Aly Alsamouly, MASc student
Supervisor: Cristiano Loss
Start year: 2021
My research interest is in mass timber buildings. I decided to pursue a graduate degree to explore this area in greater depth, expand my professional network, and bolster career prospects after graduation. After completing an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering at McMaster University, I came to UBC Forestry to study mass timber research in North America, where I am looking forward to joining the UBC Forestry community, learning from both professors and students, and delving into the experimental and numerical components of my research project. In my spare time, I enjoy watching and playing soccer, travelling and backpacking, hiking and camping, and generally exploring the outdoors.
Philippe Ambeault, MASc. student
Supervisor: William Nikolakis
Start year: 2022
The main reason why I pursued graduate studies was to change my line of work to something related to the environment. I have a mechanical engineering background and I wanted to contribute in a way and I think that getting a graduate degree will help me in this transition. I was working as an engineer for international clients to optimize their production facilities and distribution centers. My role was mostly of design and project management. It was not a lack of challenges that lead me to go back to university, but rather a sense that my work was not contributing to making the world a better place. I am a returning student, having graduated more than 7 years ago from my bachelor at McGill. I am looking forward to going back in the mindset of learning, to meet new people and join clubs. I am particularly eager to participate on field trips whether it is with my peers, or with the Yunesit’in and Xeni Gwet’in First Nations with whom I will be working with for my research.
Shintia Arwida, MSc student
Supervisor: Intu Boedhihartono
Start year: 2022
I was living in Bogor/Jakarta, Indonesia. I am working with South Pole as Associate Director for Nature Based Solution Asia & Pacific. I would like to improve my understanding about governance, tenure, landscape approach, and indigenous community. My hobbies include walking in nature, swimming, cooking, and gardening.
Jaylen Bastos, MSc student
Supervisor: Sarah Benson Amram
Start year: 2020
My research interests are wildlife behaviour and cognition. For relaxation, I like to hike, boulder, sport climb, camp, veganize cultural meals, and canoe.
Lily Boyd Bell, MSc student
Supervisor: Lori Daniels
Start year: 2024
Lily holds an undergraduate degree in Mathematics and Statistics from McMaster University. They completed two undergraduate theses with a focus on mathematics education and knowledge gaps in high school-level math, and soil porosity in northern Albertan peatlands. Lily has also completed two data analysis internships with McMaster University and BMO. They are excited to use their data analysis experience to study forest fire impacts and plant regrowth with the Centre for Wildfire Coexistence. Outside of their studies, Lily can be found canoeing and hiking, or spending their summers tree planting in Northern Ontario.
Aubrey Benson, MSc student
Supervisor: Melissa McHale
Start year: 2022
I decided to pursue a graduate degree because I love learning and research. I spent the last few years living in Missoula, Montana, where I completed my BS in Ecological Restoration at the University of Montana. I was drawn to UBC Forestry because of the cutting-edge research and ideas coming out of this department. By attending UBC’s Faculty of Forestry, I knew that I would become connected to a robust community of passionate people. I am excited about being able to dive into the field of urban ecology, as it is an extremely relevant and valuable area of study with a ton of potential to benefit both human and non-human communities. I am really curious about the intersections between people and the rest of the natural world, and how that intersection can be expanded to promote more sustainable urbanization. In my free time, I like to kick back with a good book or TV show.
Natalie Butler, MSc student
Supervisor: Scott Hinch
Start year: 2021
I came to UBC Forestry because of the opportunities to gain more research experience and to work closely in areas of study that are near to my heart: climate change, and fish. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Applied Animal Biology at UBC, and am excited to now take on the daunting tasks of experimental design and data analysis as I investigate the role of acclimation temperatures, modelling different climate change scenarios on the thermal limits of Chinook salmon, as both parr and fry. I also enjoy crafting—especially sewing and painting. For exercise, I enjoy playing ultimate frisbee and fencing.
Nelson Cheung, MSc student
Supervisor: Susan Day
Start Year: 2022
After years in the workforce, I feel that I am still intrigued to know more about trees. So, I decided to make a change and pursue further studies on the thing I truly love. Before attending UBC Forestry, I lived in Hong Kong and I worked in the public service of Hong Kong. I like running, hiking and gardening for relaxation.
Camryn Collette, MSc student
Supervisors: Chunping Dai & Cigdem Eskicioglu
Start year: 2023
Hello! My name is Camryn and I am from Alexandria, Virginia (U.S.). I previously studied environmental studies at Shenandoah University (VA, U.S.) and was working as an environmental analyst/microscopist at a lab prior to coming here. More than anything, I enjoy spending time outdoors and adventuring in nature. I will be focusing on developing a biodegradability evaluation system for bio-based packaging materials, specifically in the food industry, and eventually want to get my PhD, too.
Diego Corry
Supervisor: Hamish van der Ven
Start year: 2022
I’m passionate about research and wanted to pursue something further that involved social sciences, sustainability, and the private sector. I was completing my undergraduate degree in political science at UBC.
Gracie Crafts
Supervisor: Dr. Lori Daniels, Dr. Danielle Ignace
Start year: 2022
I am looking forward to doing more field work and learning about different ecosystems within BC! Being from Ontario and growing up on Georgian Bay, the largest freshwater archipelago, it is a very different ecosystem and I have a lot to learn! I am also curious about the research progress and how everything will come together for my thesis. I love to camp and be outside! Nordic skiing, running, hiking, rock climbing and anything adventurous are some of my favourite things to do for fun. I also enjoy reading books, baking, cooking and just chilling with friends.
Ali Dimitriou, MSc student
Supervisor: Cole Burton
Start Year: 2023
My name is Ali Dimitriou, I am originally from Ottawa, and I hold a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from UBC. During my undergraduate degree, I worked as a research assistant studying the impacts of climate change and microplastic contamination on insect and aquatic communities. I also worked for BC Parks as a Student Ranger in Mount Robson Provincial Park. Following the completion of my BSc., I worked with the Spectacled Bear Conservation Center in Peru, using camera traps and hair snags to monitor and conserve threatened Andean bear populations. My master’s research uses camera trap monitoring in high-traffic parks across British Columbia to better understand how recreation impacts wildlife communities. In collaboration with BC Parks, the goal of this study is to inform effective conservation and land management decision-making in order to facilitate human-wildlife coexistence in shared landscapes. In my free time, I also enjoy partaking in pretty much all forms of outdoor recreation, especially hiking and backpacking!
Joshua Dyer, MSc student
Supervisor: Alexandria Moore
Start Year: 2024
Research Interests: Anthropogenic climate change, ocean acidification, marine invertebrates
Ehsan Ferdosi, MASc student
Supervisors: Cristiano Loss, Carlos Ventura
Start Year: 2021
Before coming to UBC Forestry, I lived in Isfahan, Iran, where I was Executive Vice CEO of an engineering company. UBC’s top-notch research facilities, accomplished professors, and rich scientific atmosphere – coupled with my internal desire to become an independent researcher – drew me to pursue graduate studies, and to further my interests in building with timber materials. During my spare time, I enjoy video games and spending time with friends.
Jennifer Fisher, MSc student
Supervisors: John Richardson, Steve McAdam
Start year: 2021
I have always been interested in science, and throughout my undergraduate studies I developed a deeper passion for research and conservation which led me to pursue a graduate degree at UBC Forestry. My research involves white sturgeon conservation and its early life history, and I am especially encouraged that conservation is a big focus at UBC Forestry. I am looking forward to being a part of the Forestry community, contributing to its excellent research output, and becoming a Teaching Assistant. I enjoy working out, taking long walks and hikes, reading, embroidering, cooking and baking, and singing.
Kathleen Furtado, MSc student
Supervisors: Richard Hamelin
Start year: 2024
I grew up in British Columbia, and completed my Bachelor of Science at Simon Fraser University studying Biological Sciences. I previously was employed at Agriculture and Agri-food Canada and as an entomology research assistant working on projects related to biological control and integrated pest management. I also had the amazing experience of spending a summer working in Switzerland at CABI, a biological control research center working on controlling invasive insect species. When I am not immersed in the world of entomology, I enjoy reading, crocheting, hiking, kayaking, spending time with family, and singing in a choral group. I decided to pursue a Master of Science to grow in my knowledge and skill set in my field, and to advance in my career.
Evan Gerbrecht
Supervisor: Nicholas Coops
Start year: 2022
I was attending the University of Victoria, completing my BSc in Geography with a focus in Geomatics and GIS. Mainly, I love being out on the water or mountains in any way I can. In the summers I coach and race stand up paddleboards at an international level, having previously won multiple junior and elite mens national titles. But now I focus my time more on teaching a kids race time with my brother and original coach, taking a team of 15-20 kids out on the water to learn about racing, paddling and all things water sports. When I’m not on the water, I like to go on trail runs and mountain biking with family and friends. As well, I grew up playing hockey my whole life and will sometimes play pick up with my brother when our schedules line up.
Richita Goli
Supervisor: Christopher Chanway
Start year: 2022
I did my BSc in agricultural honours from JNU, India. I am intrigued to study plants and the environment for many years, which made me opt for agriculture and now forestry. It was a 4-year course which has many disciples of science. We had field trips, conferences and interactions with regional scientists to build up more knowledge and exposure to real existing problems that need to be addressed. I am excited to learn about the coniferous forests of the Northern hemisphere and contribute my work in recreating and conserving boreal ecosystems. I like writing quotes, listening to music, hanging out on weekends with friends, sometimes watching movies and playing outdoor games.
Hiroto Goto, MSc student
Supervisor: Nicolas Coops
Start year: 2025
Hi! My name is Hiroto, and I am an incoming MSc in Forestry student in January 2025. I was born in Japan but grew up in America, NY during my childhood. I have a background in remote sensing and forest management, and my undergraduate thesis was on the mapping of terrestrial mammal distributions in Japan. I’m also a huge fan of music, particularly playing the piano and all sorts of genres, from jazz to video game tracks, j-pop, and more. I also enjoy doing occasional exercise in the gym as well as rock climbing.
Jason Huang, MASc student
Supervisor: Scott Renneckar
Start year: 2024
I am from Guangdong, China. My previous study as an undergraduate student was in Bioeconomy Sciences and Technology (BEST) at UBC. While I was approaching my degree completion, I worked part-time and volunteered at Dr. Scott Renneckar’s Lab, focusing on the diverse modifications of carbon fibers. Beyond my academic studies, I enjoy snowboarding in winter, while in summer I find joy in hiking. The reason that I decided to enroll in the MASc program is beacuse I want to expand my knowledge base and conduct further investigation into my current research project.
Shaojie Huang, MSc student
Supervisor: Dominik Roser
Start year: 2024
Hello, my name is Shaojie Huang and I am from Pujiang, a small town on the east coast of China. I came to Canada 5 years ago and finished my undergraduate in forestry at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario. I’ve worked as a tree planter for several seasons. I worked for the government as an environmental analyst for a summer, and I worked for West Fraser as a summer student. Biomass utilization has been a personal interest for me for a long time and I developed my undergraduate thesis in the related field. My work experience made me realize how much the industry and households are struggling with biomass utilization. I believe more research work should be put into the field and I want to do my part by attending the MSc program at UBC. I am a ski enthusiast and I spend most of my weekends in the mountains.
Rykkar Jackson, MSc student
Supervisor: Warren Cardinal-McTeague
Start year: 2023
My name is Rykkar Jackson and I am from St. Albert, Alberta but spent the last 5 years in Edmonton at the University of Alberta completing a BSc in Environmental and Conservation Sciences. I was lucky enough to have research funded during my undergrad by 2 NSERC grants which allowed me to study the effects of anthropogenic oil-sands disturbance types and their effect on understory vegetation, shrubs, and trees in the oilsands region of northeastern Alberta in 2021 and the role of mycorrhizal networks in carbon transport among Lodgepole pine trees affected by Mountain pine beetle invasions in northwestern Alberta in 2022. Moving into graduate studies, I’ve decided to shift away from plant ecology and towards botany under the supervision of Dr. Warren Cardinal-McTeague. Here at UBC I will be studying the temporal limits of the use of leaf spectroscopy to estimate the functional traits of herbarium specimens as they degrade over time.
Dominic Janus, MSc student
Supervisor: Tara Martin
Start year: 2021
My research project tests the ecological impacts of Canada Geese in the Fraser River Estuary, and studies their population demography and geography in Metro Vancouver. I came to UBC Forestry to work with leading researchers and experts in these fields, which align with my interests. I look forward to working with others to find solutions to questions about conservation. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking and sports.
Peijin Jiang, MSc student
Supervisor: Qingshi Tu
Start year: 2024
I am from Chongqing, China, and previously completed my undergraduate studies at UBC. I have a keen interest in the material-climate-energy nexus. My fascination with renewable energy systems has driven me to further pursue my studies in this area.
Samadhee Kaluarachchi, MSc student
Supervisor: Younes Alila
Start year: 2023
My name is Samadhee, and I am a first year M.Sc. student in Forestry. I was born in Sri Lanka, but lived most of my life in BC and completed my undergraduate degree in Environmental Sciences at UBC’s Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences department. In my undergraduate program, I had the opportunity to explore a wide range of environmental topics through coursework and research, which helped me discover my interest in hydrology and led me to pursue graduate studies. During my Master’s degree, I hope to better understand hydrologic and climatic extremes, especially those facing BC. Outside of research, I enjoy being outdoors, playing piano, and photography (of literally anything that catches my attention!)
Rojini Kathiravel, MASc student
Supervisor: Haibo Feng
Start Year: 2022
Having recently graduated from the University of Moratuwa’s Master’s program in Engineering in Sri Lanka, I have relocated to Vancouver, Canada. In the past, I had been employed as a Research Assistant at the same university under Prof. M. T. R. Jayasinghe and Dr. D. G. P. L. Weerasinghe. My previous work experience included working as a trainee engineer at the Port City Development project in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The sustainability and structural ability of construction materials is my area of expertise. I am adaptable to different environments and possess an entrepreneurial mentality. The majority of architectural works, such as drawing and sculpting, are also very interesting to me.
Sol Lewites (Rodriguez), MASc Student
Supervisor: Chunping Dai
Start year: 2020
My research interest is in building applications of bamboo. The built environment industry is responsible for 40% of greenhouse gas emissions. A switch to bio-based building materials made out of bamboo is part of the solution. Bamboo sequesters 40% more carbon than wood, grows ten times faster than most trees, and has superior mechanical properties than wood. Together, with my colleagues at the Bamboo Utilization Technology Group, the goal of this research is to develop the next-generation of sustainable building materials using wood and bamboo. For relaxation, I cycle, open water swim, and read about the circular economy.
Shiqing Li, MSc student
Supervisor: Julie Cool
Start year: 2023
Hello, my name is Shiqing Li, and I am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Forestry at UBC. I come from Hebei, China, and have a strong academic background in Wood Product Processing. I have been a part of the UBC Forestry community since my undergraduate years. Before starting my graduate program, I gained valuable experience as an undergraduate research assistant for three years and served as an undergraduate TA as well. My dedication to the field and passion for material processing led me to continue my studies in the Master’s program. I decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Forestry to further my career development and deepen my understanding of the subject matter. My research aspirations lie in the area of tool wear and wood machining, where I aim to contribute valuable insights and advancements to the forestry industry. When I’m not busy conducting research or attending classes, I enjoy spending time with my four beloved cats. As an avid pet lover, I find joy and relaxation in the company of my furry companions. I am excited about what I will achieve during my time at UBC and look forward to sharing my journey with my fellow graduate students.
Yalan Liang, MASc student
Supervisor: Scott Renneckar
Start year: 2023
I am born and raised in Guangdong, China. I am the first batch of graduates of BSc in Forestry Bioeconomy Science and Technology under the Faculty of Forestry in UBC in 2023. I am an undergraduate research assistant in Prof. Scott Renneckar Lab for my years 3 & 4 of my undergraduate. I assisted with a PhD working on xylan, mainly on particle fabrication and chemical modification of xylan. Gradually, I would like to explore the topic of xylan by myself, and that is the reason I choose to do a research-based master’s. Lastly, my hobbies include travelling, hiking, frisbee and all sports-related [activities]. I went on three road trips in California, Ontario and BC over the past two years. I hiked more than 10 trails over the last summer.
Huizi Lin, MSc student
Supervisor: Julie Cool
Start year: 2023
A first-year student of Master of Science in Forestry, with 5 years of previous learning experience in forestry – wood products and processing (WPP). Committed to seeking the potential of data models in the forestry industry during my coming graduate study. Two years since I came to UBC from Beijing, China, and completed my bachelor of science in WPP at UBC in May 2023 with honours. Pursuing excitement and novelty, love snowboarding and paddling.
Mingrui Liu, MSc student
Supervisor: Dominik Roeser
Start year: 2021
Before attending UBC Forestry as an MSc student, I completed the last two years of my BSc in Forest Resources Management at the Faculty of Forestry. I decided to pursue a graduate degree at UBC Forestry because of my interest in the application of forest machines in silviculture, and am looking forward to exploring more of what we can do to keep updating our current silvicultural systems and methods. I also appreciate the sense of belonging I felt in my previous two years at UBC Forestry. For fun and relaxation, I enjoy hiking, travelling, and listening to music.
Yaohui Liu
Supervisor: Stavros Avramidis
Start year: 2021
I chose UBC Forestry because it’s a welcoming program and there are a lot of green resources and engineered wood products in BC. I look forward to work with the technologies with my hands that I have to use during my experiment. I am thrilled to meet the ThermalWood facilities, people, and their technologies.My hobbies include skiing, badminton, singing, eating, sleeping, playing video games, movie theatres and escape rooms.
Zexi Liu, MSc student
Supervisor: Dominik Roeser
Start year: 2023
I was born and raised in the coastal city Ningbo back in China. I achieved my bachelor’s degree in the forest operations program at UBC faculty of forestry. In the past summer, I had an opportunity to work on the forest post-harvest residue burning project for Dr. Roeser. I really enjoyed the process of exploring the relevant knowledge and developing methodologies for the project. I have also had the opportunity to collaborate with lab members from all around the world with different cultural backgrounds, but with the same passion for forestry research. The inclusion and professionality are appreciated anytime in the lab, I am fortunate to be able to work on my interest in such an atmosphere. Therefore, I am motivated to pursue a master’s degree studying under the supervision of Dr. Roeser. I am specifically interested in examining the value placed upon this residue by stakeholders regarding their ecologic, economic, and social values to achieve desired goals. I also hope to identify areas in this that need support. For my personal interest, I like to go hiking, play basketball, and walk my doggie JOJO.
Zhifan Liu, MASc Student
Supervisor: Haibo Feng
Start year: 2023
Xiangrong Luo
Supervisor: Frank Lam
Start year: 2023
Aeryn Ng, MSc student
Supervisor: Sarah Gergel
Start year: 2020
My research interests broadly include forest ecology, agricultural ecosystems, and the integration of these topics with socioeconomic issues. I am most interested in interdisciplinary projects which examine the influence of ecological health and landcover on social justice, and vice versa. My current research focuses on the relationship between deforestation and food security in Narok County, Kenya. Before beginning my graduate degree I had moved to Vancouver early and spent most of my time climbing in Squamish. I’m now looking forward to using everything I’ve learned so far and tackling
a more focused, applied problem.
Thao Nguyen, MSc student
Supervisor: Juliet Lu
Start year: 2023
Hello, my name is Thao Nguyen and I am an incoming MSc student under the supervision or Dr. Juliet Lu. Before coming to UBC, I completed my undergraduate degree in Environment and Development at McGill University. This period was instrumental in helping me discover my passion for research as I also had an opportunity to work at the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), which complemented my academic training well. After graduating from McGill in late 2022, I took a short-term break to return to my home country. I love playing/watching soccer, tennis and badminton in my free time. I also enjoy cooking or hanging out at coffee shops.
Bridget Nwabueze, MSc student
Supervisor: Terry Sunderland
Start year: 2023
Lukas Olson, MSc student
Supervisor: Nicholas Coops
Start year: 2023
I was raised in Vancouver and grew up marvelling at the stunning Gulf Islands through sailing, hiking, and camping. In 2023, I attained my bachelor’s of Urban Forestry degree from UBC Forestry, where I was familiarized with research as a research assistant. Beyond the scope of my time at UBC, my professional work experience includes positions as an accounting assistant and, additionally, as a freelance video game programmer. For fun, I enjoy backcountry camping, developing video games, and acquiring new skills in arbitrary areas. My decision to pursue a master’s arose from wanting to deepen my knowledge in forestry, apply my programming aptitudes to a field related to my undergraduate education, and advance the field of geomatics. After finishing my master’s degree, I aspire to continue my research journey and someday teach at the post-secondary level.
Mahsa Parsaei, MASc student
Supervisor: Julie Cool
Start year: 2023
“How can I make a positive impact on the world”? That was the question I was always asking myself. During my academic career, I have been impressed by how researchers address critical issues in different industries by developing novel solutions, which ultimately contribute to making our world a better place. As a researcher, I am passionate about applying state-of-the-art practical techniques to solve real-life problems.
Georgina Preston, MSc student
Supervisor: Lori Daniels
Start year: 2020
My research interests include how to make dry, interior forests of British Columbia more resilient to fire by applying holistic management strategies that are informed by local traditional knowledge, western science, and community values. I have a dog named Joni, and I enjoy getting outdoors with her and my partner. I love to hike, camp, fish and paddle, often using iNaturalist to identify unknown species I encounter along the way. I also love to cook, read and socialize with friends over good food and drink!
Morris Prosser, MSc student
Supervisor: William Nikolakis
Start year: 2024
Rep’rep’sken (Morris Prosser) is Tsal’alhmec. He grew up half his life in Tsal’alh and the other half in Stό:lō Territory in the Fraser Valley. Dedicated to his Community and Nation, Morris serves as Secretary on the Board of Tsalalh Development Corporation, as Tsal’alh Trustee for the St’at’imc PC Trust, on a St’át’imc Nation business working group, and also served on the Board of St’at’imc Eco Resources. Morris’ experience is in Economic development, First Nations’ Title & Rights, and Policy. From a young age, it has been instilled in Morris to honour the words of his Ancestors in the 1911 Declaration of the Lillooet Tribe. Morris currently works for the for the Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship as a Senior Wildlife Policy Advisor, and is the Provincial co-chair for the First Nations – BC Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Forum. Morris’ career has revolved around the weaving of Indigenous and non-Indigenous knowledge and decision making systems.
Priya Puri, MSc student
Supervisor: Richard Hamelin
Start year: 2021
I found my passion for forest research while completing my undergraduate thesis in the UBC Forest Sciences Honours program, and am particularly interested in holistic research approaches that consider various levels of ecosystem interactions. I am looking forward to pursuing a novel research question relating to Arbutus menziesii disease and decline, and am excited to imagine how my graduate work will fill knowledge gaps and have direct impacts on forest conservation in BC. I look forward to collaborating with other lab members and graduate students, and learning more about recent research findings at seminars and conferences. I also enjoy collecting plants, reading novels, and having outdoor adventures.
Xinle Ren, MASc student
Supervisor: Feng Jiang
Start year: 2023
I am from China and I studied at South China Agricultural University for my undergraduate degree. I usually like to play different types of sports and keep challenging myself. I have been doing research on biomass materials during my undergraduate years, and I really like the University of British Columbia and look forward to further development here!
Hunter Rigatti, MSc student
Supervisor: Younes Alila
Start year: 2020
My research is Forestry Hydrology. After completing my undergraduate within the faculty, what drew me to pursue grad studies in the faculty was all of the members of the faculty. The group of professors, instructors, and staff are extremely kind and helpful. I always have interesting conversations with them. As much as I am looking forward to the analytical side of my research, I think the human side, although not formal, will be the most interesting. I hope to gain a better appreciation of how people view and understand water. While I have my own personal experiences, I can’t wait to be exposed to a few of those diverse views. My interests include riding my motorcycle or playing video games.
Levi Robson
Supervisor: Harry Nelson
Start year: 2022
I was interested in what I was studying and the field I was working in (forestry) but I had a few things in mind I felt could see some change. Born and raised in Vancouver, went straight into my degree, took some time off to work in BC’s Forestry Industry, came back and decided to start a masters. I play in a band (@zipcarhotdog). I like to write music, sing and play guitar. I like to ski on resort and in the backcountry. I’m into all that other classic forestry student stuff too, like backpacking, climbing and camping when weather/injury permitting.
Christophe Rouleau-Desrochers, MSc Student
Supervisor: Elizabeth Wolkovich
Start year: 2024
I was born in a small town in Quebec called Warwick. My interest in tree ecology definitely comes from all the time I spent in my family’s maple syrup estate. I worked in the restaurant and wine industry for a couple of years before I went back to school to attend a certificate program in ecology. I never thought I would stay at school for more than a year, but here I am. I just completed a BSc in Biology at Université du Québec à Montréal. During my undergraduate studies, I got to work in research studying avian ecology. I really fell in love with bird watching, and it is a passion that is still very important to me. I chose the M.S. in Forestry because I want to further explore how forest communities will be affected by ongoing climate change. I see myself staying in research for a couple of years, therefore, I think my master’s will be an introduction to a PhD.
Valerie Russell, MSc Student
Supervisor: Sally Aitken
Start year: 2020
My research interest is the effects of climate change on the forests of British Columbia. I have a hobby farm and love to spend time in the garden. I also enjoy playing music, dancing, and fencing.
Gonghan Sheng, MSc student
Supervisor: Guangyu Wang
Start year: 2020
My thesis will be on the National Park Development in China. I initially noticed the concept of national park in 2012 when I travelled to Banff. I was amazed by its beauty and its harmonious human-environment relationship. However, the concept of national park was not practiced in China for ecological protection and restoration. Even though the Chinese government started to think about national park construction in 2013, and began its pilot project in 2016, the concept of national park remains unfamiliar in China. I hope that my study of national parks and environmental policies will help China to better tackle environmental problems in the future by introducing more reasonable environmental measures and policies. I also enjoy reading, hiking, playing video games and/or travelling.
Sabrina St-Onge, MSc student
Supervisor: Dominik Roeser
Start year: 2021
While a student at Laval University, I had the opportunity to do a visiting term at UBC in 2020 where I worked in the Integrated Remote Sensing Studio and participated in a number of graduate projects. I also worked for the MGEM program during the summer and decided to then pursue a graduate degree at UBC Forestry to help improve and acquire a number of useful skills for my future. I am looking forward to meeting my new lab members and am thrilled to come back to the Forestry building to meet people who are passionate about their work and studies. I enjoy woodworking, playing the guitar and accordion, biking and running from time to time, and playing board and video games.
Anna Tobiasz, MSc student
Supervisor: Dr. Allan Carroll and Dr. Jodi Axelson
Start year: 2022
My research will be focused on modelling Coastal Douglas-fir susceptibility to Douglas-fir beetle (Dendroctonus pseudotsugae) eruptions and the potential facilitation by abiotic and biotic stressors. I decided to pursue my MSc because I wanted to challenge myself by returning to an intensive learning environment after years away from academia and explore the career opportunities that completing a graduate degree may bring. I am a Registered Professional Forester have been working as a Planning Forester for the BC Timber Sales Kootenay Lake field team in Nelson, BC for the past three years. I am looking forward to the challenges I will encounter throughout this process and the growth that will result from overcoming those challenges. Relationship building with faculty and peers is another aspect to this endeavor that I very much look forward to. Most of my spare time is spent outside mountain biking, downhill skiing, ski-touring or exploring the backcountry through other means.
Aijun Wang
Supervisor:
Start year: 2024
Research Interests: Supply Chain, Modelling
Yiyang Wang
Supervisor: Keunhyun Park
Start year: 2022
I feel like I need to learn more in this field building on my undergraduate studies. I was an undergraduate student at BUF program. My hobbies include photography and exercising.
Yawei Wei
Supervisor: Guangyu Wang
Start year: 2022
I did my undergraduate degree and a project-based master’s degree at the University of Saskatchewan, I spent over seven years in Saskatoon. After graduation, I got a job in Vancouver, so I moved here and I have been working and living in Vancouver for almost one year. I will start the new journey at UBC this coming September. UBS Forestry is ranked No.1 globally, and my undergraduate and project-based master’s studies are in plant science and sustainability. I want to seek an institution with a high reputation to further study in my area of interest. I have a Siberian Husky dog with me, she was rescued by me when I was an SPCA volunteer in Saskatoon. I love to go hiking with her and enjoy the outdoors with her.
Megan Winand, MSc student
Supervisor: Tara Martin
Start year: 2023
My name is Megan Winand, I am an RPBio with the British Columbia College of Applied Biology and a herpetologist. I began my career as a biologist in 2016 working with marine creatures before transitioning to marshes and wetlands in 2017. I graduated from the Ecological Restoration undergraduate program at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) in 2018 and have worked the last fours years on wetlands, marshes and amphibians through my time with non-profits, consulting and currently, with government. I look forward to starting my MSc with Dr. Tara Martin’s Conservation Decisions Lab focusing on the effectiveness of mitigation translocation to herpetofauna in BC.
Irene Xiang, MSc student
Supervisor: Frank Lam
Start year: 2020
My research interest is in Timber Engineering. Prior to UBC, I was living in Chongqing, China. I chose UBC Because I am interest in Timber Engineering. I enjoy staying home to relax.
Yancun Yan, MSc student
Supervisor: Dr. Gregory Paradis and Dr. Qingshi Tu
Start year: 2022
Before grad studies, I was an undergraduate student majoring in Forest Resources Management. I am interested in forestry and use its carbon sequestration capacity to mitigate climate change. In my spare time, I enjoy working out in the gym; play basketball; watch short videos; play mobile games
Daile (Iris) Zeng, MSc student
Supervisor: Guangyu Wang
Start year: 2023
Born in Wuhan—a city renowned for its multitude of lakes and the majestic Yangtze River—I embarked on my academic journey at the UBC, earning my undergraduate degree in Natural Resources Conservation. My research interest is in the sustainable management of natural resources (watershed) using an interdisciplinary approach. I aim to examine the effectiveness of planning and management strategies in improving biophysical and socioeconomic conditions at the watershed level. My methods amalgamate public perception data, remote sensing techniques, the socioecological framework, and ecosystem services valuation to provide a holistic viewpoint. Beyond my academic pursuits, I have a deep passion for artwork and environmental photography, particularly centered on landscapes and architectures. I started travelling independently at an early age to embrace the creativity of nature and immerse myself in a variety of local contexts. These experiences motivated me to devote myself to conserving the environment and improving local livelihood.
Patrick Zubick, MSc student
Supervisor: Scott Hinch
Start year: 2021
Prior to studying at UBC Forestry, I completed a BSc Biology with a specialization in ecology, evolution, and conservation, and was a student-athlete on the Simon Fraser University men’s hockey club. Over the years, I learned that the Canadian reaches of the Columbia River where I grew up used to host massive salmon runs before the construction of hydroelectric dams; this, alongside my passion as a recreational angler, drew me to study Pacific Salmon, and to pursue a graduate degree to further my training as a biologist and explore my research interests in the hopes of one day helping to restore salmon to the Columbia River in Canada.
