Amy Badger
Amy grew up in Revelstoke, BC, Canada. She studied physical geography, ecological restoration, environmental studies and the human dimensions of climate change at the University of Victoria. Since finishing her Bachelor of Science, she has mainly been living in Vancouver but would like to return to the Kootenays or northern BC. Forestry experience thus far includes hands-on experience in silviculture, as well as a geomatics-based research position. She has decided to pursue a professional master’s degree in sustainable forestry management so she can be a better steward towards sustainable resource management and ecological restoration. A few of her aspirations are to be involved with sustainable silviculture operations, research, post-wildfire ecological restoration, community forests, and watershed management.
Laura Beghin
Hello, my name is Laura Beghin and I’m from Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin in the United States. I completed my undergraduate degree this past spring (2024) in Environmental Studies with a minor in Climate Change Science and Adaptation at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon. I have work experience in environmental education through the City of Portland Parks and Recreation Department, as well as interning with Portland State’s Planning and Sustainability office as a Sustainability Data Analyst and Community Engagement intern. I’ve also spent years growing my connection to nature while working as a boat pilot and guide on the Wisconsin River. I participate in cross country and track at UBC and in my free time I love to play with my dog, Wren, go hiking, swimming, and camping. After achieving my master’s degree, I hope to work as a forester and progress as a professional in the forest management field. I’m excited to complete my master’s at UBC to learn from the experienced faculty, staff, and peers and become proficient in sustainable forest management in beautiful Vancouver.
Shirong Chen
Hello, my name is Shirong, and I am from Wuxi, China, a beautiful city renowned for its abundant water resources, including Taihu Lake and the Grand Canal. I graduated from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor’s degree in Global Environmental Systems and a certificate in Spatial Information Systems. My passion for spatio-temporal modeling and sustainable resource management blossomed during my undergraduate years. I am excited about enrolling in the UBC MSFM program to acquire practical insights and expand my knowledge of geospatial information for effectively addressing environmental challenges. In my free time, I enjoy hiking and running in the summer and playing board games in the winter.
Sydney Delaney
I’m Sydney Delaney and I live in Vancouver, British Columbia. I have worked in the forestry sector for the last seven years since graduating with a Bachelor of Technology degree in GIS from BCIT. I perform both spatial and aspatial analyses to enable operational and strategical planning in support of forest management decisions. I also assist landscape level planning projects which entails analyzing critical forest attributes for both present and forecasted forest conditions. By undertaking the Master of Sustainable Forest Management program, I wish to gain academic knowledge on the fundamentals of forestry and become a Registered Professional Forester. My goal is to apply the skills from the program along with my work experience to current issues that our industry face. In my spare time you can find me training for running races, skiing, playing tennis, or looking for the most peaceful spot to have a morning cup of coffee.
Edward Farris
I was born in Willams Lake, BC but I grew up in Ohio. I attended Hocking College, majoring in Natural Resources Management, but I decided to take a break for a year to work. This then turned into a five-year stint in the US Army. When I got out of the army, I decided to go back to school. I attended The Ohio State University, majoring in Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife, specializing in Forest Ecosystems Science and Management, and minoring in Geographic Information Science. After graduating in 2020, I worked as a Utility Forester while finalizing the development of a Conservation Subdivision that I had been working on for the better part of a decade. Around this time my wife and I made the decision to move our family to BC. I discovered the MSFM program while researching the different ways to become a Registered Professional Forester and I was immediately drawn to its accelerated pace and hands-on course work. I’m very interested in ways we can be better stewards of our forests and incorporate prescribed fire into management practices. I am excited to explore the landscape of British Columbia and work with the MSFM cohort and instructors.
Angela French
My name is Angela French and I reside in what is now known as Salmo, BC with my partner Mel on our commercial market garden farm. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from the University of the Fraser Valley and a diploma in Forest Technology from Selkirk College. I am a Registered Forest Technologist and have been practicing forestry for a decade in a variety of capacities. Currently, I am the Planning and Development Supervisor for the Creston Community Forest, where I play an integral role in forest management in the Creston Valley, including leading wildfire risk reduction, educational, and recreational projects. Prior to this role I was the Wildfire Mitigation Supervisor for the Regional District of Central Kootenay, where I managed the Districts FireSmart Program and administration for collaborative wildfire mitigation treatments. I’ve decided to take the Master’s of Sustainable Forest Management to help propel me into management at the Creston Community Forest as an eventual Registered Professional Forester. I have aspirations to be involved in research in wildfire risk reduction treatment efficacy, community engagement, and intertwining Indigenous knowledge and western science in all forest practices.
Bari Hanus
I grew up in an urban area of Mississauga, Ontario and moved to Vancouver in 2019 to complete my undergraduate degree in Natural Resource Conservation in the Faculty of Forestry. I found a passion for working outdoors, spending several seasons working in agriculture and forestry. I am looking forward to the MSFM program and pursuing my RPF and RPBIO designations. I enjoy ongoing learning and identifying plants!
Eden Hardcastle
Victoria local; studied at the University of Victoria to obtain a BSc in Kinesiology and Biomechanics while competing with the varsity rowing team at national and international levels. Pivoted to silviculture and restoration projects, and have been working in the forestry and mineral exploration sector since 2020. Pursuing my MSFM to contribute to improving and adapting industry practices to promote longterm sustainability in an ever-changing climate.
James (Jamie) Haydon-Devlin
I was born and raised in Toronto where I worked as an actor and voice artist during my childhood and teen years. After high school I moved to Montreal where I completed a BA in urban planning at Concordia University. A friend from university and I then decided to found a small organic vegetable farm outside Ottawa, which I co-managed for a couple of years. I moved to Nelson in the summer of 2022 and I decided to study forestry at Selkirk College. Last summer I went to work for Strategic National Resource Consultants out of Prince George, where I helped layout blocks and fight wildfires from north of Fort Nelson to west of Smithers. Now that I’ve graduated from Selkirk College I’m looking forward to my summer with BCTS in Nelson, where I will be working around Kootenay Lake and Creston, before heading to UBC in August!
O’Hara Kamis
My name is O’Hara, I currently hold a Bachelor of Science with a major in Biology and a minor in Ocean Science from the University of Victoria. I will be pursuing the Master of Sustainable Forest Management program at UBC starting in July 2024 to further develop my writing, knowledge, and technical skills. With a deep passion for environmental science, I aim to contribute to the enhancement of ecosystem health and resilience. Alongside my academic pursuits, I am an artist who enjoys painting and selling commissioned artwork. I also enjoy camping, staying active, and spending time with friends and family. After completing my master’s degree at UBC, I aspire to embark on a career in the environmental sector, applying my scientific expertise.
Yue (Larry) Liu
IMy name is Yue Liu, and I am originally from Jiangxi, China, where the forest canopy cover is 63% for the province. This has provided me with a great opportunity to connect with nature. This connection with nature led me to pursue education in urban forestry at UBC. I previously worked in an environmental material testing lab for two years. I also had the chance to gain valuable experience in forest management through my undergraduate study, including creating vegetation survey methodology, collecting vegetation data, and writing management plans. I am excited to have the opportunity to dive deeper into forestry and forest land management through the MSFM program and to gain practical experience that will prepare me to become a professional forester.
Emily Mayes
Hello! My name is Emily and I am delighted to be a part of this year’s MSFM cohort. I grew up in the East Kootenays surrounded by incredible mountains and forests. After a Rotary Youth Exchange year in Brazil learning Portuguese, I completed an undergraduate degree in Linguistics and International Development at McGill University in Montreal. I’ve spent the past four summers in Alberta and BC working for Parks Canada, as a tree planter, and exploring the backcountry backpacking and camping with any time off. The mountains and forests drew me back out west and inspired me to change career paths to forestry. I am so grateful to have been introduced to environmental studies this past year of Forest Technology at Selkirk College in Castlegar, BC. I am looking forward to continuing to learn about how forest management can support our sustainability, reconciliation, community, and economic goals at UBC, and pursuing my RPF designation post-graduation.
Eva McElhinney
Hi my name is Eva, I’m from Ottawa, Ontario. I completed my undergraduate degree at York University in Mechanical Engineering. It wasn’t until I finished my degree that I found myself at a bit of a loss in terms of finding my passion within the field. So I took a break and decided to hike the Pacific Crest Trail which is a 6 month long hike from the Mexican border to the Canadian border through the Western states of the US. This adventure deepened my passion for the outdoors and the importance of maintaining our natural environment. I’ve seen the most beautiful landscapes from lakes, deserts, and mountains to forests. Which made walking through some intense and desolate burn zones all the more intriguing, it saddened me to see the damage of these fires long since past but also the beauty and importance of regrowth. I hope to use my time in the MFSM program to then go into the field of wildfire management.
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.
Louisa Ofori
I am Louisa Adomaa Ofori, a graduate student in Master of Sustainable Forest Management (MSFM) at the University of British Columbia, Canada. I come from Amoma in the Kintampo South district of Ghana. I hold a BSc in Natural Resources Management from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi. I worked at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology as a Teaching and Research Assistant where I assisted in research works and also guided students with their project work. Before attending UBC, I had been teaching at the Living Stream School in Kumasi, Ghana. My hobby is reading and listening to music. I have decided to study MSFM at UBC because of the quality of infrastructure and the diverse cultural environment which I think will be of enormous help for knowledge acquisition and skill development. I aspire to be a Forest Land Manager and a top-notched researcher in forestry related issues so as to address the complex challenges of forest land management in this dynamic and modern world. I wish to collaborate with government and non-governmental organizations to contribute to the health, sustainability, and productivity of forests in Africa and the world at large.
Grace O’Keefe
I am from Berkeley, California, where I lived my whole life before Vancouver. I graduated from UC Berkeley in 2023 and earned my Bachelor of Science in Conservation and Resource Studies. During the one year between graduating from UC Berkeley and attending the University of British Columbia, I traveled and delved into non-career interests; this included a road trip through the National Parks of the North-East United States, ceramics, painting, snowboarding, and becoming a certified Yoga Teacher. Environmental conservation is my passion and main concern for our future, so I am eager and excited for this opportunity to study sustainable forest management at UBC!
Grant Rieckelman
Hi everyone, my name is Grant! I am from the Greater Toronto Area and I first entered the forest industry as a tree planter working in the boreal forests of Northern Ontario. Here, I learned to enjoy the fulfilment of working in a natural environment. After two seasons of tree planting and reforestation work, I moved to Northern BC to work with Canfor in Fort St. John. I have been lucky to be around many encouraging and experienced foresters who have helped me gain experience in silvicultural planning and contract management. I joined the MSFM program to develop my interests further in reforestation, sustainable harvest regimes, forest management certification, and forest carbon management. I aim to work with forestry companies across North America to ensure sustainable logging practices and encourage growth in the wood products industry. In my free time, I love to snowboard and explore trails on my mountain bike!
Yuanyuan (Selina) Shen
Hi, I’m Selina Shen. I’m from China and I lived in the United States since I was 14. I graduated from University of Washington (Seattle) in 2023 with a double major in Biology and Art History. After graduation, I worked as a research assistant in a biological archeology lab at Fudan University (Shanghai, China). I enjoy spending time outdoors, especially hiking and horseback riding.
Aaron Sun
Hi, my name’s Aaron Sun. I currently live in Maple Ridge, BC and recently graduated from UBC with a Bachelor’s of Science in Forest Sciences. As a part of my co-op term last summer, I worked on a tree seed orchard and learned a lot about how orchards function and the processes that go on to make a efficient and healthy orchard. In terms of hobbies/pastimes, I enjoy playing video games and spending time with my dog. I decided to take the MSFM program in order to further my learning. I plan on becoming a RPF in the future and this program will help me greatly in achieving this goal.
Chengchen (Naomi) Sun
I am Chengchen (Naomi) Sun, originally from Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Forestry, with a minor in Landscape and Recreation Planning, from the University of British Columbia (UBC). During my time at UBC, I was honored to be on the Dean’s Honour Roll and received the Faculty of Forestry International Student Scholarship. During my studies at UBC, I interned as an Engineer Assistant at the Kunming Urban and Rural Planning and Design Institute. This experience deepened my understanding of urban planning processes, taught me how to develop comprehensive reports, conduct field research, and collaborate with various stakeholders to implement urban greening projects. These internships significantly enhanced my skills in critical thinking, communication, and teamwork. In addition, I worked with UBC’s Chinese Language Program, where I tutored and supported students from diverse backgrounds in learning Chinese. This role improved my time management, organization, and communication skills. It also provided me with a profound appreciation for cultural diversity and the importance of effective language education. I decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Sustainable Forest Management to gain hands-on experience and deepen my expertise in environmental conservation. In my leisure time, I enjoy hiking, photography, and exploring new cultures through travel.
Melinda Szarics
Hailing from Richmond Hill, Ontario, I completed my undergraduate studies in Chemical Engineering at the University of Toronto. As part of my degree, I gained practical experience as an Engineering Assistant at the Regional Municipality of York, where I engaged with industrial and municipal stakeholders, prepared communication materials, and ensured consistent technical details to support the implementation. My professional journey also includes roles as a staff writer and editor for the Canadian Association of Food Engineering magazine and as an engineering research assistant focusing on fortifying table salt with iodine and folic acid. Additionally, I currently tutor high school students in math, science, and English. Throughout my degree, I selected courses related to sustainability and environmental engineering, developing a strong understanding of environmental dynamics from an engineering perspective. I am particularly interested in analytical modelling and hope to apply my engineering skillset to the field of forestry. This academic foundation, combined with some forestry coursework, has inspired me to transition into the field of forestry. My goal is to become a registered professional forester and work as a consulting forester, aligning my career with my passion for conservation and a hands-on, outdoor environment. Beyond my academic and professional pursuits, I enjoy hiking, reading, and running.
