Bianca Marilyn Bawtenheimer-Goncz
Hi, I am from Windsor Ontario but I have also spent time living in northern Ontario, Montreal, and Halifax. I earned my undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Windsor and recently completed a Master of Resource and Environmental Management at Dalhousie University. My previous work experiences have cultivated my interest in forestry and included tree planting, trail maintenance with Ontario Parks, and old growth field work for the Forestry Department of Nova Scotia DNRR. As an avid hiker and climber I am very excited to move to BC and meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts. I hope to earn my RPF and pursue work contributing to monitoring and management of forest ecosystems, or protected areas planning and management.
Boyd Cameron
Hello, my name is Boyd Cameron and I currently live in Vancouver, BC. I completed a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with a major in Environmental Economics and Policy at the University of Guelph. For the past decade, I’ve been involved in silviculture activities across northern BC and Alberta, starting as a tree planter and eventually supervising large-scale reforestation contracts. My work has included everything from managing planting operations to conducting mountain pine beetle surveys in remote areas. I’m taking the MSFM program to elevate my hands-on experience with a formal education in forestry. My goal is to become a RPF and contribute to Indigenous-led stewardship and sustainable forestry practices throughout the province. In my free time, I enjoy exploring the coastal mountains, whether that’s through rock climbing, ski touring or hiking.
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.
Zaryn Golden
A former urbanite turned bush worker, I first came out West for the snow—but stayed for the trees. Most days, you’ll find me outside with my dogs in the North. Now, I’m heading back to the city one last time—for education. I hold a joint major from the University of Waterloo in Geography & Environmental Management and Tourism Development. Living in BC, I’ve come to understand how deeply the forestry industry and recreation are intertwined. After years of working and playing in the forest, I’ve gained enough experience to begin asking deeper questions about my role within it—and what the future might hold for myself and the generations to come.
Ethan Heimler
Hi, my name is Ethan! I grew up exploring the deciduous forests of Ontario before making the move out west to complete my undergrad in Natural Resources Conservation at UBC. A major highlight of this time was my involvement with the inaugural UBC Forestry Chile Field school, which provided invaluable insights into the complexities of managing forested landscapes. Upon graduating from UBC in 2024, I moved to Campbell River, BC, where I have been working as a Field Planner at La-Kwa sa muqw Forestry. My experience thus far has been pivotal in revealing the wealth of possibilities within the forest sector. I’ve been fortunate to gain experience in various realms of forest management, including engineering, silviculture, and wildlife surveying. On any given day I may find myself helping design a road, checking planted trees, or sticking my head in a bear den. My interest in the MSFM program was sparked by my desire to continue growing professionally as a forester in BC. As my career develops, I aim to gain more experience in silviculture, recreational planning, and wildlife management, with the long-term goal of working toward a teaching role. When I’m not working or studying, my favourite things to do are running, cycling, ski touring, and reading a good book with a great coffee.
Mac Holwill
My name is Mackenzie Holwill, and by July 2025 I will have four years’ experience as a forest technician in British Columbia. After graduating from the University of Victoria with a Sociology degree and a Public Administration minor, I realized my true passion lay in environmental studies—especially my seminars on the Anthropocene. Inspired by childhood memories exploring B.C.’s wilderness with my grandfather, I pivoted from roles in seismic construction and human resources to forestry in 2020. Since then, I’ve worked across the province with BCTS, Canfor, Conifex, Skeena Sawmills, West Fraser, Tolko, Taan LP and others—acting as field supervisor and leading projects in road design, insect surveys, silviculture, timber cruising, ecological restoration and wildlife management. I’ve supervised teams from the Fraser Valley to Haida Gwaii and collaborated closely with Nisga’a, Inlailawatash and Haida communities. Forestry has given me purpose, challenge and lifelong mentors. I am eager to expand beyond my technician role by joining the MFSFM program. My goal is to earn Registered Professional Forester accreditation, deepen my expertise in sustainable forest management and timber entrepreneurship, and contribute ethical, long-term stewardship of our forests. Forestry was once an afterthought; today it’s my obsession—and I look forward to leading its future
Olabode Jolomi
I am Olabode Jolomi, from Ajegunle Enu-ama, a coastal and fishing community in Ilaje, Nigeria. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Forest Resources and Wildlife Management with First-Class Honors from Ekiti State University—Top 1% of my cohort (GPA 4.94/5) Professionally, I’ve worked as an Agricultural Officer with NIRSAL, providing climate-smart extension and credit services to clients. Also, as a Publications Manager with Scholarships Cafe, I demonstrated an unwavering commitment to democratizing access to education. Before joining UBC, I balanced these roles with leading community development efforts and conservation outreach through the Federation of Ajegunle Enu-Ama Elites (FAJEE). My passion for sustainable natural resources and forest land management, especially in communities vulnerable to climate change like mine, inspired me to pursue the MSFM program at UBC. I’m particularly drawn to its field immersion, science-based approach, and its global perspective on forest stewardship. Outside of work, I enjoy public speaking, organizing community events, and exploring the use of GIS in forest monitoring. Looking ahead, I aspire to become a leading forest management expert, combining research and policy to build resilient ecosystems and improve livelihoods in under-resourced regions in Nigeria. I’m excited to learn from and contribute to UBC’s diverse academic community.
Eva Kuepfer
I grew up in Toronto, Ontario, and graduated with a BSc in Bio-Psychology from Queen’s University. During my undergraduate degree I did research in paleolimnology. I have worked in BC’s forests for the past 6 years as a tree planter, and also have experience in waste and residue surveying. I am excited to be joining the MSFM program to meet my goals, which include learning more about sustainable harvesting methods, post-fire rehabilitation, and liaison with First Nations communities, as well as obtaining my RPF designation. In my free time I love to ski and ride my bike!
Brooke Lerman
Originally from Houston, TX, I bring a diverse background spanning academia, consulting, and industry to the MSFM program. I most recently co-led the Deloitte Greenhouse innovation lab for Energy, Resources, and Industrials, and previously spent over a decade at ExxonMobil leading global digital transformation and strategy initiatives. I hold a PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology and Quantitative Statistical Analysis from the University of Houston and a BA in Cognitive Neuropsychology from Tulane University. My work has focused on advancing sustainability, including partnerships to scale green hydrogen, develop lower-carbon solutions, and support timber producers in integrating artificial intelligence into their operations. My decision to pursue the MSFM at UBC is driven by a desire to transition from advising on sustainability to directly managing and restoring forest ecosystems as a Registered Professional Forester. Outside of work, I am an avid long-distance hiker, artist, and dog lover.
Hayley McGregor
Originally from Ontario, I hold an undergraduate degree in Wildlife Biology and Conservation from the University of Guelph, along with a Forestry Technician diploma from Algonquin College. I began my career working as a forest technician in northern Ontario before relocating to BC, where I gained experience in silviculture across various regions of the interior as an accredited surveyor. After several years of fieldwork, I am excited to further my expertise through the MSFM program at UBC. This next step aligns with my goal of obtaining my RPF designation and contributing to sustainable forestry practices in BC. I am particularly interested in forest health issues, including pest and disease dynamics, as well as strategies for effective wildfire prevention and mitigation.
Acacia Meyer
My name is Acacia and I currently live in North Vancouver, BC. I feel very lucky to live so close to the mountains and do my best to get out into them as much as I can. I have a degree in Environmental Studies and Geography from the University of Victoria and a Technical Diploma in Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation from BCIT. For the past five years I’ve worked in environmental consulting, with a focus on wildlife. When not at work, I enjoy trail running, climbing, gardening, as well as crafting and reading. I decided to take the MSFM program to advance my career and grow my skill set in a field that I am passionate about and believe in!
Michael Ochem
Michael Ochem hails from Ekumfi Adansi, a small coastal village in Ghana’s Central Region. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources Management from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Prior to joining the University of British Columbia (UBC), Michael worked as a Conservation Project Officer with A Rocha Ghana, where he led various environmental initiatives including turtle conservation, mangrove restoration, and community-based environmental education. Michael is passionate about using nature-based solutions to support both biodiversity and livelihoods. He founded the Mini-TBA program to train young conservationists in ecological data collection and analysis and was recently named to the Explorers Club 50 Class of 2025 for his leadership in grassroots biodiversity efforts. Now pursuing a Master of Sustainable Forest Management at UBC, Michael hopes to deepen his skills in forest governance, ecosystem restoration, and community-focused conservation. He aspires to return to Ghana to contribute to sustainable forest policies and youth-led conservation programs. In his free time, Michael enjoys driving through rural landscapes and watching wildlife documentaries.
Louisa Ofori
I am Louisa Adomaa Ofori. I come from Amoma in the Kintampo South district of Ghana. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources Management at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana. 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.
Olatomide Blessing Ojajune
My name is Olatomide Blessing Ojajune, and I am from Erunna in Ilaje, Ondo State, Nigeria. I studied Forestry and Wood Technology at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, where my passion for sustainability and forest conservation was deeply rooted. Before coming to the University of British Columbia, I worked in the sustainability space as a climate educator and the founder of TalkClimateAfrica, an educational platform that uses storytelling, article, and digital content to teach people about climate change and sustainable living. I have led school outreach programs, environmental campaigns, and climate workshops, reaching thousands across communities and online platforms. Teaching sustainability and helping people understand the link between forests, climate, and daily life is something I truly enjoy. I decided to pursue a master’s degree in Sustainable Forest Management with a focus on policy and climate adaptation because I want to help shape forest-related policies that are inclusive, practical, and people-centered. I believe forests are not just ecosystems, but lifelines for many communities, especially in places like mine. Beyond work, I enjoy writing, listening to music, and being close to nature. This journey is about growth, contribution, and becoming a stronger advocate for forests and climate justice.
Neil Payjack
I’m originally from Manitoba but have been calling Vancouver Island home since 2020. I completed a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Manitoba before making a pretty major shift; I departed a five-year career with the Canada Revenue Agency to pursue something that felt more connected to the land around me. That decision led me to the Forest Resources and Technology program at Vancouver Island University; now, I’m beginning the Master of Sustainable Forest Management program at UBC. During my time at VIU and through related summer employment, I worked on a variety of silviculture and restoration projects, including invasive species surveys, drone-based forest assessments, and post-harvest stand monitoring. These opportunities helped me build practical field skills and gain a better understanding of how forestry operates on the ground; from data collection to decision-making. They also gave me a chance to explore how technology and hands-on work can support more efficient and informed forest management. In my free time, I’m usually outdoors; trail running, hiking, or just trying to find somewhere quiet off the beaten path. Through this program, I’m aiming to return to public service; I hope to combine my background in policy and analysis with hands-on forestry to help shape land management decisions that reflect both ecological integrity, land stewardship, and the needs of the communities that depend on our landscapes.
Rechelle Simard
I’m an adventurous soul based in the stunning Revelstoke, BC, where I work in forest technologies on the operations side for the British Columbia Timber Sales (BCTS). I am passionate about skiing, wing foiling, and equestrian sports, and I love every chance I get to explore the breathtaking outdoors. My travels have taken me around the globe, including working in environmental science in the United Arab Emirates. I’m currently pursuing a master’s program to enhance my knowledge and open doors to international job opportunities. With a background in conservation and restoration ecology, I’ve enjoyed a rewarding ten-year career with Parks Canada, focusing on policy, education, outreach, and conservation. I’m excited to combine my passions with my expertise to make a meaningful impact on the environment!
Hannah Smith
Hello, my name is Hannah. I’m originally from the UK but have lived in Canada for the past eight years. I completed a BSc in Zoology at the University of Exeter, UK, before moving to the Rocky Mountains, where I worked as a Ski Patroller and spent my summers hiking and camping in the backcountry. In 2022, I joined Alberta Wildfire, which sparked my interest in the ecological impacts of wildfire on the landscape. That experience led me to my current role in Kelowna as a wildfire technician and drone pilot at Cabin Resource Management. I’m also a Forester-In-Training with FPBC and plan to earn my RPF designation following completion of the MSFM program. My goal is to continue working in wildfire risk reduction while integrating remote sensing and geospatial technologies into my professional forestry practice.
Hanno Southam
I am a reserach ecologist and just finished my MSc in Forestry (also at UBC) in May 2025. My MSc looked at the interaction of a forest management decision and a pathogen (the parasitic plant hemlock dwarf mistletoe), which sparked my interest in the complex decisions that foresters make. I am hoping to use the MSFM program to work as a forester in small-scale, community forest settings and to inform the questions and approach I take in future research work. I grew up in Nelson BC, a town of ~10 000 in the Columbia Mountains.
Blayne Stam
Hello, I’m Blayne Stam, and I am from Chilliwack, British Columbia. My previous education includes a BSc with a major in Biology from the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) and a Natural Resource Management Diploma in Fish, Wildlife and Recreation from British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). During and after my educational pursuits, I have been using forest products as a carpenter on various agricultural projects in the Fraser Valley. I was drawn to the MSFM program’s modern, sustainable approaches to forestry, practical learning opportunities, and the ability to obtain professional designations. Upon completing the MSFM program, my goal is to gain field experience within the British Columbia forest sector as a Registered Professional Forester (RPF).
Joe Stewart
I’m originally from North Vancouver, BC, where my interest in forestry first took root while working in parks. During that time, an outbreak of hemlock looper moth that caused significant tree mortality made me curious about forest management—could this have been prevented? Was it a natural part of the forest? I took that curiosity and turned it into a diploma in Forest and Natural Area Management at BCIT, which introduced me to the world of professional forestry. After graduating, I worked as a forest technician for a consulting firm, doing cutblock layout, as well as timber cruising and silviculture, across BC. I chose the Master of Sustainable Forest Management program for two main reasons: I want to continue learning about forest management and also become a Registered Professional Forester. I hope to deepen my knowledge of sustainable forest practices so I can help manage resilient working forests. Outside of school and work, I enjoy trail running, hiking, skiing, or anything else that gets me out into nature.
Georgia Wiggins
Hi, I’m Georgia. As an environmental studies graduate from the University of Waterloo, I discovered a love for forestry while working in various placements during my co-op program. Assisting in teaching at my university’s Ecology Lab, I conducted a tree inventory, which led to my undergraduate thesis exploring the future species composition of the University of Waterloo’s woodlot and its implications for climate change. From environmental outreach to source water protection, trail maintenance, tree planting and more, I have incredibly enjoyed the work opportunities in my field. I look forward to deepening my forestry knowledge through the MSFM program to pursue a career as a Registered Professional Forester. Prior to attending UBC, I worked on a tree planting crew to enhance the tree canopy within my city’s urban forest. I am hobby-oriented with a love for sewing, painting, chess, and learning languages. I enjoy taking full advantage of my weekends to rock climb, hike, and play beach volleyball.
Yiyang Xu
Hi. I’m Yiyang Xu and I come from Shanghai. My undergraduate degree was a 3+2 program, which means I spent 3 years at Beijing Forestry University, followed by 2 years at UBC. So this is one of the main reasons why I finally chose to stay at UBC to continue my master’s degree. Certainly, another main reason is that I am a lively person, and many of my undergraduate classmates chose to stay at UBC and the study atmosphere at UBC is relatively relaxing, so when I still received an offer from the University of Toronto, I finally decided to stay at UBC. Before I came to UBC, I had an internship in a pharmaceutical company in Beijing, and my main job every day was to categorize medicines. Although the content of this internship was not very relevant to my major at this stage, I felt that a job related to management was still very suitable for me. Therefore, I hope that through my master’s program, my future career can be related to forestry management.
Quanhao Zhang
I am from Shandong Province, China. For the first three years of my undergraduate studies, I majored in Biotechnology at Beijing Forestry University. In my third year, I transferred to UBC, where I pursued a degree in Forest Sciences. During this time, I developed a strong passion for forestry and ecology, which led me to volunteer at Stanley Park and the Beaty Biodiversity Museum. Through these experiences, I gained hands-on exposure to forest management and ecological conservation. I will graduate from UBC in May 2025 with a Bachelor’s degree and have chosen to further my learning through practical fieldwork in forestry. This motivated me to apply for the Master of Sustainable Forest Management (MSFM) program. I hope to explore various aspects of forestry, such as wildfire management and sustainable forest management, and eventually pursue a career as a forester. Beyond academics, I have a deep love for music, hiking, and attending concerts, as these activities allow me to connect with nature and unwind. I am also an animal lover and have always wanted to have a Golden Retriever in the future. I find animals to be wonderful companions, and I look forward to the day I can share my home with a loving pet.
