams fighting to preserve and restore our planet’s great forests.
Jiahui (Daisy) Xu
Jiahui (Daisy) Xu has a deep love for forests and parks. To her, they are like poetry and songs, surrounding her and requiring close cooperation between humans and nature to maintain their beauty and health. During her undergraduate studies at UBC, Jiahui gained a deeper understanding of the complexity and importance of forestry, which has fueled her passion for continued exploration in this field. By joining the MIF project, she hopes to learn cutting-edge knowledge and engage in in-depth exchanges with experts and peers from around the world, further enhancing her professional capabilities. She also looks forward to growing together with everyone on this platform and contributing to the future of global forests.
Ajay Kumar Yadav
Ajay Kumar Yadav is originally from the Bara district of Nepal. He completed his undergraduate studies in Forestry at the Institute of Forestry Hetauda Campus under Tribhuvan University, where he established a strong foundation in forest and wildlife management. Before coming to the University of British Columbia (UBC), Ajay worked as a Park Ranger with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation in Kathmandu. There, he gained valuable experience in research activities, report writing, awareness-raising initiatives, community forest operational plan preparation, and leading park patrols and monitoring efforts.
In his free time, Ajay enjoys watching documentaries on forestry and wildlife, as well as reading research papers and reports. He is eager to seek new experiences to broaden his horizons. Ajay decided to pursue a Master of International Forestry (MIF) because it serves as a convergence of theoretical knowledge and practical application, equipping graduates for a diverse range of modern technological roles. He is particularly interested in the management of forests and endangered wildlife and hopes to contribute to the forestry sector in Nepal, where opportunities for advancement are significant due to the limited number of students pursuing forestry and environmental studies. Ajay believes that obtaining this degree will better prepare him to address various forestry and environmental challenges in the future and enhance his ability to serve his country.
