Program: BSc in Wood Products Processing
Hometown: Kelowna, BC
Finding the Perfect Fit
When Colin Hillmer, BSc (Wd Prod Proc) 2025, graduated from high school in Kelowna, BC, he had a passion for science, business, and engineering, but no clear way to bring them all together.
That changed when he discovered Wood Products Processing at UBC Forestry.
“The degree really spoke to me because it’s a combination of engineering, business, and science. I didn’t find another degree that could fuse them all together the way this program does. It’s unique.”
Colin sums up the program in three words: unique, broad, and community.
Discovering the World of Wood
Before starting his studies, Colin didn’t realize just how much there was to learn about wood as a material.
“I thought wood was wood,” he says with a laugh. “But now I know there are so many types of wood, each with its own properties that make them perfect for different uses. That was a big surprise for me.”
Busting Myths About the Industry
Some people assume the wood products industry is outdated, but Colin sees it differently.
“It’s not a sunset industry. It’s an industry in change, and that means opportunity. This program prepares students to be leaders within that change, whether it’s developing value-added materials or designing new products.”
Hands-On Learning Through Co-op
One of Colin’s most memorable experiences came during his second co-op term, where he worked on the implementation of a fully electric dehumidification dry kiln in BC’s interior—the first of its kind in the province.
“I had a lot of autonomy on the project and got to work with new technology, which was really exciting,” he explains. “I referred back to my coursework constantly, especially my classes on wood drying and wood anatomy. They gave me the technical foundation to contribute in a meaningful way.”
For Colin, co-op was about more than building skills—it helped him chart a clear career path.
“Co-op lets you figure out what you really want to do after graduation. When you graduate, you can run straight toward the job you want instead of working a few jobs just to figure out what you like.”
Wood as a Climate Solution
Colin says the role wood can play in reducing carbon emissions inspires him.
“Unlike concrete or steel, wood stores carbon. When we build with wood, we’re essentially locking CO₂ into our buildings. By using sustainably managed forests and creating products that last for generations, we can help fight climate change.”
“By studying wood products, we can help address the climate crisis by building or creating new products that efficiently pull carbon from the atmosphere and by utilizing sustainably managed forests and creating sustainable wood products, we can create products that’ll last for generations to come, and lock carbon from the atmosphere into usable products in our day-to-day life.”
What’s Next
Today, Colin works in Vancouver for a sawmill scanner company, travelling across the province to help sawmills improve efficiency and maximize the value of every tree harvested.
“The wood products program gave me the direction I needed. I had a lot of interests coming out of high school, but didn’t know how to tie them together. This program provided the education and support I needed to find something I was passionate about and pursue it.”
Advice for Future Wood Products Students
“Get involved in the community. The program is small, and the alumni network is tight-knit. People in the industry really want to help you succeed, so don’t be afraid to reach out.”