UBC Forestry congratulates Dr. Melissa McHale on receiving one of two prestigious Wall Fellowships, UBC’s highest-value internal research awards. The fellowships will fund innovative research to help B.C. communities adapt to climate change and address rising housing demands.
Read the official announcement here.
About Melissa’s Research
Project Title: Rising Heat, Roaring Flames, and Waning Waters: Building a Climate-Resilient Research Hub for British Columbia
The Okanagan Valley is feeling the effects of climate change more than ever with hotter summers, more frequent wildfires and growing pressure on water supplies. On top of this, rapid growth and urban development are adding new challenges for local communities.
Melissa’s research is tackling these issues head-on in partnership with the City of Kelowna, Indigenous communities and local organizations. The project is exploring how cities can:
- Use trees and vegetation to cool neighbourhoods while saving water
- Design greener spaces that also reduce wildfire risk
- Build healthier, more inclusive communities through nature-based solutions
This work is also laying the foundation for Canada’s first Long-Term Social-Ecological Research (LTSER) site, part of a worldwide network studying how people and nature can thrive together. What makes this site unique is that it’s guided by Indigenous knowledge and leadership from the very beginning, helping to shape a more sustainable future for the Okanagan and beyond.
About the Wall Fellowships Award
Each year, the Wall Fellowships provide nearly $4 million to support innovative UBC research that tackles major sustainability challenges in B.C. and beyond. Made possible by Dr. Peter Wall’s remarkable gift now exceeding $100 million, the awards advance projects in urban sustainability, coastal protection and sustainable approaches to resource-intensive industries. From climate change and biodiversity loss to cleaner transportation, energy storage and resilient water systems, the Wall Fellowships are driving solutions for a more sustainable future.
View the full list of 2025 Wall Legacy Award recipients, including three UBC Forestry faculty members and four graduate students here.